Welcome to the first issue of Vital Signs! This newsletter is a way to share resources and information to help you along your career journey in medicine. If you are interested in contributing content for future publications or would like to share ideas, contact Maija Braaten at mbraaten@umn.edu .

Specific Action Items Customized By Year

Go to the Careers in Medicine Overview on January 8th from 12:15-1:10 pm to get complete information and questions answered on how to use this resource

Attend the Summer Opportunities Info Fair on January 13th from 12:15-1:10 pm

Take the Medical Specialty Preference Inventory (MSPI) in Careers in Medicine during winter break to prepare for your January group meeting with your Faculty Advisor. If you have trouble accessing it or forgot your AMCAS credentials, contact Maija Braaten at mbraaten@umn.edu .

Check out Specialty Interest Group sessions and activities to learn more about diverse fields

Learn about the Physician Values in Practice (PViPs) and consider taking it to support your career development. Watch the overview video HERE.

Attend the Specialty Spotlight: Psychiatry on December 6th

Attend the Specialty Spotlight: Family Medicine on January 7th

Attend the Specialty Spotlight: Orthopedic Surgery on January 24th

Check out Specialty Interest Group events/functions depending on your career interests

Meet with your Faculty Advisor to discuss your MS-3 schedule and to answer career development-related questions

Consider taking (or retaking) an assessment in Careers in Medicine to help with narrowing down or confirming your top career interests

Make sure you have used your ERAS token. If you have lost your token or have questions, feel free to email resapp@umn.edu

Review A Very Short Guide to Residency Match

Meet with potential Letter of Recommendation (LOR) authors as soon as possible after completing rotations to request a strong letter

Consider taking (or re-taking) Careers in Medicine assessments to confirm or to help identify the specialty that will be the best fit for you

Network with Specialty Experts to gain advice and help with strategies for residency applications

Attend Student Affairs and Faculty Advisor sessions during Intersession week to help with the residency application process

Finish your residency interviews. Reflect deeply on your residency experiences and what you learned about yourself and the programs. Consider journaling.

Consider using the Residency Program Evaluation Guide through Careers in Medicine.

Attend Faculty Advisor and Student Affairs Sessions during Intersession week to help with the Rank Order List process and to gain insights on the transition to residency

Contact friends and family about Match Day March 20th - it won't be long until it is here! :-)