Office of Career and Residency Advising (OCRA)

Your Match Starts Here

Career Advising Toolkit (CAT)

The Career Advising Toolkit provides medical students with resources to explore specialties, plan their career goals, prepare for residency applications, and navigate the Match process.

Each specialty toolkit includes advising resources, clinical guidance, and career development tools in one centralized location. These resources support students in making informed career decisions, developing specialty plans, and preparing for residency.

Specialty and Residency Resources

Explore resources designed to support medical students throughout their career development journey, including specialty exploration, residency preparation, and the Match process.

Specialty Roadmaps

Review a step-by-step overview of the pathway into a specialty. Specialty roadmaps highlight key milestones from medical school through residency training and future career opportunities.

OCRA Specialty Profiles

Explore specialty-specific opportunities, training experiences, and career information available through the UCR School of Medicine.

OCRA Fellowship Profiles

Learn about fellowship pathways and subspecialty opportunities available after completing residency training.

OCRA Specialty Bootcamp Videos

Watch specialty guidance videos featuring attending physicians and medical professionals. Topics include:

  • Preparing for sub-internships
  • Requesting letters of recommendation
  • Building a strong residency application
  • Preparing for residency interviews
  • Transitioning into residency training

Residency Application Resources

Access resources to support residency application planning and preparation, including:

  • MS3 and MS4 elective and rotation recommendations
  • Residency application timelines
  • Application planning guidance
  • Specialty-specific residency information
  • National recommendations and best practices from residency program organizations

Faculty and Student Support

Connect with faculty advisors, mentors, and student organizations for specialty guidance and career support.

Specialty Roundtable Recordings

View conversations with faculty members and trainees discussing specialty experiences, career pathways, and advice for medical students.

Clinical Faculty Advisors

Connect with specialty-specific faculty advisors for guidance and support throughout your career planning process.

Student Interest Groups

Explore specialty-focused student organizations and opportunities to connect with peers.

Match Data and Career Development Resources

Explore information and opportunities that support specialty decision-making and career preparation, including:

  • UCR School of Medicine Match outcomes
  • National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) Match data
  • Conferences and networking opportunities
  • Professional development activities
  • Specialty-specific research opportunities
  • Opportunities for student involvement
  • Program Director Panels featuring residency leaders and guidance for MS3 and MS4 students

Benefits of the Career Advising Toolkit

The Career Advising Toolkit helps medical students:

  • Explore specialty options
  • Connect with advisors and mentors
  • Understand residency pathways
  • Prepare competitive residency applications
  • Navigate the residency application and Match process