Ultimate Guide for US Citizen IMGs: Building Your OB GYN Residency CV

Understanding the OB GYN Residency CV as a US Citizen IMG

For a US citizen IMG or an American studying abroad, the CV is one of the most powerful tools in your obstetrics & gynecology residency application. It is often the first document that program directors and faculty see when screening hundreds of ERAS applications during the obstetrics match. A strong medical student CV does far more than list experiences—it tells a coherent story about why you belong in OB GYN and how you have prepared for this specialty.

As a US citizen IMG, you start with some built‑in advantages—citizenship simplifies visa issues—but you also face unique hurdles: unfamiliar medical school names, differing clinical structures, and sometimes fewer home‑institution connections. Thoughtful, strategic CV building can help neutralize those challenges and highlight your strengths.

This article walks through how to build a CV for residency in OB GYN with a specific focus on the US citizen IMG pathway. You’ll find detailed residency CV tips, section‑by‑section guidance, and examples tailored to obstetrics and gynecology.

---

Core Principles: What OB GYN Programs Look For on Your CV

Before editing line by line, step back and understand what OB GYN programs are actually scanning for on an applicant’s CV. Most reviewers skim quickly, so you must make it easy for them to see what they want.

1. Demonstrated Commitment to OB GYN

Programs look for clear, longitudinal interest:

• OB GYN electives and sub‑internships (especially in the US)
• Women’s health, maternal–fetal health, or reproductive health research
• OB GYN interest group leadership or involvement
• Volunteer or advocacy work focused on women’s health, reproductive justice, or underserved obstetric populations
• Shadowing, externships, or observerships in OB GYN

Action step: If your experiences are scattered, emphasize the OB GYN–relevant parts in your descriptions and group related activities in a way that makes your interest obvious.

2. Clinical Readiness and US Clinical Exposure

For a US citizen IMG, programs want reassurance that you can function in a US hospital environment:

• US clinical experience (USCE): electives, sub‑I’s, acting internships, or hands‑on clerkships
• Strong letters usually come from these rotations, but your CV must show where they happened and what you did
• Exposure to inpatient OB, L&D, gynecologic surgery, and clinics is especially valuable

Action step: Make sure all US rotations are clearly labeled and easy to find. Many programs will skim your CV specifically to see where and how much USCE you’ve had.

3. Evidence of Work Ethic, Reliability, and Team Skills

OB GYN is demanding. Programs look for:

• Sustained, long‑term commitments (e.g., 2+ years in a volunteer role or leadership position)
• Roles that show responsibility and teamwork: class representative, teaching assistant, committee work
• Experiences that require night shifts, on‑call work, or high‑stress environments (ED, L&D, ICU, etc.)

Action step: Frame experiences to highlight teamwork, responsibility, and follow‑through, not just tasks.

4. Academic and Research Engagement

Not every resident must be a prolific researcher, but OB GYN is a field with strong academic and quality‑improvement traditions. Programs value:

• Research in OB GYN, women’s health, or related fields (family planning, oncology, endocrinology, neonatology)
• Quality improvement/projects in obstetrics or gynecology (e.g., hemorrhage protocols, prenatal care access)
• Presentations at local, regional, or national meetings
• Publications, case reports, or book chapters

Action step: If your research is not in OB GYN, highlight transferable skills: data analysis, QI methodology, literature review, patient safety, etc.

---

Structuring Your OB GYN Residency CV: Section‑by‑Section

Whether your CV appears in ERAS format or as an uploaded PDF, a logical structure makes it easier for reviewers to extract what they need. Below is a common and effective order for an OB GYN residency CV for a US citizen IMG.

1. Contact Information and Identification

This section should be instantly clear and simple.

Include:

• Full name (as it appears in ERAS)
• Current email (professional address)
• Phone number (US number if possible)
• Mailing address (US address if you have one)
• Citizenship: “US citizen” or “US permanent resident”
• ECFMG certification status and USMLE status if space allows in a brief line

Example:

John A. Smith, MD (Expected 2026)
US Citizen IMG – American studying abroad at XYZ University School of Medicine
Email: john.smith.md@gmail.com | Phone: +1 (555) 123‑4567 | Current Address: Boston, MA
ECFMG Certification: Anticipated June 2026 | USMLE Step 1: Passed; Step 2 CK: Pending

For a US citizen IMG, citizenship at the top instantly reassures programs about visa issues.

2. Education

List in reverse chronological order:

• Medical school: name + country
• Degree and expected or actual graduation date
• Undergraduate institution and degree
• Optional: relevant graduate degrees (MPH, MS, PhD)

Tips for US citizen IMG:

• Clearly label your school as an international institution:
  “XYZ University School of Medicine, Country (International Medical School)”
• If your school is less familiar, include basic details or affiliations in your ERAS application, not necessarily on the CV, to conserve space.

Example:

Education
XYZ University School of Medicine, City, Country
Doctor of Medicine (MD Equivalent), Expected June 2026

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Cum Laude, May 2020

3. Examination and Certification (Optional on CV, Required in ERAS)

Most of this lives in ERAS, but some programs appreciate a concise summary on the PDF CV, especially when screening quickly.

Include:

• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK (and Step 3 if taken) – status or scores if you choose to list
• ECFMG certification status
• Other certifications relevant to OB GYN: NRP, BLS, ACLS, ALSO (Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics) if applicable

Example:

Licensure & Certification
USMLE Step 1 – Pass (2023)
USMLE Step 2 CK – 245 (2024)
ECFMG Certification – Pending (All exams completed; documentation in process)
BLS (American Heart Association), Expires 2026
NRP Provider, Expires 2026

4. Clinical Experience (Core Rotations and Electives)

For OB GYN programs, this is one of the most critical sections. Distinguish between:

• Core clerkships (at your home or affiliated hospitals)
• US clinical experience (USCE) (especially OB GYN‑related sub‑I’s and electives)
• Observerships (if they are your only US exposure, label clearly as observational)

Structure:

• Institution, city, state/country
• Dates
• Role (Medical Student, Sub‑Intern, Visiting Student)
• Specialty and type (e.g., OB GYN Sub‑Internship, Labor & Delivery)
• 2–4 bullet points emphasizing responsibilities and relevant skills

Example for US OB GYN elective:

Clinical Experience
Visiting Sub‑Intern, Obstetrics & Gynecology
ABC University Medical Center, Department of OB GYN, New York, NY, USA
August–September 2025

• Managed 6–8 inpatients daily on the OB service under senior resident supervision, including antepartum and postpartum care.
• Performed pelvic exams, Pap smears, and assisted with bedside procedures such as IUD insertions.
• Participated actively in cesarean deliveries and vaginal births, assisting with suturing and documentation.
• Presented daily patient updates on labor and delivery rounds and contributed to multidisciplinary care planning.

Key residency CV tips for this section:

• Highlight USCE prominently. As an American studying abroad, US rotations are a major strength—place them near the top of this section.
• When describing non‑OB rotations, emphasize overlapping skills: procedures, high‑acuity care, communication with patients and families, multidisciplinary teams.
• Avoid vague bullets like “observed patient care.” Demonstrate action and responsibility: “obtained focused obstetric histories,” “counseled patients on postpartum contraception under supervision,” etc.

---

Showcasing OB GYN‑Focused Involvement: Research, Leadership, and Service

This is where you prove your identity as a future obstetrician‑gynecologist, not just a generic medical graduate.

1. Research Experience

For a US citizen IMG, strong research can elevate your application, especially if your school is less known. Focus less on quantity and more on depth, role, and relevance.

Include:

• Position/title (e.g., Research Assistant, Student Investigator)
• Institution and department
• Dates
• Mentor name (optional but helpful if mentor is known in the field)
• 3–5 bullets emphasizing:
  • Your specific role (designed survey, did chart reviews, data analysis, etc.)
  • OB GYN or women’s health focus
  • Outcomes (abstracts, posters, manuscripts, quality‑improvement changes)

Example:

Research Experience
Student Research Assistant, Maternal–Fetal Medicine
XYZ University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, City, Country
January 2024 – Present

• Conducting retrospective chart review on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and postpartum readmission rates.
• Performing data extraction and entry for 250+ patients using REDCap, ensuring data quality and completeness.
• Drafted an abstract accepted for poster presentation at the International Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2025.
• Collaborated with residents to develop a proposal for a QI project targeting postpartum BP follow‑up compliance.

If your research is outside OB GYN, connect the dots:

• Emphasize epidemiology, statistics, patient safety, surgical outcomes, or chronic disease management in women.
• Mention transferable skills: “multivariate regression,” “chart review methodology,” “IRB application process,” etc.

2. Publications and Presentations

Even if limited, list them clearly in standard citation format. Divide into:

• Peer‑reviewed publications
• Submitted manuscripts
• Abstracts and posters
• Oral presentations

Example:

Publications & Presentations
Smith J, Lee A, et al. “Postpartum Hypertension and 30‑Day Readmissions in a Tertiary Care Center.” Journal of Maternal‑Fetal Medicine (Under Review, 2025).

Smith J, Patel R, et al. “Improving Rates of Early Postpartum BP Monitoring.” Poster presented at the International Congress of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2025.

For an OB GYN residency CV, even a single well‑presented poster in women’s health can significantly strengthen your academic profile.

3. Leadership and Teaching

OB GYN residents teach medical students, counsel patients, and often assume early leadership roles. Show that you’re ready.

Possible entries:

• OB GYN interest group officer
• Class representative or student government
• Peer tutor or teaching assistant in anatomy, reproduction, or clinical skills
• Workshop organizer (e.g., “Pap smear skills workshop for junior students”)

Example:

Leadership & Teaching
President, Obstetrics & Gynecology Student Interest Group
XYZ University School of Medicine, 2023–2025

• Organized 10+ events including faculty panels, labor & delivery shadowing nights, and a suturing skills workshop.
• Coordinated a mentorship program pairing 30 pre‑clinical students with OB GYN residents and faculty.
• Led a team of 5 officers to secure funding for simulation sessions focused on obstetric emergencies.

4. Volunteer and Advocacy Work

OB GYN as a specialty emphasizes advocacy, equity, and patient‑centered care. Volunteer roles are particularly meaningful if they align with:

• Women’s health education
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Prenatal/postnatal support
• Underserved or immigrant populations

Example:

Volunteer Experience
Health Educator, Women’s Community Health Initiative
City, State, USA | 2022–2024

• Provided bilingual (English/Spanish) education sessions on contraception, prenatal care, and postpartum depression in community centers.
• Helped develop culturally sensitive educational materials on healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Collaborated with OB GYN physicians and social workers to connect high‑risk pregnant patients with local resources.

These entries reinforce your genuine commitment to the patient populations central to OB GYN.

---

Tailoring Your CV as a US Citizen IMG: Strategies and Common Pitfalls

Being a US citizen IMG changes how programs interpret your CV. You can use this to your advantage while avoiding common missteps.

1. Leverage Your Dual Identity: “US Citizen, International Perspective”

As an American studying abroad, you can frame your background as:

• Culturally adaptable and comfortable with diverse health systems
• Able to communicate with patients from varied backgrounds
• Skilled at navigating resource‑limited settings (if applicable)

Subtly emphasize:

• Multilingual abilities
• Work with international or underserved populations
• Adaptation to different clinical workflows

Example bullet:
“Provided prenatal counseling in both English and Spanish to immigrant patients in a safety‑net clinic, integrating perspectives from my international medical education.”

2. Make US Clinical Experience Impossible to Miss

Some reviewers skim only for USCE. To ensure your US experience stands out:

• Place US OB GYN electives and sub‑I’s near the top of the Clinical Experience section.
• Use “USA” in the location line: “Boston, MA, USA.”
• Use bullets that demonstrate hands‑on, supervised tasks (not just observation).

Avoid:

• Burying your best US rotations below long lists of early pre‑clinical activities.
• Using the same language for observerships and hands‑on rotations. Be honest and specific.

3. Address Gaps or Non‑Traditional Timelines Proactively

If you took extra time during medical school—for exams, research, illness, family reasons—programs will notice the timeline. The CV alone doesn’t explain reasons, but it can:

• Show that gaps were used productively (research, additional degrees, clinical work)
• Demonstrate continuity of engagement in medicine and/or OB GYN

Example:

2022–2023: Research year in maternal‑fetal medicine (see research section) – full‑time involvement during this period.

Save detailed explanations for the personal statement or ERAS text boxes, but avoid unexplained blank years on the CV.

4. Avoid Overloading and Irrelevant Detail

Many US citizen IMGs try to compensate by listing every minor experience. This can backfire.

Cut or de‑emphasize:

• Short‑term, unrelated activities (e.g., 1‑day volunteer fairs)
• Non‑medical jobs unless they significantly highlight responsibility, leadership, or unique skills
• High school achievements (not relevant for residency)

Instead, focus on:

• Depth (long‑term involvement over multiple years)
• Leadership progression (member → officer → president)
• Clear connection to medicine or OB GYN

5. Professional Formatting and Consistency

A polished format signals professionalism and attention to detail.

Checklist:

• Use consistent date format (e.g., “Aug 2023 – May 2024” throughout)
• Align text neatly; keep margins and fonts uniform
• Bold titles consistently (e.g., roles and institutions)
• Avoid clutter (excessive underlining, colors, or fancy fonts)
• Save as PDF if uploading outside ERAS to preserve formatting

For ERAS specifically, follow the built‑in structure but prepare a clean, parallel PDF CV for networking, away rotations, and faculty mentors.

---

Putting It All Together: Step‑by‑Step Plan to Build Your OB GYN CV

If you’re early in medical school or midway through, this is how to build a CV for residency in OB GYN strategically as a US citizen IMG.

MS1–MS2 (Pre‑Clinical Years)

Focus on foundations and early alignment:

1. Join or start an OB GYN interest group at your medical school or online if your school lacks one.
2. Find a mentor in OB GYN—even remotely at a US institution—who can advise on research and rotations.
3. Start small research or QI involvement in women’s health or reproductive medicine if possible.
4. Begin community service related to women’s health or underserved populations.
5. Keep a log of all activities with dates and contact persons to make later CV writing easier.

MS3 (Core Clinical Year)

Strengthen your clinical and OB GYN story:

1. Aim to perform strongly in your OB GYN core rotation; ask for mid‑rotation feedback.
2. Seek opportunities to present a case or mini‑presentation during your rotation.
3. If possible, start planning US clinical electives in OB GYN for MS4, including required paperwork and ECFMG processes.
4. Document procedures, cases, and experiences—these will inform both your CV and personal statement.

MS4 (Clinical Electives and Application Year)

Now you’re directly building your obstetrics match profile:

1. Schedule US OB GYN sub‑I’s or electives at programs where you may apply. Prioritize:
   • Academic centers with strong OB and GYN exposure
   • Programs known to be IMG‑friendly
2. During rotations, take initiative:
   • Volunteer to present on rounds
   • Ask to assist in surgeries and deliveries
   • Seek feedback from residents and attendings
3. After rotations, request letters of recommendation early while impressions are fresh.
4. Update your CV immediately with:
   • New USCE
   • Any ongoing or completed OB GYN research
   • Recent presentations or posters
5. Ask a trusted mentor or advisor to review your CV specifically for OB GYN and for the perspective of a US citizen IMG.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Should I create a separate CV outside of ERAS if I’m applying to OB GYN?

Yes. While ERAS collects your data in a structured format, having a well‑formatted PDF CV is extremely useful. You can send it to:

• Faculty writing letters of recommendation
• Program coordinators who request additional documents
• Networking contacts or mentors at conferences

Ensure the information matches ERAS, but you can organize it more strategically to emphasize your OB GYN focus and US clinical experience.

2. How much research do I need on my CV to match into OB GYN as a US citizen IMG?

There is no strict minimum, but at least one to two tangible scholarly outputs (poster, abstract, or manuscript) in OB GYN or women’s health can noticeably strengthen your application. If OB GYN‑specific research isn’t feasible, any serious research project that shows sustained involvement and analytic skills is helpful. Emphasize your role and what you learned rather than just listing titles.

3. Is non‑OB GYN volunteer work worth including on my residency CV?

Yes, if it demonstrates relevant qualities:

• Long‑term commitment
• Work with underserved populations
• Leadership or coordination responsibilities
• Teaching or counseling skills

If the link to OB GYN is not obvious, briefly highlight transferable skills (e.g., “developed strong counseling skills supporting patients and families during difficult diagnoses”).

4. How can I explain a non‑traditional path or gap years on my CV?

Use your CV to show structured activity during those periods, such as:

• Full‑time research roles
• Additional degrees or certifications
• Clinical or public health work
• Family responsibilities combined with part‑time academic or volunteer work

Keep the CV factual (“2022–2023: Research fellow in maternal–fetal medicine”), and provide more detail or context in the personal statement or ERAS gap explanation, focusing on growth, resilience, and readiness for residency.

---

By building your CV deliberately over time—and tailoring it to highlight your identity as a US citizen IMG committed to obstetrics & gynecology—you transform your experiences into a compelling narrative. Programs should be able to glance at your CV and see, within seconds, a future OB GYN resident who is academically prepared, clinically experienced in US settings, and deeply invested in the care of women and birthing people.