EM Match Advice 51: 2026 EM Match by the Numbers

em match advice 51: 2026 by the numbers

The Emergency Medicine (EM) Match process continues to evolve, with 2026 bringing a mix of growth, new variables, and some familiar uncertainties. In this 51st installment of the EM Match Advice podcast series, Dr. Sara Krzyzaniak (Stanford EM PD) hosts the annual program director reflection on the Match with Dr. Abra Fant (Northwestern EM PD), now returning for her sixth consecutive year to share insights on the NRMP match trends and data.

Podcast Episode: EM Match by the Numbers

EM Match by the Numbers

EM Match Advice: 2026 EM Match numbers master table

EM Match Advice: 2026 Match Comparisons

Key 2026 Match Statistics: A Mixed Picture

Growth in Programs and Positions

11 new EM programs entered the Match in 2026
130 additional positions were offered

Applicant Numbers Dipped Slightly

Total applicants dropped by 137 (from 3,753 to 3,616).
MD and DO senior applicants actually increased slightly, suggesting sustained interest.
The overall drop may be driven by the switch from ERAS to Residency CAS (ResCAS). Dual-applying across 2 platforms created enough friction that applicants not fully committed to EM may have opted out.

Unfilled Positions Ticked Back Up

46 programs (15%) had at least one unfilled spot, up from 27 (9%) in 2025.
140 positions went unfilled, compared to 65 last year.
Dr. Fant notes that a large share of unfilled spots were concentrated in a few programs, suggesting that this is NOT a specialty-wide crisis.
However, the math is worth watching: 130 new positions were added while applicants dropped by 137. If position growth continues to outpace applicant interest, unfilled spots will persist.

Who Filled the Spots?

92% of filled positions went to US MD/DO seniors and IMGs, down from 95% in 2025.
The remaining positions were filled by graduates transitioning from other specialties.

The Specialty Comparison

Pediatrics continues a similar trajectory to EM, with unfilled spots jumping from 147 to 175.
Psychiatry was a surprise, going from 8 to 65 unfilled positions despite perceived popularity for work-life balance.
Anesthesiology and neurosurgery, which had unusual open spots in 2025, fully filled this year.

Will “The Pitt” Boost EM Applicants?

The hit TV show The Pitt has drawn attention to emergency medicine, but it’s too early to see an applicant effect — most 2026 applicants had already committed before the show gained traction.
Historical precedent (the ER era) suggests it could boost interest, but the show also highlights the difficult realities of EM, which may self-select applicants more appropriately.

Advice for Future Applicants

Be authentic in applications and interviews — programs want to match with who you actually are.
Use preference signals strategically, not as lottery tickets to “reach” programs. Align signals with programs whose mission fits your goals.
Every moment on an away rotation is an audition. SLOEs are getting more honest, and negative comments are making it through.
Expect more guidance from CORD’s Application Process Improvement Committee (APIC) on how geographic connections and signals interact in future cycles.