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OSA Academic Handbook
Offices of the DeanOffice of Student AffairsOSA Academic HandbookCareer Advising

Career Advising

Student Development and Career Advising 

Personal and professional development is an integral part of your medical school career. At The University of Maryland School of Medicine, all faculty share a passion for helping students explore their individual career paths and specialty choices. In the Office of Student Affairs, we help students from their first day of medical school through mentoring, academic advising, personal development and career counseling. Every student has a unique set of skills, circumstances and path which they follow, and we are here to help them thrive. 

Our school participates in the Careers in Medicine Program (CIM) through the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) which provides a myriad of resources and opportunities for students to explore different career opportunities.  

Each year of medical school is a unique point on your journey to becoming a well-rounded physician in pursuit of your specialty of choice. Below is a map of how The Office of Student Affairs helps you through your journey, using the Careers in Medicine Program as a guide.   

Your Career in Medicine Pathway

First Year of Medical School: Understand Yourself  

  • Meet with your OSA House Advisor to create a unique career plan 
  • Assess your overall values, skills, strengths and growth opportunities
  • https://careersinmedicine.aamc.org/understand-yourself
  • Personal Growth Program
  • Consider your “Brand” and develop your own mission and vision 
  • Brand workshop/OSA Insider Podcast by Dr. Lumpkins 
  • Explore interest groups and network with faculty during your courses
  • Dual-degree Open House
  • Meet with your House Advisory Mentor 

Second Year of Medical School: Explore Options   

  • Meet with your OSA House Advisor to update your career plan 
  • Participate in Interest Groups and explore different medical specialties 
  • Gather information and experience in research, educational endeavors and volunteer opportunities
  • Examples include medical society memberships, meeting with OSR, The UMB Learning Institute micro-courses, AAMC Virtual Specialty Forum
  • Revisit/refine your personal mission and vision and consider how that fits with your brand 
  • Review non-residency career options if applicable
  • Meet with your House Advisory Mentor  

Third Year of Medical School:  Choose Your Specialty 

  • Meet with your OSA House Advisor to update your career plan 
  • Continue to explore specialties through clerkships and clinical rotations
  • Revisit and refine your “Brand” or your personal mission and vision 
  • Map your skills, activities and career goals to specific specialties of interest
  • Connect to Departmental Advisors/Mentors in specialties of interest 

Fourth Year of Medical School: Prepare for Residency  

  • Meet with your OSA Specialty Advisor to solidify your career path and scheduling
  • Meet with Departmental Advisors/Mentors in specialty of interest
  • Apply to residency with the support of your OSA Specialty Advisor and Departmental Advisors/Mentors
  • Utilize resources such as AAMC Residency Explorer and Charting Outcomes in the Match
  • Revisit and refine your “Brand” or your personal mission and vision 
  • Continue to gather skills important for your personal and professional growth
  • Personal Growth Program
  • The UMB Learning Institute micro-courses
  • Incorporate your personal narrative throughout your application

Please review our Residency Handbook for more in-depth information on these topics.