As a medical doctor, there may be any number of reasons that you may be looking for a new professional position. Perhaps you are seeking a change in work/life balance, or maybe just a new setting in which to hone your skills — or simply novel challenges in your professional career. After all, medicine can be a fast-paced and high-stress work environment, and in many ways, change can be highly beneficial.

Whatever your personal reasons, a strong resume is a prerequisite for an effective job application. A strong resume must convey the breadth of your experience and training as a medical doctor. Knowing how to write a medical CV clearly and attractively will ensure that your resume stands out and that you advertise your competence for a given position in the best way possible.

Broadly speaking, your CV should include your medical education history, your medical work experience, a list of relevant achievements and professional publications, and other relevant unique abilities. Medical doctors seeking professional positions in Australia are advised to generally adhere to the following template.

Section 1 – Personal Information

This should be the first section of your CV. It should introduce you and provide all relevant personal details, including your name, address, telephone, etc.

Section 2 – Qualifications

This section should describe your educational background, including relevant undergraduate degrees, your medical school degree, and any other relevant training or qualifications. Include specific years.

Section 3 – Examinations

The third section of your CV should list scores on relevant examinations. In Australia, this will encompass AMC examination scores: AMC CAT MCQ exam scores, clinical examination scores, and workplace-based assessment scores (depending on what is applicable). Be sure to include where and when any given test was taken.

Section 4 – Clinical / Procedural Skills

You will next list clinical skills gleaned through medical practice. You should list the degree of competency alongside any skill. Be specific and clear when discussing all skills you possess.

Section 5 – Work History

You will then include a detailed work history. On many medical CVs, particularly for experienced physicians, the “work history” section will be the longest of your resume. In this section, you must comprehensively include all current and previous positions held. For each position, include the following:

• Your title in the position
• Dates active in the given position
• The medical facility where you were employed (including specific location and contact information)
• Duties at a given position (note if the position was part-time or full-time and if part-time be specific about your schedule)

It is also important to list internship positions on this section of your resume.

Section 6 – Employment Gaps

In this section, clarify any gaps in your employment that have occurred since you finished schooling. Be specific and direct about your reasons.

While some medical professionals are reluctant to divulge details about employment gaps and might prefer to omit information, it is more effective on an employment application to be open and direct about any reasons for not working.

Section 7 – Registration History

In this section, list all details of medical registration under the Medical Board of Australia. Include your current medical registration and number, pending registration and application details, and/or previous registrations and numbers.

Section 8 – References / Publications

In this section (which should be limited to two pages or less), include any applicable medical publications under your name. 

Remember: Include Necessary Supporting Information

It is important to verify that your CV is true and correct, and consequently to sign and date the CV. You also want to include, as applicable, copies of exam results, records of courses taken, records of performance evaluations, and any other documentation relevant to or supporting details listed on your CV.

Find a Fulfilling Career

Finding the right career takes time and patience, and for a medical doctor, your first position may not necessarily indicate your ultimate choice of career. As you look for new employment, the ability to write a medical CV effectively can help you along your path.

JPS Medical Recruitment has extensive experience in helping medical personnel find new job opportunities throughout Australia and New Zealand. Contact JPS Medical Recruitment today to discover available opportunities and work to build a satisfying medical career path.