The FAQs

We’ve compiled some questions commonly asked by those starting to develop and write their CV, including “how to get publications and presentations”, “importance of research” and “timing of CV development”.

1.When should I start thinking about writing or developing my CV?

It makes life easier later down the line the sooner you get your achievements on paper. Usually the motivation to write a CV comes from a time when you are forced to do it for an application that requires it. However, it does help if you already have one in the bank. In terms of developing the CV, there is a lot you can do at medical school to develop it when you start your clinical school years.  This will continue into F1/2 and beyond, so there is no rush to get everything done in 4th year but you can definitely make a start.

2.How important are posters, presentations and publications?

All this extra work isn’t really going to push up your exam marks and if anything, is going to take away revision time; so why do it? The altruistic reason should be because it adds value and progresses the field. But, let’s be real we all want something for ourselves. So, the main reason why posters, presentation and publications will benefit you is that they equate to formal points for applications including foundation and academic foundation programme application; (system explained in the next post). 

3.I don’t really care about research, do I still have to get involved?

The medical course includes some compulsory research, such as the 8-week Student Selected Component (SSC) in 4th year. There are key criteria that the clinical school want you to tick off as having done such as writing an abstract. As a bare minimum you will need to have done this checklist. In terms of CV building, if research isn’t your thing there are many other things you can do to tailor your CV to reflect your strengths. For example, getting involved in education and teaching students in the year below.

4.How can I get publications/ presentations?

There are plenty of opportunities on your SSC to do this. When choosing an SSC be clear about what you want to get out of it, be it clinical experience, research experience, publications, presentations or posters. Some supervisors will guarantee a high likelihood for publications for their students and many supervisors can offer projects for which there is scope for presenting at conferences.