Results of the fellowship matching plan in oncology

The Medical Specialties Matching Program provides a means for fellowship applicants and participating institutions to rank their preferences. The first attempt in 1986 resulted in a wide variation in the percentage of matched positions according to specialty. For oncology, the programs ranged near the median, ie, of 255 enrolled positions, 207 (81.2%) were actually offered. Of these, 148 (71.5%) were filled. In 76 programs, 61% of the positions were not filled. Oncology directors have expressed reluctance to participate in this Matching Program in the future.