Supporting UCR School of Medicine students from specialty exploration to residency match
Our office provides personalized career advising, residency planning, specialty exploration, workshops, and resources to help students make informed career decisions throughout medical school.
- For advising support: Schedule an Advising Appointment
What We Do
The Office of Career & Residency Advising (OCRA) provides personalized advising, resources, and programming to support medical students throughout every stage of their career development and residency preparation. From specialty exploration and career planning to residency application guidance, our team is committed to helping students make informed decisions and achieve their professional goals. Through one-on-one advising, workshops, specialty panels, and curated resources, we equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful transition into residency. Throughout the academic year, OCRA hosts annual signature events and monthly programs, including networking opportunities, specialty panels, residency application workshops, and career development sessions that connect students with faculty, residents, alumni, and program directors.
Career Advising
Explore your career path with personalized guidance from OCRA advisors. We provide support with specialty exploration, career planning, goal setting, and creating a personalized roadmap for your future in medicine.
Residency Advising
Navigate the residency application process with individualized advising and comprehensive support. From specialty selection and ERAS preparation to personal statements, interviews, and the Match process, OCRA is here to help you prepare for the next step in your medical career.
Career Development Resources
Access a collection of tools and resources to support your professional growth throughout medical school. Explore specialty profiles, career planning guides, workshops, advising materials, and other resources designed to help you make informed career decisions.
Events & Programming
OCRA offers a variety of annual signature events and monthly programs designed to support students throughout every stage of medical school. Signature events include:
- Speed Mentoring, in collaboration with the Riverside County Medical Association, for MS1 and MS2 students.
- Program Directors' Panel for MS3 and MS4 students.
- Specialty Roundtables from September - February.
- Residency application workshops to prepare for the Match process.
- Networking events with faculty, residencts, alumni, and program directors.
- Oppurtunity to learn from experiences physicians and educators while building meaningful connections.
Help Us Expand Our Network!
Know someone who may be interested in joining UCR SOM events—such as the Speed Mentoring Event, Program Directors’ Panel, or Virtual Specialty Roundtables? Share our interest survey and help us build meaningful connections that support our students.