Essential Guide to Building Your CV for Emergency Medicine Residency

Why Your CV Matters So Much in Emergency Medicine

Emergency medicine (EM) is fast-paced, competitive, and increasingly popular. Programs know that many applicants will have strong scores and good letters. Your CV is one of the few tools that lets them quickly understand who you are, what you’ve done, and how you might fit into their program.

In the EM match, program directors typically skim a CV in under a minute on first pass. They’re asking:

• Does this applicant show sustained engagement with emergency medicine?
• Have they taken initiative—research, leadership, teaching, or quality projects?
• Is there progression and responsibility over time?
• Does anything raise concerns: long gaps, frequent changes, unprofessional formatting?

This guide focuses on how to build a strong medical student CV for emergency medicine residency, and how to present it effectively. You’ll find detailed residency CV tips, examples, and a section-by-section breakdown tailored specifically to EM.

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The Anatomy of an Excellent EM Residency CV

Before you can improve your CV, you need to understand what an excellent one looks like.

Core Sections for an EM Residency CV

For emergency medicine, a well-organized medical student CV typically includes:

1. Contact Information
2. Education
3. USMLE/COMLEX and Other Exams (optional if using ERAS to carry this)
4. Clinical Experience & Clerkships
5. Emergency Medicine–Specific Experience
6. Research & Scholarly Activity
7. Leadership & Service
8. Teaching & Mentoring
9. Awards & Honors
10. Professional Memberships
11. Skills & Certifications
12. Personal Interests (brief)

Your ERAS application automatically captures much of this, but you’ll still often be asked for a separate CV for:

• Visiting EM rotations / sub-internships
• Away rotation applications (VSLO)
• Research/mentorship positions
• Scholarship or grant applications
• Updates to program coordinators if major achievements occur after ERAS submission

A polished, standalone CV is therefore essential.

Key Principles for EM CV Formatting

• Length: 2–3 pages for a typical EM applicant is appropriate.
• Font & layout: Clean and readable (e.g., 11–12 pt Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman, with consistent spacing and heading styles).
• Chronology: Use reverse chronological order within each section (most recent first).
• Consistency: Dates, city/state formatting, bullet style, and verb tense should be uniform.
• Professionalism: No photos, no colored graphics, no personal demographic details beyond contact info.

Example: Basic Header

John A. Smith, MS4
Email: john.smith@medschool.edu | Phone: (555) 123-4567
Address: 100 Med School Way, City, ST 12345
ERAS AAMC ID: 12345678

This appears clean, concise, and professional—exactly what EM program directors expect.

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Step-by-Step: How to Build Your CV for Emergency Medicine

This section walks through each part of your residency CV with concrete examples and EM-specific advice.

1. Education

Include:

• Medical school, degree, anticipated graduation date
• Undergraduate institution(s), degree(s), graduation date(s)
• Advanced degrees (MPH, MBA, MS, PhD) if applicable

Example:

Education
M.D. Candidate, May 2026
State University School of Medicine, City, ST

B.S., Biology, magna cum laude, May 2022
Regional University, City, ST

You don’t need to list high school. GPA and class rank are optional; include only if they strengthen your application and are allowed by your institution.

2. Exams (USMLE/COMLEX and Others)

Many applicants don’t include scores on a submitted ERAS CV, but you may on standalone CVs for away rotations or research. If you list scores, do so succinctly and honestly.

Example:

Standardized Examinations
USMLE Step 1: Pass (February 2024)
USMLE Step 2 CK: 245 (Expected July 2025)

If your school uses NBME or in-house exams that matter (e.g., EM shelf honor scores) you may list particularly strong results, but don’t clutter this section.

3. Clinical Experience and Clerkships

Your core rotations show broad preparation; however, EM programs often focus on:

• Performance on EM rotations (home and away)
• Evidence of responsibility, teamwork, work ethic
• Exposure to acute care (ICU, trauma, etc.)

You don’t have to list every rotation. Highlight the ones most relevant or those where you had notable roles.

Example:

Clinical Clerkships
Emergency Medicine Sub-Internship, County Medical Center, City, ST
July–August 2025

• Managed 6–8 patients per shift under supervision, focusing on undifferentiated chest pain, sepsis, and trauma.
• Performed procedures including laceration repairs, splinting, incision and drainage, and fracture reductions.
• Presented daily focused case discussions highlighting differential diagnosis and ED disposition decision-making.

Internal Medicine, State University Hospital, City, ST
January–February 2025

• Led daily pre-rounding and oral presentations on a 10-patient panel.
• Participated in multidisciplinary rounds with emphasis on transitions of care and ED-to-inpatient handoffs.

Focus your bullets on roles, responsibilities, and skills, not just tasks:

• Managed → shows ownership
• Led → shows leadership
• Performed → shows hands-on care
• Collaborated → shows teamwork

4. Emergency Medicine–Specific Experience

This is where you distinguish yourself as an EM applicant.

Include:

• EM interest group roles
• EM shadowing (substantive >5–10 shifts)
• Pre-hospital exposure (EMS ride-alongs, EMT work, disaster response)
• Toxicology, ultrasound, disaster medicine experiences
• ED volunteer work with meaningful responsibilities

Example:

Emergency Medicine Experience

EM Sub-Internship Student, County Medical Center ED, City, ST
July–August 2025

• See “Clinical Clerkships” section above.

Student Volunteer, Emergency Department, City General Hospital, City, ST
September 2022–May 2023

• Assisted nurses and ED techs with patient transport, basic patient comfort measures, and restocking critical supplies.
• Observed ED workflow, triage processes, and interprofessional communication during high-acuity cases.

EMT-B, City EMS, City, ST
June 2020–August 2022

• Responded to over 250 911 calls in an urban setting, providing pre-hospital assessment and basic life support.
• Collaborated with paramedics and ED staff to ensure seamless care transitions.

For the EM match, tangible pre-hospital or ED experience signals that you understand (and still want) the real-world pace and environment of emergency medicine.

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Research, Leadership, and Teaching: High-Yield Areas for EM Applicants

Programs know that not every applicant will have a first-author EM publication. They’re looking for evidence of curiosity, initiative, and follow-through, regardless of topic.

1. Research & Scholarly Activity

Include:

• Clinical research (EM or non-EM)
• Quality improvement (QI) projects
• Case reports and series
• Educational projects (curriculum development, simulations)
• Posters, presentations, and manuscripts (published, accepted, or in preparation)

Format suggestions:

• Separate “Publications” and “Presentations” if you have enough content.
• Use standard citation format, consistent throughout.
• Indicate your role and status (published, accepted, submitted, in preparation).

Example:

Research and Scholarly Activity

Smith J, Lee A, Your Name, et al. “Outcomes of Telemedicine Triage in Urban Emergency Departments.” Annals of Emergency Medicine. Accepted, In Press (2025).

Your Name, Patel R, Gomez L. “Implementation of a Sepsis Alert Protocol in a Community ED: A Quality Improvement Initiative.” Poster presented at Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Annual Meeting, Austin, TX (May 2024).

Quality Improvement Project Lead, State University Hospital ED, City, ST
August 2023–April 2024

• Led a multidisciplinary QI project to reduce door-to-antibiotic time for suspected sepsis.
• Collected and analyzed pre- and post-intervention data showing a 25% reduction in median time to antibiotics.
• Developed a standardized triage protocol and provider alert, now incorporated into ED workflow.

If you’re early in research:

• Focus on process and skills (data collection, chart review, literature review, IRB submission).
• Clearly label status: “In preparation” is acceptable if the work is genuine and ongoing.

2. Leadership & Service Experience

Leadership is highly valued in emergency medicine due to the specialty’s emphasis on team coordination and crisis management.

Include:

• Positions in student government, EM interest group, free clinics, or community organizations.
• Longitudinal roles with increased responsibility.
• Projects that improved systems or created new initiatives.

Example:

Leadership and Service

President, Emergency Medicine Interest Group
State University School of Medicine
April 2024–Present

• Organized monthly EM skills workshops (airway management, ultrasound, EKG interpretation) attended by 40–60 students per session.
• Coordinated a mentorship program pairing 30 pre-clinical students with EM residents and attendings.
• Secured $2,000 in funding for simulation-based education events.

Coordinator, Student-Run Free Clinic, City, ST
September 2022–June 2023

• Scheduled volunteer teams and managed clinic flow for weekly evening sessions.
• Implemented a standardized triage form that improved documentation consistency and reduced patient wait times.

Programs are looking for impact, not just titles. Strong bullets emphasize:

• What you initiated, improved, or built
• Outcomes (numbers, participation, changes in practice)
• Teamwork and communication

3. Teaching & Mentorship

EM is a teaching-heavy specialty—residents supervise students, junior residents, and other learners.

Include:

• Peer tutoring
• TA roles
• Skills workshops you led (e.g., suturing, ultrasound)
• Near-peer mentorship programs

Example:

Teaching Experience

Small Group Facilitator, Clinical Skills Course
State University School of Medicine
August 2023–May 2024

• Co-facilitated weekly clinical skills sessions for first-year medical students, focusing on history-taking, physical exam, and oral case presentations.
• Provided formative feedback on communication, professionalism, and clinical reasoning.

Peer Tutor, USMLE Step 1 Review
January–June 2023

• Tutored 5 first- and second-year students weekly in biochemistry and physiology, with all tutees achieving passing Step 1 scores.

Highlight how you explain complex information clearly, give feedback, and adapt to learners—skills EM programs want in future residents.

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Skills, Certifications, and Personal Interests: Small Sections, Big Impact

These sections are short but can differentiate you, especially when programs interview many applicants with very similar backgrounds.

1. Skills & Certifications

For EM, emphasize:

• Procedural and clinical skills (appropriate for your training level)
• Languages
• Technical skills (data analysis, ultrasound software, simulation tools)
• Relevant certifications

Example:

Skills and Certifications

• Languages: Fluent in Spanish (native speaker); basic medical Mandarin.
• Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS (current); EMT-B (2020–2022).
• Technical: REDCap, SPSS, Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, data visualization).
• Clinical: Performed >50 laceration repairs, >30 splints/casts, >100 IV/venipuncture procedures under supervision.

Use numbers when you can do so honestly; they give a sense of scope and experience. Don’t overstate independent practice level—always clarify “under supervision” as a medical student.

2. Professional Memberships

This is straightforward but worth including, particularly for EM.

Example:

Professional Memberships

• American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), Medical Student Member, 2023–Present
• Emergency Medicine Residents’ Association (EMRA), Medical Student Member, 2023–Present
• American Medical Association (AMA), 2022–Present

Memberships signal engagement with the specialty and broader profession.

3. Awards & Honors

Awards show recognition by others—important in a crowded EM match.

Include:

• Academic honors (AOA, Gold Humanism, Dean’s List)
• Scholarship awards
• Service or leadership recognitions
• Peer-selected awards

Example:

Awards and Honors

• Gold Humanism Honor Society, Inducted 2025
• EM Interest Group Outstanding Leadership Award, 2024
• Dean’s List, Regional University, 2019–2022

Keep this section concise and focused on significant recognitions.

4. Personal Interests

Program directors often read this section closely—it helps them picture you as a colleague and can spark interview conversation.

Tips:

• Be specific (not just “sports” or “travel”).
• Include 3–5 interests.
• It’s fine if they’re unrelated to medicine.

Example:

Personal Interests

• Trail running and half-marathon racing
• Home coffee roasting and pour-over brewing
• Playing guitar in a local community band
• Wilderness camping and backcountry navigation

Avoid controversial topics and refrain from exaggeration; you may be asked detailed questions about anything you list.

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Strategic CV Building Timeline for EM: MS1–MS4

CV building is not just about formatting; it’s about planning your experiences over time so your CV tells a coherent story by application season.

MS1: Laying the Foundation

Focus:

• Academic adjustment and strong basic science performance
• Exploring interest in EM without overcommitting early

Actions:

• Join the EM interest group and attend events.
• Shadow in the ED a few times to confirm interest.
• Start light volunteering (free clinic, EMS, community outreach).
• Consider summer research, ideally EM-related if opportunities exist.

CV moves:

• Start a running document to log activities, dates, and contacts.
• Capture concrete details (hours, responsibilities, outcomes) while fresh.

MS2: Building Early EM Engagement

Focus:

• USMLE/COMLEX preparation and success
• Deeper involvement in 1–2 areas rather than many shallow roles

Actions:

• Take a small leadership role in the EM interest group or service organization.
• Continue or start a research or QI project.
• Maintain longitudinal volunteering if feasible.
• Seek near-peer mentoring or tutoring roles.

CV moves:

• Begin shaping EM-specific experience and leadership sections.
• Document research progress (IRB approvals, data collection, abstract submissions).

MS3: Clinical Performance and EM Exposure

Focus:

• Shine on core rotations—especially EM, internal medicine, surgery, and ICU.
• Prioritize professionalism, teamwork, and feedback utilization.

Actions:

• Schedule your EM rotation when you can perform at your best (many choose mid-to-late MS3).
• Seek concrete responsibilities: procedures, presentations, small QI tasks.
• Ask EM faculty about opportunities for research, case reports, or presentations.
• Reflect on what kind of EM environment fits you (academic vs. community, county vs. private).

CV moves:

• Strong bullets for your EM rotation and key clerkships.
• Add any new presentations, posters, or awards.
• Update leadership experiences with impact and outcomes.

MS4: Polishing and Positioning for the EM Match

Focus:

• EM sub-internships (home and away rotations)
• Finalizing CV and ERAS content
• Solidifying relationships for SLOEs (Standardized Letters of Evaluation)

Actions:

• Complete at least one EM sub-I in an academic or county setting.
• Consider 1–2 away rotations if needed to broaden exposure or geography.
• Take on small projects that can be completed before ERAS submission (case reports, brief QI projects, workshops).
• Ask mentors or advisors to review your CV and provide specialty-specific feedback.

CV moves:

• Finalize all sections with polished language and consistent formatting.
• Prepare both an ERAS-focused experience set and a clean standalone CV.
• Be ready to send updated CVs to programs if you achieve major new milestones.

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Common CV Mistakes in EM—and How to Avoid Them

Even strong applicants undermine themselves with avoidable errors. Watch for these:

1. Overcrowded and Unfocused Content

Problem: Listing every activity, no matter how minor, can make your CV look unfocused and dilute your strongest experiences.

Solution:

• Prioritize activities with impact, longevity, and relevance.
• Group minor activities under umbrella headings (e.g., “Short-Term Volunteer Activities”).

2. Vague, Task-Only Bullet Points

Problem: “Helped with clinic tasks” tells programs nothing about your actual role or skills.

Solution:

Use action + context + outcome structure.

Weak:

• Helped run EM interest group meetings.

Stronger:

• Coordinated monthly EM interest group meetings, increasing average attendance from 15 to 40 students by introducing skills-based workshops.

3. Inflated or Misleading Descriptions

Problem: Overstating independence or experience can backfire—faculty will notice contradictions or ask questions during interviews.

Solution:

• Use accurate descriptors: “under supervision,” “assisted with,” “co-authored.”
• Be prepared to discuss any item in detail.

4. Typos, Inconsistency, and Sloppy Formatting

Problem: Spelling errors, inconsistent date formats, or mismatched fonts signal lack of attention to detail—unsettling in a specialty that relies on precision.

Solution:

• Proofread carefully; read aloud and print a copy for review.
• Use a single date format throughout (e.g., “June 2023–Present”).
• Ask a mentor, advisor, or friend to review specifically for formatting and errors.

5. Outdated or Non-Professional Email/Contact Info

Problem: Personal emails that seem unprofessional or phone numbers with inaccurate voicemail greetings are red flags.

Solution:

• Use a professional email (e.g., firstname.lastname@domain).
• Ensure your voicemail greeting is clear, brief, and professional.
• Check that your contact info is identical across CV, ERAS, and correspondence.

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Putting It All Together: A Coherent EM Story

The best emergency medicine residency CVs do more than list experiences—they tell a coherent, credible story:

• Early curiosity about EM → structured exposure (shadowing, ED volunteering)
• Growing involvement → EM interest group, EMS, QI project
• Increasing responsibility → leadership roles, teaching, research contributions
• Strong clinical foundation → solid performance on core rotations, EM sub-Is
• Evidence of EM-specific skills → procedural experience, acute care exposure

Ask yourself:

• If a program director only had my CV (no personal statement, no interview), what would they conclude about my fit for emergency medicine?
• Do my experiences show consistent interest and growth, or do they look scattered?
• Is there clear progression from participant → contributor → leader?

If you can answer those questions confidently, you’re on the right track.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long should my emergency medicine residency CV be?

For most EM applicants, 2–3 pages is appropriate. A single page is often too short to capture your clinical experiences, research, leadership, and service meaningfully, while more than three pages can feel unfocused unless you have substantial prior careers or multiple degrees. Focus on quality and clarity over sheer volume.

2. Do I need EM-specific research to match into emergency medicine?

No. EM-specific research is helpful but not mandatory. Many successful EM applicants have research in other fields (internal medicine, surgery, basic science). What matters more is that your research or scholarly work shows curiosity, perseverance, and the ability to complete projects. If you have a chance to join an EM project, great—but don’t panic if your research is in a different area.

3. Should I include experiences from before medical school on my CV?

Yes, selectively. Include pre-med experiences that are:

• Clinically relevant (e.g., EMT work, scribe, ED technician)
• Longitudinal (sustained over time)
• Significant in impact (major leadership, noteworthy awards)

Short-term shadowing or brief roles from many years ago can usually be omitted. If in doubt, include key pre-med experiences but keep the descriptions concise.

4. How is my CV different from the ERAS application, and do programs actually read it?

ERAS structures your experiences into predefined fields, while a standalone CV lets you present your narrative more flexibly and is often requested for:

• Away rotation applications
• Research positions
• Scholarship or award applications
• Occasional program-specific requests

Some EM programs will look primarily at ERAS, but others will review your CV—especially during away rotation selection or when faculty quickly skim applicants. It’s worth investing effort to ensure your CV is accurate, polished, and aligned with your EM story.

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By intentionally choosing your experiences and describing them clearly, you can turn your residency CV into a powerful asset in the EM match—one that shows programs you’re ready for the challenges and rewards of a career in emergency medicine.