Curriculum Vitae (CV)
How To Write A Curriculum Vitae
Assembling a Curriculum Vitae is an exercise in precision within imprecise boundaries. It requires great precision. A physician must compose, in a few short pages, a career summary that skips nothing of substance and places events in a properly identified chronology.
Unfortunately, there's no guarantee the document you create will fit the expectations of a potential employer. What elements should be included or left out? Is it necessary to list references? What about publications or grants? No set formula, no absolute guide, no strict set of rules, exists to regulate the structure and content of the document. On the other hand, adhering to common guidelines will draw positive attention to your CV.
The following is a summary of elements most recruiters, department directors, and physicians expect a CV to contain.
It should go without saying, but for some reason the basics always bear repeating. Type your CV or create it on a computer. Begin with your full name, current and/or permanent address, and all contact numbers, such as phone, cell phone, pager, and fax. Also include an email address.
Group your professional and educational highlights into broad, but rational categories. For residents, the most prominent category should be Medical Education. List the name of your medical school, its location (city and state or country), your degree and year of completion. Include as much detail as possible regarding your program, and double-check all dates for accuracy-the recruiter will, and CV errors may eliminate you from consideration. The category should also include any internships, with area of specialization, facility, location, and year of completion-and the same information for residencies and fellowships. If you are still in a program, list the date you began and the anticipated date of completion. Avoid language common to general resumes, such as "to present." Provide information regarding undergraduate degrees at the end of this category, and avoid elaboration-other than dates, major area of study, and grade point average-unless you received a degree in a field related to medicine.
Several categories require an uncomplicated accounting of, well, paperwork. For example, Certification is a simple listing of all boards and national examinations taken, with dates. Licensure includes the states in which you currently hold a license to practice medicine.
The Employment History section should begin with your current or last position and include information regarding status (staff physician, for example), the practice, admitting facilities, and the usual location and contact information. Describe, briefly, your responsibilities at each setting, both clinical and office-related. Also point out the procedures you performed. In this category, you may use the phrase "to present" when listing dates of your current position. As in a resume, outline your employment history in reverse chronological order, listing each practice since completing medical school. If you worked on a locum tenens basis be sure to list each practice setting and the staffing firm responsible for placing you into the position, if applicable. It is important to include all positions-even those you left under less than desirable circumstances. Recruiters, again, will dig into any discrepancies they find. Limit the explanation for any career or practice changes to the cover letter, rather than the CV. You want those reviewing your material to focus their attention on the positive.
There is some debate over the importance of References. Several guides to CV writing suggest candidates add an "available upon request" line at the end of the document. We contend, however, that a CV should be succinct, but complete. If you choose to list them, select at least three and no more than six professional references, with name, title, and contact information.
Try to keep the entire compilation to three pages. If you have room, add citation information for any articles, academic awards, grants, and related accomplishments. If not, alert CV reviewers to these items with a "publications, research grants, continuing medical education, and additional information available upon request" at the end of the document.
Avoid personal information, military service (unless it applies to your medical employment record), hobbies, and other ancillary matters. Remember, this is a brief and targeted document. While your participation in a hobby such as wakeboarding may stand out to recruiters or directors flipping through dozens of CVs, it will not help direct their attention toward your professional and educational record.
Let your personality come through in the cover letter.
One more word of caution: if you've had a state medical license revoked, if you've lost privileges, suffered through malpractice suits, or had DEA numbers pulled, address the issues in the cover letter, rather than the CV. The key to a successful CV is brevity and a compelling list of accomplishments. The cover letter allows you the space to explain any past issues or problems, and their resolution.
Finally, keep your CV completely accurate. Nothing guarantees success more than this simple rule.
Curriculam Vitae (CV) Template
PERSONAL DATA
| Name: | John A. Doe, MD |
| Address: | XXX Colleen Drive Lombard, IL 60000 |
| Phone: | (C) 773-960-XXXX (H) 630-889-XXXX (F) 708-216-XXXX |
| Email: | Nephfellow@hotmail.com |
EDUCATION
| 1993 – 1997 | Northwestern University Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering Evanston, IL |
| 1997 – 2001 | Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Midwestern University—CCOM Downers Grove, IL |
POST-DOCTURAL TRAINING
| 2005 – 2007 | Nephrology Fellowship |
| 2004 – 2005 | Critical Care Fellowship Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education Rochester, MN |
| 2001 – 2004 | Internal Medicine Residency University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL |
SPECIAL PROCEDURE TRAINING
| 2005 | Permanent dialysis catheter insertion, removal and exchange |
| 2005 | Peritoneal dialysis and plasma exchange therapies Loyola University Medical Center Maywood, IL |
| 2004 | Diagnostic broncoscopy and ventilator management Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN |
HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS
| 2004 – 2005 | Hospitalist and Emergency Room Physician Enhanced Med Rochester, MN |
| 2005 – Present | Intensive Care Fellow Advocate Electronic Intensive Care Unit Oak Brook, IL |
| 2005 – Present | House Physician Rush Oak Park Hospital Oak Park, IL |
| 2005 – Present | House Physician Elmhurst Hospital Elmhurst, IL |
| 2005 – Present | House Physician Edwards Hospital Naperville, IL |
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
- 2004 Illinois State Medical License #XXX active)
- 2003 Minnesota State Medical License #XXX (active)
- 2004 Diplomate, American Board of Internal Medicine
- 2004 Certified in ACLS, PALS, and BLS
MEMBERSHIPS IN PROFESSIONAL SOCITIES
- American Society of Nephrology
- Society of Critical Care Medicine
- American College of Physicians
- American Medical Association
- Society of Biomedical Engineers
HONORS
- Midwest 2006 Nephrology Fellows Research Day Presenter
- American Society of Nephrology 2002 Residents Program Participant
- Edna Dunning Medical Scholarship Recipient 1997-99
- Northwestern University Deans List, 1995-96
- Northwestern Honors Program in Undergraduate Research Program, 1993
- WGN Extra Effort Award, 1993
- UIC Young Biologist Award, 1992-93
PUBLICATIONS
- Doe JA, CRRT Dosing in Acute Renal Failure in the Intensive Care Unit. Abstract, Critical Care Medicine Supplement. Dec 2005, Vol 33: No. 12, A74.
- Doe JA,Intermittent Hemodialysis vs. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Comparative
- Outcomes Analysis. Manuscript (submitted) to AJKD.
- Doe JA,The Role of Antibiotic Use in Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. Manuscript (submitted) to JHM.
- Doe JA, Clinical profile and outcome of Acute Renal Failure in the ICU: A Tale of Three Era’s. Manuscript (in preparation) to Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
- Doe JA,Amyloid related to Ankylosing Spondylitis with minimal proteinuria: A Case Report and Review of Literature. Manuscript (in preparation) for Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation.
- Doe JA, Evidence of Lower Mortality in Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) with Intermittent Hemodialysis (IHD) and Slow Low Efficiency Dialysis (SLED) when compared with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT): A Meta-Analysis. Manuscript (in preparation) for Journal of American Medical Association
PRESENTATIONS
- Doe JA, CRRT Dosing in Acute Renal Failure in the Intensive Care Unit. Research poster presented at Society of Critical Care Medicine 10th Annual Congress in San Francisco, CA Jan 2006
- Doe JA,ntermittent Hemodialysis vs. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Comparative Outcomes Analysis. Presented Mayo Critical Care Grand Rounds, Nov 04, 2004. Research poster presented at 10th Annual CRRT Meeting, San Diego, CA March 10, 2005. Abstract Proceedings, Blood Purification, 2005; 23:149-174
- Doe JA,The Role of Antibiotic Use in Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. Presented at Mayo Critical Care Grand Rounds on Feb 17, 2005
Sample Cover Letters
Sample 1
Dear :
Please consider this letter as my formal application presenting my background, education and experience. I am very excited about the position in ________ and am convinced that my training has prepared me more than adequately for this opportunity.
Throughout my studies, I have dedicated myself for a career as a physician. Given my eagerness to learn and solid academic record, I believe that I am a well-suited candidate to fill such a position in affiliation with your corporation. In my current position as a fellow in the Department of Nephrology at _________________, I have the opportunity to diagnose, treat complex medical diseases and care for many ill patients, including those needing transplant and patients receiving acute and chronic dialysis. For my efforts, I was awarded the position of Administrative Chief Fellow by the faculty for the academic year of 2006-07.
The opportunity to obtain employment with an established and reputable practice such as _______ clearly would further my abilities as a physician. In doing so, I hope to work with and learn from accomplished individuals in the medical field, which would be a positive step toward accomplishing my goal of becoming a medical provider who is dedicated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and compassionate.
If you require additional information to assist you in considering my application, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your consideration of the enclosed curriculum vitae, and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Sample 2.
Dear Dr. ______,
I am currently assessing practice opportunities in the greater _____ area and would be interested in learning more about your practice and available opportunities. My primary interest is in a consultative practice; however I would give serious consideration to critical care or interventional positions as well.
I will complete my fellowship in nephrology in _______ 200_ from ___________. My residency was completed in _______ at the ____________________. In addition, I finished a critical care fellowship at the ___________________ and received limited interventional training from the _________________. I am actively utilizing my clinical skills at various hospitals in the _______ area as a house physician and hospitalist.
In addition to my academic training and experience, you will find that I am a dedicated medical provider who is dedicated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and compassionate.
Enclosed is an updated copy of my curriculum vitae for your review and consideration. I would be very interested in arranging a meeting time to discuss a particular opportunity that you may have in your practice. The best way to reach me is via e-mail at ____________ or leaving a message on my cell phone at _________________.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Sample 3
Dear Dr. ,
I am currently assessing practice opportunities in the greater ___________ area and would be interested in learning more about your practice and available opportunities. My priority is to obtain employment with an established and reputable practice such as ___________________. My primary interest is clinical nephrology with an emphasis on transplant; however I would give serious consideration to a non-transplant position as well.
I will complete my fellowship in nephrology transplant in _______ 200_ from the _____________. My general nephrology fellowship was completed in 200_ at ______________________. My residency and internship were completed locally at ______________________.
In addition to my solid academic training, you will find that I am a medical provider who is dedicated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and compassionate.
Enclosed please find my curriculum vitae for your review and consideration. I would be very interested in arranging a meeting time to discuss a particular opportunity that you may have in your practice. The best way to reach me is by cell phone at _______________ or by email at.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
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