FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 20, 2026
Media Contact:
AAFP Public Relations
PR@aafp.org
LEAWOOD, Kan—The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) congratulates the future family physicians who matched into family medicine during the 2026 National Resident Matching Program® Main Residency Match (NRMP). This year’s Match reflects continued momentum and growth in family medicine. Every time someone chooses family medicine, access to care grows and communities benefit.
After the first round of the NRMP Match, 4,613 positions were filled with students and graduates pursuing family medicine residency training. By the time this process concludes, we anticipate that over 5,400 positions will be filled, making it the largest class ever of new family medicine residents.
Match Day marks the transition from medical student to practicing physician-in-training, the moment when years of study turn into hands-on service. For those entering family medicine, it is the beginning of a career defined by continuity, versatility and deep community connection.
“This year’s Match marks a powerful moment for family medicine. An unprecedented number of medical students and graduates chose this path, a decision that commits physicians to showing up for patients at every stage of life,” said Sarah C. Nosal, MD, FAAFP. “When doctors choose family medicine, they are joining communities and walking alongside families— delivering their babies, caring for their children, supporting their wellness while managing their complex chronic disease and mental health concerns, all from birth to end of life— and often all in the same week. To all who matched, welcome to the family of family medicine!”
Over the next several years, these residents will train in comprehensive primary care—delivering preventive services, treating acute and chronic conditions, and addressing the social and economic factors that influence health. Their work will strengthen communities, improve outcomes and help build a more accessible, equitable health care system.
“Today we’re celebrating the future of family medicine. Choosing family medicine is a powerful commitment to patients and communities, and that choice matters more than ever,” said American Academy of Family Physicians EVP and CEO R. Shawn Martin. “The need for comprehensive primary care has never been greater, and this generation is ready to lead. From medical school, through residency and throughout your entire career, the AAFP is your constant partner—providing advocacy, education and community at every step of the journey.”
A full 2026 Match analysis will be available on Monday on AAFP's website.
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About the American Academy of Family Physicians
The AAFP is the largest national association of family physicians, representing 124,500 physicians and medical students. Family medicine’s cornerstone is an ongoing, personal patient-physician relationship focused on impactful care for people of all ages, races and genders across all medical conditions. The AAFP supports every stage of a family physician's career and provides evidence-based resources, advocacy and community to empower family medicine. To learn more, visit aafp.org. For information about health care, medical conditions and wellness, please visit the AAFP’s patient education website, familydoctor.org.