Celebrating the 2025 Match Results for Medicine and Pediatrics
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is excited to celebrate the results of the 2025 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match. A total of 8,526 resident physicians successfully matched into fellowship training programs that will commence in the upcoming appointment year.
Overview of the Match
The Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match, a key event managed by the NRMP, is the largest of 22 fellowship matches conducted under its Specialties Matching Service (SMS). This year, the Match featured 40 unique subspecialties from both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, alongside other multidisciplinary areas. In total, 3,777 program tracks submitted their certified rank order lists, marking an increase of 68 from the previous year.
These programs collectively offered an impressive 9,950 positions, a rise of 301 compared to the last year, with 85.7 percent of these positions successfully filled. The active applicant pool rose to 10,840, reflecting an increase of 586 compared to last year, with 8,526 of those individuals matching into training positions, which is an increase of 213 compared to the year before.
Significance of This Year's Match
According to NRMP President and CEO Donna L. Lamb, DHSc, MBA, BSN, "The results of the 2025 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match highlight the ongoing interest and essential nature of subspecialty training in addressing the complex health care needs across the nation. The significant growth in both program and applicant engagement showcases the value placed on highly specialized training opportunities and the alignment with community health needs."
Specialties Highlights
This year's Match truly represented a diverse group of fields within Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Among the notable statistics, there were 18 Internal Medicine subspecialties with 2,296 program tracks that provided a total of 6,721 certified positions. Of these, 5,971 positions were filled, producing a fill rate of 88.8 percent, albeit with a slight decrease from the previous year.
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Statistics
- Some of the standout subspecialties within Internal Medicine included:
- Cardiovascular Disease: 1,347 certified positions with a 100 percent fill rate
- Gastroenterology: 759 certified positions achieving a 99.5 percent fill rate
- Hematology and Oncology: 809 certified positions with a 99.5 percent fill rate
- In Pediatrics, there were 17 subspecialties with 925 programs presenting 1,969 certified positions.
- Pediatric Cardiology: 194 certified positions at a 98.5 percent fill rate
- Pediatric Gastroenterology: 124 positions with a 96.0 percent fill rate
- Three multidisciplinary specialties recognized included Allergy/Immunology, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and Sleep Medicine, with 403 program tracks offering 877 certified positions and an 87.0 percent fill rate.
Trends in Match Participation
In this year's Match, the overall matching success rate for active applicants stood at 78.7 percent. Despite this being a 2.4 percentage point decline from the prior year, participant growth was recorded at 5.7 percent, indicative of the Match's expanding appeal and rising competition.
Drilling down into applicant statistics, there were 4,618 MD graduates participating, showing a slight increase from last year, with 4,096 of them matching to positions. DO graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) also contributed significantly, with matching rates reflecting the diverse backgrounds of applicants.
Noteworthy Trends and Outcomes
- MD graduates consistently represent the largest group within the applicant pool, comprising 48 percent of total matches.
- Non-U.S. citizen IMGs accounted for a notable 28.4 percent of matches primarily in Internal Medicine categories.
- Concerns about decreasing fill rates in specialties like Adult Infectious Disease have been prominent in recent evaluations, with this year's fill rate declining to just 60.9 percent.
Conclusion
As we look to the future, the Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match continues to provide critical pathways for physicians to secure their training and contribute effectively to health care needs. Growing participation rates reflect a vibrant interest in specialized fields, improving outcomes for applicants and patients alike.
About the NRMP
The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) is a private, non-profit organization formed in response to medical students’ needs for a structured matching process for U.S. residency positions. Beyond the annual Main Residency Match that facilitates placements for over 50,000 registrants, the NRMP also governs various Fellowship Matches through its Specialties Matching Service (SMS.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRMP?
The NRMP is a non-profit organization that manages the matching process for residency and fellowship positions in the U.S.
How many applicants participated in the 2025 Match?
Around 10,840 applicants participated in the 2025 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match.
What was the fill rate for positions this year?
The overall fill rate for positions in the 2025 Match was 85.7 percent.
Which specialties saw the highest fill rates?
Internal Medicine subspecialties like Cardiovascular Disease achieved a fill rate of 100 percent.
What does this year's growth indicate for future matches?
The growth in applicant participation suggests a continued interest and support for subspecialty training in medicine.
