• During this phase of self-assessment, students aim to   achieve a better understanding of themselves, asking, “What do I want to do in my medical career?” With the online  resources and self-evaluation tools, ask yourself, “Who am I?” “What do I like to do?” “What’s important in my work and life?”

• Students will be introduced to the importance of creating a Personal-Professional Development Plan as part of their curriculum. 

During this phase, online AAMC Careers in Medicine tools are available to help students explore the variety of medical specialties and other medical career options. Online Specialty Pages provides information for over 100 medical specialties with details about nature of the work, personal characteristics, residency requirements, match data, workforce data, salary, and links to other resources. The AAMC also has an extensive Clinical and Research Opportunities Database for medical students seeking to gain research experience. 

The Office of Student Services continues to provide ongoing guidance to students seeking clinical shadowing and research opportunities, along with other opportunities for professional development:

• Students should take time to explore our UMMSM Specialty Resources and Advisors page that provides detailed information on medical specialties and our faculty who serve as Specialty Advisors, a critically important resources for support in career exploration. Don’t hesitate to reach out to faculty EARLY to discuss your career interests.  
• Another great way to explore Specialties at the UMMSM is through Interest Group Participation. These key organizations enhance student exposure to different specialties. Faculty advisors and other interested faculty within specialties actively participate, and provide students venues  through which they can interact directly with mentors and patients. The interest groups hold meetings, seminars related to topics within their specialty, and often help recruit students to attend local and national specialty conferences.
• Be sure to check out the Careers in Medicine Virtual Specialty Forum (requires CiM account – see above)

During this phase there are many routes to choosing a specialty and several may provide you career satisfaction and success. There is no magic formula to decision making,  especially when it comes to career choice. Take time to explore options, weigh pros and cons, and discuss your decision-making with trusted advisors.  

• UMMSM Specialty Resources & Advisors
• Guidance from UMMSM Residency Program Directors about the application process, competitiveness of application, specialty information, and general career guidance can be found under Workshops and Presentations.

• During this phase, AAMC Careers in Medicine provides a detailed overview of what to expect as you begin your application process.
• Click HERE for detailed information about the UMMSM Process for Transition to Residency.