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MD Program

Career Planning Timeline

UNC School of Medicine Career Planning Roadmap / Timeline that aligns with medical education phases (Foundation → Application → Individualization) and supports career decision-making at each stage.

Focus: Self-assessment, exploration, and evaluating passions, principles, and skills.

  • New Student/MS1 Orientation, Fall Semester:
    • Attend Career Development at Carolina orientation session.
    • Familiarize yourself with the 4-phase career advising program/curriculum.
    • Complete self-assessment tools (focus on MSPI, PVIPS, AND PSI)
      • Students complete the Medical Student Preference Inventory assessment (MSPI) during Orientation session.
    • Explore AAMC Careers in Medicine (CiM) database.
    • Research Career Development at Carolina (CDAC) program and website – explore career advising resources.
    • Review Career Goal Advising website and resources (including Career Opportunity Services Sessions (COSS) and App Phase Career Day recordings, FAQs, Specialty Guides).
    • Schedule first meeting with College Advisor – continue to meet throughout medical school at least twice a year.
    • Attend Fall Career Opportunity Services Sessions for introductions to specialties and Career Goal Advisors.
  • MS1 / Spring Semester:
    • Attend specialty exploration panels & lunch-and-learns.
    • Begin informational interviews with faculty and residents.
    • Participate in shadowing or short specialty experiences.
    • Attend Larry Keith Advisory College Lunches with Advisors.
    • Attend Spring Career Opportunity Services Sessions (COSS) for introductions to specialties and Career Goal Advisors.
  • MS2/ Fall Semester:
    • Attend Career Development at Carolina orientation session – Careers in Medicine Scavenger Hunt.
    • Consider research or community projects in potential areas of interest.
    • Begin developing your professional portfolio (CV, activity log).
    • Attend Fall Career Opportunity Services Sessions (COSS)
    • Attend Larry Keith Advisory College Lunches with Advisors.
    • Review USMLE Step 1 preparation plan with advisors and Office of Academic Excellence (OAE) – must have passing score before entering Application phase
    • Update CV and portfolio with clinical/research experiences.

Focus: Narrowing specialty interests and preparing for residency application requirements.

  • Early Year 3:
    • Complete clinical rotations in a broad range of specialties.
    • Keep a reflection journal on clinical experiences to help clarify fit.
    • Seek mentorship from faculty in top interest areas.
    • Attend Career Development Series, including Career Day with Specialty Breakout Sessions, Individualization Phase Scheduling, Introduction to the Match, and Individualization Phase student panel.
    • Review timeline for residency application process.
    • Connect and regularly meet with Campus Advisor if attending a regional campus
  • Mid-Year 3:
    • Reassess career preferences with Career Goal Advisor.
    • Begin targeted electives or sub-internships.
    • Identify research, leadership, or service activities to strengthen application.
    • MS4 elective planning (Sep/Oct)
    • Continue to attend Career Development Series
      • Meetings include:
        • Writing CV, personal statement, noteworthy characteristics, MSPE process and components, LoR’s
        • Competitive Specialty Advice, LOA/Additional Degrees/Research Leave, VSLO/away rotations, PD Panel
        • Careers in Medicine, Texas STAR, Signaling, Interviewing
        • Dean Drop In Hours with regional campuses
      • Introduction to the Match
      • Individualization Phase scheduling

Focus: Finalizing specialty choice, applying, and matching.

  • Early Year 4:
    • Finalize specialty choice and parallel plan.
    • Select programs and create application timeline.
    • Draft and refine personal statement.
    • Secure letters of recommendation.
    • Overview and timeline for residency application process
      • ERAS, SFmatch, Urology, ResidencyCAS, Military
    • Take the USMLE Step 2 exam – must have passing score before November 1 to participate in residency matching programs
  • Summer–Fall Year 4:
    • Submit residency application by recommended UNC deadline.
    • Participate in mock interviews with Career Development team.
    • Track interviews
  • Winter Year 4:
    • Submit Rank Order List for the Match.
    • Prepare for possible SOAP process – attend workshops.
  • Spring Year 4:
    • Celebrate Match Day!
    • Complete transition-to-residency curriculum.
  • Regularly meet with your College Advisor (recommended at least twice per year).
  • Regularly meet with your Career Goal Advisor.
  • Starting in Application phase, regularly meet with Campus Advisor if attending a regional campus.
  • Maintain CV and professional portfolio.
  • Attend skill-building workshops (CV writing, interviewing, networking).
  • Participate in career fairs and specialty-specific interest groups.
  • Attend class meetings.
  • Exploration of Student Engagement Opportunities, Curricular Pathway Programs, Academic Assistance & Advising Resources