A Guide to the Medical School Curriculum Vitae

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professional Development

Background:

• A curriculum vitae (CV) is crucial for medical students' residency applications, documenting professional and academic experiences.
• Targeted instruction on CV creation is vital, especially for underrepresented students lacking familiarity with residency application standards.
• Effective CVs are essential for showcasing qualifications and securing residency positions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To educate medical students on the fundamental components and significance of a curriculum vitae (CV).
• To provide guidance on elements to include and exclude from a personal CV for residency applications.
• To empower learners to construct a foundational CV using provided examples and principles.

Main Methods:

• A PowerPoint lecture was delivered via Zoom, detailing the purpose and content of a medical student's CV.
• The session was offered at no cost to all University of California, Irvine School of Medicine (UCISOM) students.
• A post-session survey assessed participant understanding and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• 90% of respondents felt confident or very confident in building/updating their CV post-session.
• 80% of respondents indicated an increase in their knowledge of CVs.
• All respondents found the workshop useful, appreciating the inclusion of student examples.

Conclusions:

• The lecture effectively enhanced medical students' understanding and confidence in CV preparation.
• The presentation is adaptable for various medical education professionals and delivery methods (e.g., virtual or in-person).
• The CV workshop is a valuable, easily administered educational tool for medical students preparing for residency.