Skip to main content

Career Mentor Discussion Points

Year 1

  • Insight into specialty area (discuss Careers in Medicine MSPI and PVIPS results and how to determine if field is a good fit)
  • Possible shadowing opps/research experience
  • What to get involved with for exposure and competitiveness (e.g. research, volunteering, SIG, leadership positions, etc.)
  • Suggested experiences to get involved in during summer between 1st and 2nd year
  • Updating CV to include experiences that will give you exposure and help you stand out for that specialty area

Year 2

  • Insight into specialty area (discuss Careers in Medicine MSPI and PVIPS results and how to determine if field is a good fit)
  • Possible shadowing opps/research experience
  • What to get involved with for exposure and competitiveness (e.g. research, volunteering, SIG, leadership positions, etc.)
  • 3rd year preferences: Ideal hospitals to complete specialties and sub-specialties for exposure
  • Suggestions for 3rd year vacation month
  • Updating CV to include experiences that will give you exposure and help you stand out for that specialty area

Year 3

  • Insight into specialty area to help you determine if it might be a good fit (discuss Careers in Medicine MSPI and PVIPS results and how to determine if field is a good fit; think about what you enjoy in your clerkships and what is especially important to you in your career)
  • Possible ways to gain additional exposure (shadowing opps/research experience/etc.)
  • What to get involved with for exposure and competitiveness (e.g. research, volunteering, SIG, leadership positions, etc.)
  • Suggestions for 3rd year vacation month Scheduling for 4th year
    ○  Suggested electives, including away electives and whether or not they are necessary/important
    ○  Timing of electives and Core clerkships; when to take Sub-I
    ○  Interview timeline: Think about taking a vacation month or lighter elective during this time
  • Suggested timing of Step 2 CK & CS, may depend on competitiveness of specialty and Step 1 result
  • Who to obtain letters of recommendation from (may vary by specialty area)
  • Advice on updating your CV to include experiences that will give you exposure and help you stand out for that specialty area
  • Advice on drafting your personal statement

Year 4

  • Suggested electives to gain letters of recommendation and to prepare for residency
  • Suggested timing of Step 2 CK & CS, may depend on competitiveness of specialty and Step 1 result
  • Who to obtain letters of recommendation from
  • Timing of electives and Core clerkships; when to take Sub-I
  • Interview timeline: Think about taking a vacation month or lighter elective during this time
  • Review of CV, personal statement and other application items
  • How to prepare for residency applications/interviews
  • Determine the number and type of programs to apply to
  • Rank List