Yearly Checklist!

Careers in Medicine (CiM) Timeline

The AAMC CiM and TCOM Office of Medical Student Success websites to the first year medical students; they are encouraged to establish an account on the AAMC CiM website during year one to better shape and define their interests and specialty of choice
Begin exploring a variety of specialties; talk to upperclassmen, residents, and practicing physicians about their experiences

Attend campus workshops, speaker events, and join specialty clubs of interest to better acquaint yourself with specific specialties, and network with like-minded individuals
Begin self-assessment exercises to get a better idea of where your interests lie and what’s important to you as an individual and to your long-term medical career

Continue AAMC CiM self-assessment exercises
Complete your self-assessments and compare results
Review your Personal Profile with the TCOM Office of Medical Student Success
Create a rough draft of your CV — continue adding to it throughout years two and three

Begin gathering basic information about specialties of interest through the CiM Specialty Pages, AOA Opportunities, ACGME, and other research
Attend specialty interest groups and panels on campus
Compare the information you gathered about yourself during your self-assessments to the information you have gathered about a variety of specialties
Start planning your third-year schedule (consult with the Clinical Education Office if you have questions)
Take COMLEX 1 (required); take USMLE Step 1 (optional) — we will discuss individual needs during your residency counseling in year three

Begin clinical rotations; record your reflections on the Clinical Rotation Evaluation
Review Charting Outcomes in the Match to assess your qualifications and competitiveness for specialties
Conduct informational interviews or participate in preceptorships and shadowing opportunities
Attend a national conference to network and meet physicians in your chosen specialty
Take the COMLEX-PE exam, ideally before the end of the spring semester
Begin a rough draft of your personal statement…at least get something on paper!
Request recommendation letters from physicians you have worked with

Meet for residency counseling to discuss your top specialty preferences and those programs you’re competitive for based on board scores and academic background
Complete the Specialty Indecision Scale if you’re having difficulty making a decision
Complete the Choosing Your Specialty exercise

Complete your personal statement EARLY in year four — make sure you have it reviewed!
Research residency training programs through AOA Opportunities, FREIDA and / or ACGME.
Rate your preferences using the Residency Preference Exercise
Begin reviewing and comparing residency programs — keep good notes!
ERAS service opens for applications (July 1st) — begin populating your file
Register with the ERAS service and start preparing residency applications (i.e., CV, letters of recommendation, and personal statements)
Register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for the Main Residency Match
Begin applying to programs and transmitting applications through ERAS service (September 15th) — for ACGME programs
Take COMLEX Level 2 (required for graduation); take USMLE Step 2 (optional)
Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) released (October 1st) — also known as “the Dean’s letter”
Interview with residency programs
Rate the programs using the Residency Preference Exercise
Rank your selections for the NMS and / or NRMP Main Residency Match