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December 07.2025

2 Minutes Read

How Did Adult Rheumatology Fare in 2025 Fellowship Match Rates?

Medical professional checking updates on smartphone in hospital for Fellowship Match Day 2025 Rheumatology Results.

The Surge in Adult Rheumatology Fellowship Matches

The recently released data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) reveals a significant milestone for adult rheumatology in the 2025 Medicine and Pediatric Specialties Match. Achieving a remarkable 99% fill rate for its 302 certified positions, adult rheumatology outperformed its previous year's figure of 97.7%. Only three positions went unfilled, marking a vibrant interest in this specialty among new physicians.

Rheumatology Among Top Subspecialties

Among the specialties, rheumatology stood out, being one of only six subspecialties to fill more than 98% of certified positions, alongside cardiovascular disease, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, hematology and oncology, and pulmonary/critical care. This high fill rate underscores the growing recognition of rheumatology's critical role in addressing complex health issues that many patients face.

Pediatric Rheumatology Faces Challenges

In stark contrast to the successes of adult rheumatology, pediatric rheumatology continues to face severe challenges. The recent Match saw only 42.4% of the 33 pediatric rheumatology programs filled, signaling a sharp decline from the previous year's 55%. While this disheartening trend persists, it’s worth noting that all 24 applicants who preferred pediatric rheumatology matched to that specialty. However, the dwindling availability of positions remains a concern.

Impact of Medical Graduates on Match Rates

This year’s Match had 4,618 MD graduates with 89% successfully matching to positions. A notable increase in DO graduates to 1,728, with 78% matching, indicates a shift in the medical education landscape. This change reflects broader trends in the healthcare field as it adapts to meet the evolving needs of a diverse patient population.

Future Implications for Fellowship Match Trends

The patterns emerging in this year’s fellowship match signify a growing specialty demand that could reshape how medical training programs are structured. The declining interest in pediatric rheumatology might incentivize educational leaders to explore targeted recruitment strategies or revisions in training approaches to attract more candidates.

Understanding Match Day Outcomes

Understanding the outcomes of Match Day is crucial for prospective candidates. Evaluating fill rates and trends can guide future medical students in making informed choices about their specialties. Additionally, mentorship programs designed to foster an interest in fields like pediatric rheumatology could positively impact these ongoing challenges.

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