MS1: Career Exploration & Foundation
Welcome to MS1
Welcome to your first year of medical school! The Office of Career and Residency Advising (OCRA) is here to support you as you begin exploring medical specialties, developing your professional identity, and planning for your future career. During your first year, your primary focus should be on building a strong academic foundation while taking advantage of opportunities to learn about the many career paths available in medicine.
Throughout MS1, students are encouraged to begin exploring their career interests and gaining an understanding of different medical specialties. OCRA provides guidance, advising, and resources to help you identify areas of interest, connect with mentors, and make informed decisions as you begin shaping your career pathway.
MS1 Career Advising Curriculum
The OCRA Career Advising Curriculum consists of three key components designed to support students throughout their medical training: Workshops, Resources, and Career Advising. During MS1, students are introduced to specialty exploration, career planning tools, and opportunities to connect with advisors and mentors.
Workshops
Throughout MS1, OCRA offers workshops designed to support career exploration, professional development, and preparation for future residency planning. Early career advising focuses on understanding different specialties, developing professional skills, and building a foundation for informed career decisions.
- MS1 Orientation
- Introduction to OCRA resources and career advising services.
- Habits of Successfully Matched Students
- Learn strategies and practices that contribute to successful residency preparation, including insights on professional development, career planning, and preparing for the residency application process.
- Introduction to AAMC Careers in Medicine Assessments
- Explore the AAMC Careers in Medicine assessment tool designed to help identify specialty interests.
- CV Workshop
- Learn how to develop and maintain a strong curriculum vitae.
- Introduction to CV Workshop Video
- Cover Letter & CV Follow-Up Workshop Video
- OCRA CV Workshop
- CV Template
- Summer Experiences
- Explore opportunities for research, clinical experiences, mentorship, and professional growth.
- Speed Mentoring with Riverside County Medical Association (RCMA)
- Connect with physicians and mentors across different specialties.
- Monthly Specialty Roundtables
- Engage with physicians through monthly Zoom-based discussions to explore specialty pathways and learn about different career opportunities in medicine.
Resources
OCRA provides resources to help students explore specialties, understand career pathways, and make informed decisions. These resources include UCR School of Medicine-specific information as well as national career planning tools.
Specialty Profiles
Specialty Profiles provide UCR School of Medicine-specific data and information about different specialties, including residency match information from UCR alumni. These profiles help students explore specialty characteristics and understand potential career pathways.
AAMC Careers in Medicine
The AAMC Careers in Medicine resources provide tools to help students explore specialties and understand how their interests, values, and experiences align with different areas of medicine.
Physician Values in Practice (PVIP) Assessment
The Physician Values in Practice (PVIP) assessment is a 150-item questionnaire designed to measure preferences, experiences, and interests in medicine. Results can be compared across 16 medical specialties to help students identify areas that may align with their interests.
Career Advising
OCRA provides individualized career advising to support students as they explore medical specialties, identify opportunities, and develop a personalized career pathway. Throughout MS1, students are encouraged to connect with their career advisor for guidance, mentorship, and support as they begin navigating their career interests.
MS1 Career Advisor
Humberto Santiago
MS1 Career Advisor
Humberto works with MS1 students to provide guidance on specialty exploration, career planning, mentorship opportunities, and professional development. Students are encouraged to meet with Humberto throughout the year to discuss their interests, questions, and goals.
MS1 Career Planning Timeline
July–August: Getting Started
- Learn about OCRA career advising resources and services.
- Schedule an introductory meeting with an OCRA Career Advisor.
- Begin exploring medical specialties and career pathways.
- Create or update your CV.
September–November: Exploring Career Interests
- Complete career exploration tools.
- Attend specialty exploration events and physician panels.
- Connect with mentors and physicians.
- Explore research, and professional development opportunities.
December–February: Building Connections
- Continue exploring specialties and clinical interests.
- Participate in mentorship opportunities.
- Reflect on career goals and values.
- Meet with OCRA for guidance.
March–May: Planning Ahead
- Review your career exploration progress.
- Update your CV.
- Identify goals for MS2.
- Continue developing mentorship relationships.
June–July: Reflection and Preparation
- Reflect on your experiences and interests.
- Prepare for continued career exploration.
- Identify areas where additional guidance may be helpful.
MS1 Goals
- Meet with an OCRA Career Advisor.
- Explore medical specialties.
- Develop mentorship connections.
- Attend career development events.
- Begin building your professional portfolio.
Career Development Resources
Career Exploration
- AAMC Careers in Medicine
- AAMC Residency Explorer Tool
- FREIDA
Professional Development
- CV resources
- Research opportunities
- Mentorship programs
Wellness and Academic Support
- Office of Student Wellness
- Office of Student Success
MS1 Checklist
☐ Meet with OCRA advisor
☐ Complete Physician Values in Practice (PVIP) Assessment
☐ Attend specialty student interest group events
☐ Connect with mentors
☐ Update CV
☐ Explore research opportunities