June 8, 2026
EventNMS Match System Now Open for Rankings
The NMS Match System is now available for applicants and programs to submit rankings for the Breast Match. The Rank Order List deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 8, 2026. Rank Order Lists must be entered and certified in the NMS Match System by the deadline to be used in the Breast Match.
We strongly recommend that applicants and programs enter and certify Rank Order Lists well before the deadline date to avoid potential problems near the deadline.
June 8, 2026
Best PracticesRanking Strategy and Best Practices
We want to remind you of several best practices that you should use when submitting a Rank Order List for the Match:
Rank All Acceptable Choices
Participants may rank as many choices as they wish. Submitting a longer Rank Order List will not jeopardize your chances of matching with your most preferred choice, but may increase the likelihood of getting a match.
Rank Your Choices According To Your True Preference
Don't consider how highly an applicant or program might rank you when ordering the choices on your Rank Order List. Using any strategy other than ranking according to your true preference may lead to a worse result for you.
Do Not Rank Any Choice That Is Unacceptable
Applicants can only be matched with programs that are on their Rank Order List. Programs can only be matched with applicants who are on their Rank Order List. Do not rank any applicant or program that you would not want to match with under any circumstances.
January 9, 2026
EventApplication Deadline is January 16
The final deadline for submitting applications to programs participating in the 2026 Breast Match is at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 16, 2026. After this deadline, applicants will no longer be able to register for the Match, update their application information, or submit their applications.
It is advisable not to wait until the last day, January 16, to submit applications. Applying early allows ample time to resolve any issues that might come up unexpectedly.
Applications can be submitted even if the attached reference letters have not yet been received. The applications will be updated automatically as soon as the letters are received, even if the letters arrive after the January 16 deadline.
January 1, 2026
EventApplication Tips for Applicants
1. Add Programs to Your List of Pending Applications
As soon as you find a program of interest, add the program to your list of pending applications in the NMS Match System. The program will be notified of your interest and will have access to your contact information. Some programs may contact you with more information, others may not. You can remove a pending application at any time if you are no longer interested in the program.
2. Allow Sufficient Time to Accommodate Unexpected Delays
We strongly recommend that you allocate more than enough time for each step of the application process (e.g., writing personal statements, requesting references, etc.), and plan to submit each application well before the January 16, 2026 application deadline date. This will enable you to address any unexpected issues that may arise in each step of the application process.
3. Customize Your Application Content
You can prepare and upload multiple personal statements or CVs to the NMS Match System, and send different versions to different programs. Be sure to give each document a unique and descriptive name so that you know which document you are including when you assemble each application.
4. Contact Your Reference Writers
Each application must include between 1 and 5 letters of reference from different reference writers. You may request as many different letters of reference as you wish, and you can attach different letters to each application.
You should let your reference writers know the application deadline date is January 16, 2026, and follow up with any reference writers who have not provided their letters as the application deadline approaches.
You can submit your application before the reference letters have been received. Your application will be updated automatically and the program(s) will be notified as your reference letters are received.
December 15, 2025
EventApplicant Registration Now Open
To obtain a Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship position beginning in 2027, applicants must register and participate in the 2026 Breast Match.
The Breast Match is now open for applicants to register and begin preparing applications for programs. Match registration information and instructions are available on the Applicant Registration page of the Breast Match website.
The List of Participating Programs shows the programs participating in the Breast Match. Information about preparing and submitting applications is available on the Applications page.
December 1, 2025
EventProgram Registration for the 2026 Breast Match is Now Open
Program Registration for the 2026 Breast Match is now open.
The Program Director of each eligible program has been sent a personalized link by email to register their program for the 2026 Breast Match. If your program did not receive the registration email, please contact NMS for assistance.