Joining the National Resident Matching Program Fellowship Match: the hematopathology experience

Hematopathology fellowships are a critical subspecialty within the field of pathology, and with a progressively earlier and earlier fellowship interview timeline, hematopathology decided to join the Pathology Fellowship Match in 2025. The pros and cons of participating in the National Resident Matching Program Match were evaluated, and ultimately it was decided to be undertaken. The National Resident Matching Program requires that 75% of programs and fellowship positions should be entered in order to sponsor the Match. The Society for Hematopathology Education Committee lead the process to recruit hematopathology fellowships into the Match, initiating a survey to assess initial interest, creating a listserv for program director questions, and maintaining a website with programs that ultimately decided to participate. The initial survey results showed that 79% of hematopathology program directors responded "yes" or "maybe" to whether they would participate in a formal Match. The Society for Hematopathology Education Committee then proceeded with a memorandum of understanding to show commitment to the Match. Multiple efforts to disseminate information followed, including informational webinars, social media outreach, and emails to program directors. Ultimately 83% of hematopathology fellowships participated in the 2025 Match, with 85% of positions filling, and 94.7% of hematopathology applicants matching. A follow-up program director survey showed that 98% of respondents planned to participate in the 2026 Match. This feedback solidifies that the Pathology Fellowship Match has shown mutual benefit for programs and applicants.