Mastering Your ERAS CV: A Guide for International Medical Graduates

Mastering Your ERAS CV: A Guide for International Medical Graduates

After reviewing countless ERAS applications, We at Roadmap 2 Residency realized that many candidates - especially international medical graduates (IMGs) - struggle to craft a compelling and organized CV. A well-structured ERAS CV is your first impression and can be a powerful storytelling tool. It not only showcases your credentials but also reflects your personality, journey, and readiness for residency. In addition a very good tool to show your Strengths (even if others say its your weakness). Book a free consultation here to know more.

Here are my detailed ERAS CV guidelines to help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool:

1. Experience Section: Quality + Relevance = Impact

You are allowed up to 10 experience entries. Use them wisely.

U.S. Clinical Experience (6–7 entries):

Programs highly value hands-on exposure to the U.S. healthcare system. Include observerships, externships, sub-internships (sub-Is), and electives. The more diverse and robust your U.S. clinical experiences, the better. They demonstrate adaptability, familiarity with system-based practice, and commitment to the U.S. path.

Home Country Clinical Experience (2–3 entries):

While your house job or internships back home are important, don’t overfill this section with repetitive entries. Include what’s most impactful, especially if it involved significant responsibilities, unique learning, or leadership.

Pro Tip: Don’t fill all 10 slots just for the sake of it. Prioritize depth over quantity.

2. Make Each Experience Unique and Reflective

One common pitfall is copying and pasting the same description across multiple clinical experiences. Avoid this. Even if you rotated in similar departments, there’s always something different to highlight.

Focus on your proactiveness during rounds.

Show your engagement in clinical discussions, eagerness to ask questions, and commitment to learning.

Reflect on what each experience taught you—clinical reasoning, communication, teamwork, professionalism, or patient advocacy.

Acknowledge the interdisciplinary nature of U.S. healthcare. Mention what you learned from working alongside CMAs, RNs, PAs, case managers, and other team members.

Your descriptions should not only list what you did but also what you gained.

3. What Kinds of Experiences to Include

To create a well-rounded ERAS CV, include a mix of:

Clinical rotations (U.S. and international)

Volunteer experiences (medical or non-medical)

Leadership roles (student councils, mentorship, teaching positions)

Research work (publications, abstracts, presentations)

Internship or house job (especially if it involved leadership or unique cases)

This variety shows depth, commitment, and multidimensional growth as a future resident physician. Book a free consultation here to know more.

4. Meaningful Experience Section: Tell Your Story

This section allows you to highlight one experience that shaped you deeply.

Be authentic and specific—avoid clichés.

Focus on how the experience impacted you, not just what you did.

Reflect on what it taught you about yourself, your values, and your vision as a physician.

Avoid fluff. Interviewers often ask about this experience, so make sure it’s something you can discuss with passion and clarity.

Think of it as a personal narrative, not just another line on your resume.

5. Research Section: Depth Over Quantity

Don’t chase numbers here. Quality always trumps volume.

3–4 strong, well-understood publications are far more impressive than a long list of papers you can’t discuss meaningfully.

If you’ve worked on a major project—even if unpublished—include it.

Be ready to discuss your research’s goals, methods, outcomes, and significance. Interviewers may dive deep.

If research isn’t your strength, that’s okay—but if it’s included, you must be fluent in it.

Your ERAS CV isn’t just a checklist of accomplishments—it’s a strategic narrative. Every section is a chance to convey not just what you’ve done, but who you are. Be intentional, be reflective, and be honest. Programs want to see not just capability but character. Book a free consultation here to know more.

You’ve worked hard. Let your CV show it. Best of luck this Match season!