At RVU, career planning begins at admissions and continues through medical school.

There is a valuable tool called Residency Explorer, created by the AAMC. You can access it by going to www.aamc.org > Students and Residents > Applying to Residency > Researching Residency Programs and Building an Application Strategy > Explore Residency Programs. It will provide a list of programs in your desired specialty, as well as how your credentials compare to those of residents in the program.

Rank programs in the order of your preference, not on how you feel the program will rank you. The algorithm is set up so you will be matched with the highest program on your list that has an opening for you. If you have questions on this, review the NRMP video on the matching algorithm.

By the end of the semester, you will need to complete the following:

USMLE and COMLEX test dates and score goal
3 residency interests
Final curriculum vitae
Student bio
Reflection questions
Final lottery results
Noteworthy characteristics
Portfolio
Board study plan

It’s fine to tell a program that they’re #1 on your list, as long as that’s a true statement and you don’t tell that to more than one program. Programs aren’t allowed to ask you where you’re going to rank them and you’re not allowed to ask them where they’re going to rank you. Both are match violations. However, both applicants and programs are allowed to tell the other voluntarily where they plan to rank them. Be truthful, though: program directors do talk with each other.

For programs that aren’t #1 on your list, tell them how much you liked their program and illustrate that with specific examples. (“I’m going to rank you highly” has become shorthand for “You’re not my #1 program”.)

These characteristics are defined as personal attributes, experiences, and accomplishments supported by verifiable information and summative evaluations. Essentially, these are items that will make a residency program director want to keep reading your application.

Examples include: Achievements in research; Activities to address healthcare disparities; Leadership in student organizations; Community service; Honors and awards; Hobbies that speak to your career interests (writing about medicine, leadership of peers in sports leagues); Peer educating and mentorship; Work experiences before medical school that have influenced your practice

There are several differences between the two:

The ideal resume is one page and is essentially a summary; the CV is typically two pages and is more in-depth
The goal of a resume is to apply for a job; the goal of the CV is to apply for an academic role, scholarship, grant, research, or international position
The resume is more structured, starting with your contact information, includes a summary or objective, and contains sections for education, experience, and skills; the CV is more flexible and includes education, relevant experience, awards, research, interests, and more

It is the formal letter of evaluation that assesses students’ academic performance and professional attributes that all medical schools are required to submit with residency applications. It includes such categories as Academic History, Academic Progress, Noteworthy Characteristics, and a Summary.

In addition to leading initiatives or individual projects/events, students can gain leadership experience by tutoring, becoming a peer mentor, joining the Class Council or SGA, or leading a student organization or club.

Our advisors recommend first-year students work on the following areas (in addition to coursework, of course!):

Developing a comprehensive narrative of who you are/becoming as a doctor
Completing and analyzing assessments
Answering meaningful reflection questions
Exploring specialty interests
Gaining club/leadership/volunteer/community experience
Planning summer opportunities
Finding networking opportunities
Constructing an organized, useful, and personalized portfolio

The following sections should be included, if applicable:

Contact information (email address and phone number only)
Education since undergraduate school (only terminal degrees)
Clinical Healthcare Experience (include hours, position, and overview of achievements and responsibilities with an emphasis on patient interaction)
Honors and Awards (including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and assistantships)
Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Work (include hours)
Teaching and Leadership Experience
Research Experience (including presentations and publications)
Professional Development (such as workshops and conferences)
Professional Licenses and Certifications
International Experiences
Professional Memberships
Hobbies and Interests