As the 2022 R-1 Main Residency Match opens for applicants today, we would like to inform you of updates we have made to our privacy policy. CaRMS places the highest value on ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information provided to us as part of the match process, and our privacy policy is how we put this commitment into action. CaRMS’ privacy policy is based on, and is generally consistent with, the Federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and its guiding fair information principles. While CaRMS is not legally subject to PIPEDA, as it is not engaged in commercial activities, we do endeavour to comply with its spirit and principles on a voluntary basis, as a best practice for our organization reflecting our values of fairness, objectivity, and transparency.
What is changing?
The most notable change in the revised policy is that, as of October 4, 2021, CaRMS will no longer provide applicants with access to information or documents that are collected from or provided by third parties. This includes reference materials and other third-party assessment information that applicants are unable to view directly through the online application platform.
This change is being implemented at the beginning of the 2022 R-1 match cycle to minimize disruption for R-1 match participants, ensuring uniform application of privacy practices across the entire R-1 match. As 2022 subspecialty matches are currently under way, access to information requests for third-party sourced information and documents from applicants participating in the 2022 MSM, PSM and FM/ES matches will be honoured for the remainder of the current match cycle ending January 12, 2022. The new privacy policy will apply to the 2023 subspecialty matches.
Why is this changing?
CaRMS regularly reviews and revises its privacy policy to ensure it is congruent with the evolving policy landscape. In the most recent review, it was determined that providing access to third-party sourced documents such as reference materials was potentially detrimental to the integrity of the match.
We have heard concerns from our stakeholders that the value of reference materials in the match could be undermined if they can be accessed by applicants. Reference materials are viewed by many faculties as integral evaluative tools, an important part of the applicant assessment process. A large part of the utility of reference materials is predicated upon the confidential nature of their contents, which encourages honest expression of opinion and experience. Maintaining the confidentiality of reference materials and other third-party assessment information better enables them to perform their intended purpose as candid and objective evaluation tools, keeping the match safe and fair for everyone.
Have questions?
We know you may have questions about this change, and we want to answer them! Please visit our Help Center to learn more.