Bridge to M4 (B2M4): An innovative residency application preparation curriculum

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Surgical Education

Background:

• The medical residency application process is complex and stressful.
• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new challenges to residency applications.
• Medical students require structured preparation and mentorship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a formal curriculum for residency application preparation.
• To enhance medical students' professional development and application skills.
• To address the need for structured advising during the residency application cycle.

Main Methods:

• The Bridge to M4 (B2M4) curriculum incorporated reflective activities.
• Key components included CV refinement, values clarification, and personal statement development.
• Guidance was provided on program exploration, mentor identification, and interview preparation.

Main Results:

• The B2M4 elective was implemented with 36 students in June 2020.
• Student feedback indicated the curriculum's high perceived effectiveness.
• Content analysis confirmed the value of structured preparation, reflection, and faculty mentorship.

Conclusions:

• The student-driven B2M4 curriculum effectively prepared students for residency applications.
• Reflective activities like values clarification and goal setting were integral.
• The B2M4 model offers a transferable process for medical education and career development.