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Well, I e-mailed them about what their definition of "couple" was in a couples match and this was their response:
Couples Matching
Two individual applicants may choose to link their individual rank order lists together in the NRMP system so that their corresponding pairs of programs may be considered together in order for both persons to get a position that is in an acceptable close location with each other.
This is called Couples matching and is not a separate match. Applicants will register separately in the NRMP R3 residency match system and then each partner will link themselves to the other in the ?Update My Profile? Couples option in their record anytime prior to entering their rank order lists. By doing this linking, they are simply indicating that they wish for both of their rank order lists to be considered together in corresponding pairs.
Any two applicants may choose to go through the ranking process linked as a couple if they wish to have residency training near the other, therefore it is not just available to married persons or particular genders.
Programs consider, interview and rank each applicant separately based on their individual merit or qualifications and not based on the fact that one is part of a linked couple in the match. If they wish to, applicants can choose to indicate in their ERAS application that they plan to be in the match as a couple. The NRMP however, does not indicate to the programs in any way that applicants plan to enter their rank order lists as a couple in the match process.
Applicants may both apply to and rank the same or different specialties that may be located at the same or different hospitals. The programs may be in any location that you prefer such as the same city, neighboring cities, neighboring states or any other location of your choice. There is no restriction of mileage or distance between the two partners? choices.
Therefore, prospective partners are encouraged to get together early in the process to work out acceptable combinations of programs to apply to and to rank later in the process. Couples have two unique options available to them in doing their rank order lists:
1. The same program of one partner may be ranked multiple times in combination with different programs of the other partner. This may increase the possibility of one partner obtaining a match with a particularly desired residency program.
2. After all desired combinations have been exhausted, one partner also has the option of choosing to go unmatched in order to increase the chances for the other partner to get their corresponding program. This is accomplished by one individual entering 999999999 on their rank list opposite the corresponding program choice of their partner. The partner that goes unmatched would then try to find a position through the ?Scramble? for unfilled positions.
Again, your linking yourself as a couple simply means that you both want your corresponding pairs of programs on each of the rank order lists to be considered together so that you will hopefully match to programs that are logistically acceptable for both of you.
Subsequently, the R3 system tries to match your first choice and the partner?s first choice, your second and the partner?s second etc. on down the list since by having linked yourselves as a couple you have told the system that these combinations work location wise for both of you. If the system cannot match both of you to the choices on the same line, it will then consider the next pair and so on.
Please note: The R3 system will only match you as a couple under this process. Therefore if it cannot match you both as a couple, it will not start again to try to match you as individuals. The coupling function is only done on the Primary rank order lists of the two partners so any Supplemental lists will be considered individually without regard for the coupling link.
For fees, each partner will be billed $15.00 each as their half of the $30.00 couples fee. Additionally, for each program over 20 different unique program codes listed per each partner?s primary list, there is charge of $30.00 per additional program. Therefore, for example for purposes of billing, even if the same unique program code number is used on one partner?s list more than one time in multiple combinations with different programs on the other partner?s list, then it would only count as one code on the first partner?s list towards the 20 program per list no additional charge limit.
Supplemental list fees per person are $30.00 per each unique program code over 20 programs ranked on all supplemental lists combined.
Please visit our website at www.nrmp.org under Residency Match and then click on the left menu on your applicant type and then on Couples to read further about the process. Pages 31-33 of the Applicant User Guide also give instructions for linking and unlinking as part of a couple in the NRMP R3 system. The Applicant User Guide may be found by clicking on Residency Match on the homepage and then User Guides on the left menu.
Regards,
NRMP Staff
