You may notice some changes on CaRMS’ website in the weeks ahead, as we phase in new names for two of our subspecialty matches.
This spring, the Medicine Subspecialty Match (MSM) will be renamed the Fall Subspecialty Residency Match (FSRM), and the Pediatric Subspecialty Match (PSM) will become the Spring Subspecialty Residency Match (SSRM).
While the match names are changing, match timelines and all match-related processes will remain the same. As always, provincial eligibility criteria for these matches will be posted on carms.ca, and the disciplines participating in each of CaRMS’ subspecialty matches will be listed in program description directories once the match opens.
Why are these matches being renamed?
Training disciplines often reach out to CaRMS to provide match services, as they see the value of participation in a national objective match process. However, creating a standalone match can be cost prohibitive, so joining an existing match that aligns with their current timeline allows training programs to reap the benefits of a CaRMS-facilitated match, without the additional customization service costs.
The Medicine Subspecialty Match (occurring in the Fall) and the Pediatric Subspecialty Match (occurring in the Spring) have both welcomed disciplines outside of their primary specialty in recent years. As these matches have grown, the original discipline-specific labels no longer fit. Renaming the matches according to the time of year they occur eliminates the confusion caused by outdated discipline-specific labels, and also ensures that new disciplines feel welcome in whatever match best fits their needs.
How will these changes affect applicants and programs?
Beginning in May, you will notice gradual changes as we begin to implement the new match names across carms.ca, our social media channels, and our Help Centre. The new match names will also be in place in CaRMS Online when the system opens for the 2026 Fall Subspecialty Residency Match (FSRM) this coming June, and the 2027 Spring Subspecialty Residency Match (SSRM) later this year.
CaRMS’ Client Service team will be reaching out directly to programs in these matches in the leadup to the coming match cycle to ensure they have all the support they need.
