Career Advising
Student Development and Career Advising
Personal and professional development is an integral part of your medical school journey. At the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), we are dedicated to helping you explore your unique career path and specialty choices. Through the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), we provide mentoring, academic advising, personal development, and career counseling from your first day of medical school to Match Day.
Every student has a distinct set of skills, interests, and goals, and we are here to help you thrive.
📂 Career & Residency Advising Resources
- ✍️ Career and Residency Advising Resources
- 🏥 UMSOM Residency Application Manual
- 🧭 Careers in Medicine | AAMC
- 📄 CV Preparation Tips | UMSOM
- 📚 Personal Growth Program | UMSOM
- 🗓️ OSA Insider Podcast | UMSOM
🗺️ Year-by-Year Career Roadmap
Year 1: Understanding Yourself 🌱
Focus Areas
- Explore medical specialties through the Careers in Medicine | AAMC program.
- Attend specialty panels, open houses, and career fairs.
- Begin building your CV with volunteer work, research, or leadership roles.
Key Milestones
- Attend the Choosing a Specialty session with Dr. Martinez.
- Listen to OSA Insider Podcast Episode 72: Your Personal Mission Statement and Brand
- Participate in the Dual-Degree Open House.
Top Resources
- 🧭 Careers in Medicine | AAMC
- UMSOM Advisory Houses: faculty, OSA and peer mentorship.
- Specialty interest groups and student organizations.
Year 2: Explore Options 🔬
Focus Areas
- Deepen your interests through shadowing, research, and early electives.
- Attend specialty-specific events and connect with mentors.
- Start planning for scholarly activities or research projects.
Key Milestones
- Draft and regularly update your Curriculum Vitae.
- Seek feedback on career goals and interests.
- Consider summer research programs (e.g., Office of Student Research).
- Explore medical society memberships, The UMB Learning Institute micro-courses, and the AAMC Virtual Specialty Forum.
Top Resources
- 🧭 Careers in Medicine | AAMC
- UMSOM Advisory Houses: faculty, OSA and peer mentorship.
Year 3: Choose Your Specialty 🏥
Focus Areas
- Engage in core clerkships to explore different specialties.
- Meet with a career advisor for specialty guidance.
- Request letters of recommendation from faculty.
Key Milestones
- Solidify your specialty decision.
- Attend residency preparation workshops.
- Research away electives and residency application timelines.
Top Resources
Year 4: Transition to Residency 🩺
Focus Areas
- Finalize your specialty choice and complete residency applications.
- Complete away electives (if applicable) and finalize your CV and personal statement.
- Prepare for residency interviews and create your rank list.
Key Milestones
- Attend mock interviews and get feedback on your personal statement.
- Prepare for and participate in interviews.
- Submit your rank list for the NRMP Match.
Top Resources
- AAMC Residency Explorer
- Charting Outcomes in the Match
- Residency interview prep resources.
- NRMP Match timelines and guides.
👩⚕️ Mentorship Opportunities
Connect with upperclassmen, residents, and faculty mentors through UMSOM’s Advisory Houses, Alumni Network and formal mentorship opportunities. Building these relationships is a key part of your personal and professional growth.
📞 Contact Us
Need personalized guidance? Schedule a 1:1 advising session with our dedicated career advisors in the Office of Student Affairs.