Addressing the Residency Match Gap: A Transitional Year Residency Solution for Unmatched Medical Graduates
by Sumayah Abed, M.D.; Daniel Fijabi, M.D. | July 21, 2025
Article Citation: Gathright MM, Hankins J, Siddiqui MZ, Thrush CR, Atkinson T. A Transitional Year Residency Program Provides Innovative Solutions for Unmatched Medical Students. J Grad Med Educ 2021; 13(4):561-568. DOI: 10.4300/JGME-D-20-01231.1
What is this article about?
The article discusses the growing challenge of unmatched medical school graduates who do not secure residency positions through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). It highlights the contributing factors to this issue—such as academic deficiencies and misalignment with specialty choice—and introduces a transitional year (TY) residency program developed by the authors’ institution as a solution to support these unmatched students.
Why should you read the article?
This article is important for medical educators, administrators, and policymakers because it sheds light on an underexplored but increasingly common issue in medical education. It offers insights into a strategic institutional response—the creation of a TY program—that may help address the unmet needs of unmatched medical graduates.
How can you use this article?
This article may be used to inform the development or refinement of institutional policies and support programs for unmatched medical graduates, guide advising practices, and advocate for systemic changes in the undergraduate-to-graduate medical education transition. The article’s discussion of TY program implementation and the analysis of match trends can serve as a model for other institutions seeking to support unmatched students and improve their career trajectories
Review Authors: Sumayah Abed, M.D.; Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL (Co-author: Dr. Daniel Fijabi, Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL). Organization: Society of Teachers of Family Medicine