The "matching program" isn't new--goes back to the 60's if not further. Sounds like the idea hasn't changed even if the "algorithm" is machine-implemented in r

The "matching program" isn't new--goes back to the 60's if not further. Sounds like the idea hasn't changed even if the "algorithm" is machine-implemented in recent times, no surprise there. Used to be the student would put on his/her list the residencies in order of priority, and so would the institutions rank the candidates. Let the matching begin! A thing to note is that not all residencies were in the mix and there were always a good number of students who weren't selected or maybe didn't even participate. That left room for students to find vacancies to fill. AFAIK there weren't any students who couldn't get into a residency somewhere even if not among their top choices. Besides by the end of the first year of training there were always plenty of residents shifting to other programs so "holes" migrated around to an extent. Chances are the situation is not at all dire for the current crop of graduating medical students. It tends to all work out.