What can I do to improve my CV?
I have received this question from countless people in the last few hours because they feel that might not be able to take PLAB 1 for a while. So here is my take on this:
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Make sure you are working and have a clinical job.
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Consider taking a Royal College exam (MRCP, MRCS, MRCPCH, MRCOG are examples of this. Each specialty has their own exam).
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Go through the eligibility criteria of your desired specialty on their official website. Speak to trainees from your desired specialty. And start working on things that you can add to your CV for improving your chances of making it to your favorite specialty.
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Not sure which specialty you want, consider taking MRCP or any other exam you find an interest in.
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Consider doing any of the following:
Audits.
Research projects.
Quality improvement projects.
BSc or BA degree obtained during medical school.
Journal publications.
Poster presentations.
Oral presentations.
Teaching experience (formal or informal).
Clinical attachments (in the UK).
Courses.
Workshops.
Seminars.
Voluntary work.
Leadership and/or managerial roles (academic or non-academic).
Any other extracurricular activities.
Electives (abroad).
Electives (in the home country).
Q: How to go about all of the above?
A: Google and IMGs in the UK Facebook group.
Q: How to find official websites?
A: Google and IMGs in the UK Facebook group.
Q: How to find Trainees from your favourite specialty?
A: Google and IMGs in the UK Facebook group.