Curriculum Vitae (CV)

One of the most important first steps in applying to a residency program is the creation of your curriculum vitae. A curriculum vitae (CV) is simply a summary of your education, honors and awards received, professional history, achievements, participation in professional organizations, volunteer experience, paid employment, and extracurricular interests. Literally translated, it’s your “life story.”

Knowing how to prepare a solid CV now will aid you throughout your career. You should arrange your CV in reverse chronological order; you want the prospective employer to immediately see where you are presently in your professional career. Likewise, as your experience grows, you will be able to add the most relevant information.

Step by Step Instructions

1) Begin at the top (middle) of the page. Include your name, address, telephone number and preferred email address. Do not include your social security number or date of birth.

2) Your first heading is Education. Begin with the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and work backwards towards your undergraduate degree. If you graduated Summa Cum Laude or Cum Laude, for example, make sure you include that. Also include cities, states, and graduation dates.

3) Honors and Awards (if applicable). List honors and awards such as Dean’s List, leadership awards, scholarships received, and professional fraternity and sorority organizations. Make sure you create separate sections for medical school and undergraduate school.

4) Publications and Presentations (if applicable). List any publications and presentations completed in both undergraduate school and medical school. Some examples are, publications which were peer reviewed, a master’s thesis defense, or dissertation.

5) Research Participation (if applicable). Note your participation in both medical and undergraduate school research. Create a separate section for each. Make sure you include your supervising professor, the university, and all pertinent dates.

6) Professional Society Memberships. Most of you are involved in several organizations such as the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association or the Student Osteopathic Medical Association. List the organization and year of membership. If you served as an officer, include that by italicizing the title of the position, ex. TOMA President, 2005-2007.

7) Licenses and Certifications. Include all certifications (including the year completed), such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Disaster Life Support, and Core Disaster Life Support.

8) Volunteer Experience or Community Service. This is where you will list all non-paid experience such as the Komen Race for the Cure, the Hispanic Wellness Fair, mission trips, and charity work.

9) Employment Experience. This includes all paid employment dating back to undergraduate school. Make sure you note the title of your position and relevant dates.

10) Extracurricular Activities or Personal Interests. You’re not just a medical student; you do have a life outside of medical school! Let the prospective employer know about your interests; include activities such as international travel, dancing, spending time with family and friends, fishing, and sports.

If you speak any Foreign Languages, you’ll want to create a separate section. Make sure you note “some Spanish” or “fluent French” to let the reader know your skill level in that particular language.

If you were involved in leadership positions, you will need to create a special section titled, Leadership Experience, where you’ll list positions held, organizations, and corresponding dates.

Typically, a CV is 2-3 pages in length; however, this will vary from student to student. Use a readable 11 or 12 point font such as Verdana, Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Palatino Linotype. Be sure you number your pages.

For CV examples in your specific area, check out our Program Specific Resources Section!

Need Assistance with your CV?

Contact the Career Readiness Center or if you would like to request a review of your CV, please fill out the Career Readiness Center Consultation Request by clicking below: