Part-time elective. Intended to be taken by students in their M3 year, but can be adapted for students in their M4 year on a case-by-case basis.

Students who would like to take this elective during their M4 year - contact Dr. Hopps for discussion and approval.

This course provides career advising for students in their third year at SSOM who are having difficulty selecting a specialty using the resources provided in PCM.  Although the course is designed to be a four week elective, scheduling will be flexible so the course can be completed during clerkships without undue hardship. 
Students will:

• Demonstrate self-awareness related to their professional identity as a physician in training.
• Demonstrate familiarity with resources both local (SSOM, LUHS) and web based (e.g., AAMC-CiM, AMA).
• Assemble an individualized team of advisors.
• Use assessments, written and verbal reflection, and decision-making techniques to compile a list of specialties and narrow the list to fit their situation.
• Assess their competitiveness and identify strategies to address any gaps or weaknesses.
• Explore and identify residency programs for the application process.
• Develop a Step 2 study plan.
• Develop a Five Year Plan for professional development.

The course will be graded pass/fail only.

Requirements:

• Three meetings with course instructor (30%)
• Assessment Reflection (+500 words, 15%)
• Specialty Advisor Interview Reflection (+500 words,15%)
• Decision Making Reflection (+500 words, 15%)
• Step 2 study plan (10%)
• Reflection on Five Year Plan (+500 words, 15%)