What Should I Include on a Physician Curriculum Vitae?

A physician curriculum vitae (CV) is a document used to record the professional accomplishments, educational training, and career aspirations of a medical doctor. This document can also be called a resume; however, traditionally a CV contains more extensive information than a resume. The physician CV is most commonly used as part of the job application process. Categories that should be included in a physician CV include education, work experience, research, personal references, contact information, and career objectives.

One important category to include in a physician curriculum vitae is educational experience. This section of the CV should include information about the physician’s undergraduate degree, medical degree, residency training, and completed fellowships. Often information about high school and primary school education is omitted. Some relevant details to include are the names of the institutions attended, degrees attained, and grade point averages.

Information about work experience is also important to list in a physician curriculum vitae. Details about positions held, responsibilities assumed in those positions, and length of time spent in each position should be included. As with other resumes, a gap in employment history can be a red flag to potential employers: any periods not covered by an educational experience or job should be explained.

Many physicians become involved in scientific research during their career, and information regarding these research experiences should be included in a physician curriculum vitae. Often, details of research experience are listed in one section, where information about the type of research pursued, sponsorships, and corresponding colleagues can be detailed. Another section can list submitted and accepted publications.

Often prospective employers are interested in learning more about the applicant from past coworkers or bosses. A physician curriculum vitae should include a section with contact information for references. The most appropriate people to list as references are current or former supervisors. Physicians should, however, ask their superiors if they are willing to serve as references before listing them on a CV; not only is this good etiquette, but it can prevent potential employers from hearing negative feedback from references.

A number of other sections are typically included on a physician curriculum vitae. Often, information about professional memberships is included in a section of the CV. Any volunteer activities, particularly if relevant to the health care field, can enhance a CV. Important honors and awards should be listed in their own section. Information about outside interests can personalize a CV, and help potential employers get a feel for an applicant’s personality and values.