How To Write The Curriculum Vitae

The Physician's Curriculum Vitae is written somewhat like a standard resume, but with some differences. For all practical purposes, unlike a regular resume, all that is necessary is a synopsis of the physician's medical education, employment history and basic personal information. A graduating resident or fellow will, of course, omit employment history unless it relates directly to the medical field.

There is no set formula for writing a CV, but the following "do's and don't's" follow guidelines that seem to be best received by those professionals who hire physicians.

DO have your CV typed neatly with one inch margins at the top, bottom and sides of the page. Having it typeset professionally is not necessary. Just be sure that the type is clear, easy to read and dark enough to reproduce well when copied or faxed.

DO list major categories spaced well from the name, address and telephone number. With a physician, without exceptions, Medical Education should come first. Be specific about the name of your medical school, your degree and the year of completion. Next should come: Internship/s/PGY I, area of specialization, facility, city and state and year completed. Then Residency/s, Fellowship/s, specialization, facility, city and state and year completed. With a resident /fellow who is still in school and beginning to seek a practice location, the beginning date should be listed, along with the anticipated completion (rather than "to present"). Undergraduate degrees should be listed last, and only elaborated upon if the degree was in a field related to the medical profession.

The next category should be Certification, listing boards and national exams taken, with the appropriate dates. Then Licensure, listing states in which you are currently licensed. The next major category should be Employment History. Begin with your present or last employment, stating your status ( partner, associate, staff physician, medical director, etc.) name of clinic/group or (solo/private practice, where applicable), admitting facility/ies, city and state and specific beginning and ending dates (or "to present"). If confidentiality is a factor, it is permissible to give a general idea of what your current status is without giving specific facility names, etc. Just say "group practice, partner or whatever" and your city and state. Employment should be continued in reverse chronological order, always stating beginning and ending dates. The Personal Information category is optional and should contain only basic information.

DO be honest and avoid exaggeration.

DO proofread your CV for spelling and grammar.

DO proofread your chronology to make sure it is correct and the beginning and ending dates logically follow. Explain gaps of sixty day or more in your medical employment history. A six or twelve month absence can look suspiciously as if you were in an alcohol or drug rehab.

DON'T list references. Just add to the bottom of the CV: "References and additional information available upon request".

DON'T list publications. A list of publications can be included upon request.

DON'T give military background unless it is part of your medical employment history. List all military medical training that pertains to your employment history.

DON'T include compensation in the CV or desired compensation as an objective.

DON'T make the CV longer than two pages, three at the very most.