Medical Student Resume Examples & Writing tips 2023 (Free Guide) (2023)

As a medical student, you’ve spent years poring over textbooks and studying for some of the toughest exams. Now you’re ready to get your first hands-on experience either as an intern or resident in a hospital or medical office setting. A professional medical student resume is the key to achieving this goal.

Medical school has given you all the information you need to complete a great resume, but if you’re stuck on how to put it all together, we’re here to help. With 300+ adaptable resume examplesand guides, Resume.io is an expert resource for job seekers in all fields and areas of study.

This resume guide, along with the corresponding medical student resume example will cover the following topics:

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  • What does a medical student do?
  • How to write a medical student resume (tips and tricks)
  • The best format for a medical student resume
  • Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
  • Professional resume layout and design hints.

What does a medical student do?

Medical students are those enrolled in accredited degree programs in the field of healthcare and medicine. Medical students study to become doctors in all specialties including, but not limited to, internal medicine, surgery, neurology, gastroenterology, oncology, cardiology, psychiatry, and pediatrics.

To become a medical student, you’ll first need to complete a four-year degree at an accredited university. Then you may apply to medical school, where you’ll spend the first two years in classroom learning, and the second two applying that learning in clinical rotations. After graduating from medical school, you can expect to spend three to seven years as a resident in a teaching hospital where you’ll gain enough hands-on experience to become a full-fledged doctor.

How to write a medical student resume

A medical student resume will need the same sections as most traditional CVs including

  • The resume header
  • The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
  • The employment history section
  • The resume skills section
  • The education section

Each of these sections will need to be adapted to the position you’re applying for, the number of years of medical school you’ve completed, and the particularities of the medical field. The following chapters will discuss how to do that in more detail. Our adaptable resume sample can also serve as a model for your own document.

Your medical student resume should never be longer than one page. That means you’ll need to be concise when explaining your experience, motivations, and educational background. In order to eliminate unnecessary details, first give the job description a thorough read-through. Make note of any particular qualifications, experiences, or coursework the employer is looking for. When writing your resume, choose only the most relevant examples that show how your experience or educational track aligns with the hospital’s (or other employer’s) needs.

Medical Student Resume Examples & Writing tips 2023 (Free Guide) (1)

Choosing the best resume format for a medical student

The best format for a medical student resume is the one that looks as professional as possible. That’s why we recommend the reverse chronological resume structure which is often regarded as the “standard” resume format. This structure gets its name from the prominence of the Employment History section where previous work experience is listed in reverse chronological order from the most recent to the oldest.

As a medical student, you may need to tweak your format to reflect your own experience. For example, while established professionals will place work experience at the top of the page, you’ll likely choose to highlight your education first. You may also want to add additional sections for relevant coursework, teaching experience, or clubs and leadership opportunities.

Expert tip

Get more resume inspiration in our related adaptable samples including our doctor resume sample,nursing student resume example,healthcare resume sample,medical support assistent sample,medical social worker sample, nurse resume exampleand medical resume example.

Resume header

The resume header is the area located at the top, or sometimes the side, of the page where you can place your name and contact information and any basic details relevant to the role like the name of the school where you are a medical student. The resume header helps the reader identify your document but it also gives you the chance to add a touch of attractive formatting. As a medical student, it’s important to keep the header clean and professional. Therefore, a standard font and neutral color scheme is the most appropriate choice.

Resume summary example

The resume summary is the section that can help you stand out from other medical students with the same coursework and clinical experience as you. This is the most freeform section on your resume where you can clearly state the position you are applying to, your motivations for applying, and the most important, relevant experience that you don’t want the employer to miss. Since the summary is usually 3-5 sentences, the goal is to catch the hiring manager’s attention so that they’ll be more likely to read the details of your experience further down the page. Our medical student resume example can serve as a model for your own summary.

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Adaptable summary resume sample

Astute, highly trained medical school graduate, well-prepared to leverage knowledge of evidence-based medicine to excel as a Resident Physician. Adept at communicating with an interdisciplinary team of physicians and nurses to provide compassionate patient care. Skilled in performing life-saving procedures on adult and pediatric patients. Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build rapport with patients and family members.

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Expert tip

Watch out for the ATS

Applicant Tracking Systems (known as ATS) are algorithms built into online application portals. They’re very common in the medical industry or anywhere you apply online. These resume scanners look for keywords programmed from the job description and rank candidates against each other. Only the top-scoring applicants move on to be reviewed by the hiring manager. Avoid being filtered out by placing keywords in the appropriate sections of your resume, especially in the summary and skills section.

Never try to beat the ATS by lying about your experience or hiding keywords throughout your resume. You may get past the bots but you’ll soon be in the hiring manager’s bad graces.

Medical student resume education example

The education example is one of the most important sections on your resume. After all, you are a medical student. Place this section high up on your resume, usually right after the summary. List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your current degree. Include the school name, degree program name, dates attended (or an expected graduation date if you haven’t finished studying yet), and location. You can also include one or two bullet points under each entry to make note of your grades, coursework, leadership positions, or any outstanding achievements that you don’t want the employer to miss.

If you have several awards, memberships, or publications, you may choose to create separate sections for each of these categories, or you can roll them into the education section under the corresponding degree. See our medical student resume sample for more insight.

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Adaptable education resume example

Doctor of Medicine (MD), Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
September 2018 - June 2022

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
September 2014 - June 2018

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Employment history sample

The employment history section is where you list your previous work experiences related to your studies in medicine. You may need to rename this section to “Professional Experiences” to show a wider range of activities both in and outside of school. However, be sure to list only jobs that have a connection to healthcare. A stint as a secretary in a family practice is great for your resume, but you’ll want to leave off the summer spent waitressing at a local restaurant.

One of the most overlooked experiences for this section is the clinical rotations every medical student is required to complete. Although they were part of your education, they can serve as great fodder for a discussion about your skill and interests. For every entry, make sure to include the name of the role, the employer's name, dates worked, and location. Then create 4-5 bullet points showcasing your duties, accomplishments, and responsibilities. You can get a feel for how to structure the bullet points by checking out our medical student resume sample.

Adaptable employment history resume example

Medical Student - Clinical Rotations at Boston Hospital, Boston, MA
September 2020 - June 2022

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  • Completed clinical rotations in emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, psychiatry, and general surgery.
  • Under close supervision of attending physicians, conducted daily rounds to review a broad range of cases.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide high-quality care using evidence-based approaches.
  • Observed and assisted with surgeries ranging from outpatient laparoscopic procedures to open heart surgery.

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CV skills example

The skills example of your resume, or CV, should be a list of your can’t-miss qualities that show the employer why you’re perfect for the job. Read the job description closely and look for the skills you have that align with the employer’s requests. Make sure to include a mix of hard and soft skills so that you show the employer you’re both empathetic and you’ve got the right technical abilities for the job. Check out the skills section on our medical student resume example to see how this is done.

Adaptable skills section resume example

  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Internal Medicine
  • Family Medicine
  • General Surgery Emergency/Urgent Care
  • ICU/CCU
  • Preventative Care
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Diagnosis and Treatment
  • Clinical Rounds
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Critical Thinking

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Expert tip

The ability to speak one or more foreign languages is one of the most in-demand skills for medical professionals. If you’re bilingual, don’t hesitate to place your second language and fluency level in your skills section. If you’re not a native speaker but have studied another tongue, make sure that you’re comfortable using that language in a medical setting before you place it on your resume.

Resume layout and design

While the layout and design of your resume needn’t be complicated, get this part wrong and you could ruin your chances of landing the job before the hiring manager ever reads a word of what you’ve written.

As a medical student, your layout should be clean and professional, and free of flashy colors, “creative” font styles, or excessive design elements. A neutral color palette is considered best for the medical field. However, you may choose to make your name and contact details a bit bigger than the rest of the text in order to stand out on the page. A simple line or bolded subheadings can also give a touch of attractive formatting without being over the top. An expertly-designed resume templatecan help you strike the right balance.

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Key takeaways for a medical student resume

  1. Medical students should focus on creating professional resumes that include only their most relevant experiences and achievements.
  2. Keep your education section high up on the page so that the employer can learn more about your background.
  3. Don’t overlook your clinical experience when creating the employment history section.
  4. Check out our adaptable medical student resume sample for more tips on creating a professional layout and design.

FAQs

What should a resume look like in 2023? ›

For the majority of job-seekers, the best resume format in 2023 is the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format involves listing your resume information (e.g. your work experience and your education) starting with the most recent one and going backward through relevant jobs, degrees, or qualifications.

What is the best format for a medical student resume? ›

Use the reverse-chronological format. It's not only the most common, it's also the preferred CV format in the medical community. Include your job title, the organization where you worked, and the dates of employment.

How many pages should a medical school resume be? ›

Here are some tips for formatting your medical school resume: Length: Keep your resume one or two pages long. Space is limited, so you should only include relevant information that will help the admissions committee make a decision in your favor.

What should a medical resume look like? ›

Each resume should have certain elements, such as a summary, an education section, an employment history section, relevant experience, and a list of licenses or certifications. Resumes should be one or two pages long and include detailed information prior experience in the medical industry.

What is a good objective for a medical resume? ›

"Motivated, understanding medical office manager passionate about patient education seeking a full-time patient coordinator position with Midtown Family Medical. Highly organized individual with eight years of experience with strong interpersonal skills and eagerness to learn."

Do you put your MCAT score on your resume? ›

Your MCAT scores should be in your resume's education section at the top of your resume. (Because you're not applying for a job, your degree and MCAT scores mean more to the reviewer than your work experience.)

What not to include in a resume 2023? ›

18 Things to Leave Off Your Resume in 2023
  • An objective statement. ...
  • A photo of yourself. ...
  • Irrelevant work experience. ...
  • Personal information. ...
  • Non-technical skills. ...
  • Lengthy paragraphs. ...
  • List of tasks and duties. ...
  • More than three bullet points.
Feb 26, 2023

How far back in years should a resume go? ›

Generally, experts recommend keeping about 10-15 years of work experience on your resume, but that guidance changes depending on your professional history.

What skills should I put on my medical resume? ›

Personal skills
  • Clinical (direct patient care; providers, allied health) Good bedside manner. Compassion and empathy. Patience. Good communication. Listening skills. ...
  • Non-clinical positions (supporting roles in health care; administration, clerical) Detail oriented. Ability to multitask. Works well as a team. Good communicator.
May 17, 2023

How can I improve my medical school resume? ›

You might consider following these steps when writing your medical school resume:
  1. Researching resume keywords. ...
  2. Have Professional Contact Info. ...
  3. List Your Education Achievements. ...
  4. Include Employment and Internships. ...
  5. Feature your Certifications and licenses, if any. ...
  6. Highlight test scores, awards, and honors.
Oct 27, 2020

How long should a medical resume be? ›

There is no required length for medical CVs, with the general trend to be 2–3 pages of A4 that keeps the information succinct and relevant. An academic CV may tend to be longer, with research and publications being included.

What GPA should you not put on your resume? ›

You do not need to include your GPA or graduation date once you've been in the workforce for over 3-5 years,” Warzel says. The other factor is how high your GPA is. Typically, it's only best to include a GPA above 3.5.

Can a resume be 2 pages medical school? ›

2) Your resume should be no more than 2 pages.

When applying to med school, however, the letter writer has asked you for your resume (presumably she wants to read it), so you can let your accomplishments spill over to 2 pages. Don't abuse that attention, however. More than 2 pages starts to resemble an autobiography.

Do medical schools look at old MCAT scores? ›

Medical schools generally accept scores dating back two or three years. If you have taken the exam previously, we recommend that you consult the Medical School Admission Requirements to check the application policies of each school to which you intend to apply.

Can a medical resume be 2 pages? ›

A resume can be two pages long. Just make sure your resume isn't longer just because it includes unncessary details like irrelevant work experience or skills unrelated to the job you're applying for.

Is 4 pages too long for a resume? ›

Most resumes should be between one and two pages long. But, some can be three pages or more.

How far back should your resume go? ›

Generally, experts recommend keeping about 10-15 years of work experience on your resume, but that guidance changes depending on your professional history. Your resume is one of the first things a potential employer sees about you.

How far back should a medical resume go? ›

Add experiences going back 10 years.

Ten years of experience is enough to demonstrate that you are an expert in the field. Include job duties from recent or relevant information. This will allow you to focus on your key achievements and save space.

What are the worst resume mistakes? ›

The 10 Worst Resume Mistakes to Avoid
  • Typos and Grammatical Errors. ...
  • Lack of Specifics. ...
  • Attempting the "One–Size–Fits–All" Approach. ...
  • Highlighting Duties Instead of Accomplishments. ...
  • Going on Too Long or Cutting Things Too Short. ...
  • Bad Summary. ...
  • No Action Verbs. ...
  • Leaving Off Important Information.

Which of the following should not be on your resume? ›

Personal details. There's no need to include personal information on a resume such as your social security number, marital status, nationality, sexual orientation, or spiritual beliefs. In fact, it is illegal for employers to ask for these personal details.

Which of the following things should you not write in your resume? ›

12 Things to Leave Off Your Resume
  • High School Information. ...
  • References. ...
  • Personal Information. ...
  • Your Age. ...
  • Your Exact Street Address. ...
  • A Career Objective. ...
  • Your Current Work Contacts. ...
  • Your Personal Email Address.

How can I improve my medical resume? ›

5 tips on how to improve your medical CV
  1. Keep it short. Your CV is not a novel. ...
  2. Highlight your most recent achievements first. ...
  3. Focus on your unique strengths. ...
  4. Be smart about formatting. ...
  5. Don't forget your cover letter.

How many bullets should a resume have? ›

A good benchmark is between 3-5 bullet points per job. However, you can use as few as 2 bullet points or as many as 12 bullet points for each position as long as it's relevant to the job description. The number of bullet points you use typically depends on: Years of work experience.

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