Will my previous references be accepted by programs in the 2025 R-1 match?

There are five disciplines in the 2025 R-1 match that require applicants to submit a structured reference letter. These five disciplines do not accept traditional letters of reference. The disciplines are:

1. Family medicine
2. Emergency medicine
3. Orthopedic surgery
4. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
5. Psychiatry

The below chart sets out if previous reference documents will be accepted in the 2025 R-1 match for these disciplines.

Reference Document Type	Required Action
Family Medicine Structured Reference Letter	Previous Family Medicine Structured Reference Letters will be accepted by programs in 2025 R-1.
Emergency Medicine Structured Reference Letter	Emergency Medicine Structured Reference Letters from 2024 R-1 will be accepted by programs in 2025 R-1.
Orthopedic Surgery Structured Reference Letter	Any reference prior to the 2025 R-1 match will not be accepted by programs. Returning applicants must complete a new reference request for the Orthopedic Surgery Structured Reference Letter in their CaRMS Online account for 2025 R-1.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Structured Reference Letter	Traditional letters of reference will no longer be accepted by programs starting in the 2025 R-1 match. Applicants must request the newly implemented structured reference letter.
Psychiatry Structured Reference Letter	Traditional letters of reference will no longer be accepted by programs starting in the 2025 R-1 match. Applicants must request the newly implemented structured reference letter.

Additional information:

How do I request a Structured Reference Letter?