Resident Rules of the Road: Chapter 4 Summary: "Senior Timeline"

Originally Published: AAEM's Rules of the Road for Emergency Medicine Residents, 7th Ed. Chief Editors: Tom Scaletta, MD FAAEM; Michael Ybarra, MD FAAEM; Leana Wen, MD MSc. AAEM and AAEM/RSA. Milwaukee, WI. 2010. http://www.aaem.org/publications/aaem-book-store.

Chapter Summary By: Muhammad Alghanem, MSIV Medical Student, Midwestern University - Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine

Summary Series Editors: Muhammad Alghanem, BS, and Andrew W Phillips, MD, MEd

Ready to graduate from residency? Here is short summary of the timeline in AAEM's Rules of the Road for Emergency Medicine Residents to help you in preparing to find your first position!


April/May:
The year before your senior year you should start updating your (curriculum vitae), and think about your goals for what you want in a position after your graduate.

May/June:
As you think about and refine your goals, you should start researching your opportunities, contacting mentors and reaching out to others who have already traveled the path you hope to take. This is also a great time to research different employment structures (see later Rules of the Road chapters) to figure out what works for you.

July/August:
At this time, you should be finalizing your CV while drafting your cover letters and getting in contact with potential references. You should also be working on your list of groups to which you plan to apply, and collect their contact information.

September/October:
Whether you decide on a fellowship or job application, start the process now and submit your applications early. As you are applying, make sure to learn everything you can about the jobs, groups, or programs to which you are applying. Also, be aware that there may be a short turn-around time between submitting your CV and going to interviews, so plan ahead!

October/ November:
Submitting your applications around this time is the standard for most applicants. As you begin your interviews, be prepared with questions you want to ask different sites and groups. If you are offered a contract, make sure you review your contract thoroughly with a local attorney who can you help you understand your rights and obligations.

Sign your contract!
Be sure to ask for any contract deadlines and let any other groups know that you have completed your job search. Congratulations on your first position after EM residency!

For more information regarding your senior timeline, be sure to take a look at your copy of AAEM's Rules of the Road for Emergency Medicine Residents.