In:
Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2003-01), p. 66-77
Abstract:
Medical residency—specialty training after the completion
of medical school—is an essential component of medical education and is required in order to be a licensed, independent
medical practitioner in most jurisdictions. As things currently stand in the United States, the match between medical school
graduates and residency programs is governed by a match between rank-order lists prepared by candidates and residencies alike.
An applicant picks a number of residency programs and ranks them according to order of interest. The residency program prepares
a similar list, ranking the candidates it most wants in its program. A computer program compares the rankings and makes
assignments according to a certain algorithm. Using these lists, the match system assigns approximately 24,000 applicants to
approximately 21,000 training positions in pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, and the rest. These assignments
are then announced to all parties on specific days. The system has been in place since 1952 and is overseen by the National
Residency Match Program (NRMP), a nonprofit organization. This system has several advantages. First of all, it standardizes
the timetable for decisions, and applicants are in no position to tie up offers while waiting to hear from other institutions.
Institutions are not held captive, either, in making assignments while waiting to hear from particular parties.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0963-1801
,
1469-2147
DOI:
10.1017/S0963180103121081
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2003
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1499985-7
SSG:
0
SSG:
5,1
Permalink
