What to include in your medical CV

This article is the first of two that show you how to write your medical CV. Here, we look at what you should include, how to present yourself effectively, and identify gaps in your experience.

Maintaining an up to date CV is essential preparation for your future career. Although applications for the UK foundation programme do not require you to submit a CV, you should still have one ready. It could be your ticket to a dream elective, student selected module, research placement, or intercalated degree, and it will be essential once you graduate. Do not arrive as a foundation doctor only to find that you have forgotten the details of past achievements and have gaps in your CV. By writing your CV at medical school, you can identify and deal with any weaknesses early. Keep a “master CV” on file that you can update and adapt for different applications.