ERAS CV is a very vital part of the USMLE residency application for IMGs. The ERAS CV is very different from the usual CV as it is a pre-made format. Hence it can be a bit confusing while an IMG may try to fill it up. The ERAS CV is a very important document for your residency applications. Too often, we see candidates spend hundreds of hours on their personal statement but only 2-3 hours on their ERAS CV. It may look lot more easy to put down the details in the ERAS CV format than when you actually sit to do it. Its actually not a one day thing, rather it requires a full fledged preparation too, like for days or even months.

What can you put together in your preparation for ERAS CV application is here:
  • Use a personal email address on the ERAS. if you have a .edu use it
  • Use a U.S. address
  • Your application photo matters. Hence, provide a good/professional one.
  • Description of experiences is a must.
  • Grammar is important and denotes attention to details: Spell, use capital letters and punctuate correctly. Use tools like Grammarly.
  • Mention whom you worked with (types of specialists, researchers, etc. you worked with)
  • Mention populations served (adults, children, underserved, bilingual)
  • Describe clinical issues you addressed
  • Mention skills developed/demonstrated during the experience
  • Mention achievements/accomplishments gained during the experience
  • Write about your extracurricular activities and interests. Briefly focus on how activities helped you develop skills.
  • DO NOT list anything which is untrue, exaggerated, or not something you want to discuss in an interview
  • Avoid self-congratulatory statements and hyperbole when describing your work.
 
You need to be ready with the above key points to put down on your ERAS CV.
 
Other than the above key points IMGs as well come across few common questions like :

  • Where do we put electives and work experience in my ERAS CV?
        The Experiences Section of ERAS is structured similar to the medical school applications which IMG
        have already done. IMGs can give each experience a title, select the category (work, research,
        volunteer), state your role, the dates of involvement, hours per week, and then use a limited-character
        text box to describe it.
  • Can you include non-medical volunteer experience in your ERAS CV?
        Yes, its always an added advantage to include some interest or experience apart from your medical
        work experience.
  • Can we write about any of the articles that are submitted for publication? But not published yet?
        Yes. Informing about the work in progress always reflects your level of dedication and consistency.
  • What about Oral / PowerPoint presentations done during electives?
        Mention them in the work experience under respective elective.
  • How should we write an internship in work experience?
        Write it as one year experience. Do not make it monthly wise.
 
Few do’s and don’t to keep in mind while completing your ERAS application:

Do’s:
  • Complete the whole ERAS form, do not leave empty spaces.
  • Make a list of all your past research Observership and Electives and note them down making sure you’re not missing anything.
  • Average work hours will vary, keep it within a “guess approximation” don’t over exaggerate the duration.
  • Some Program recommends listing 15 important experiences. This is true for AMG but for an IMG it’s advisable to list every experience you have ever had; however old it has been.
  • For older IMG with home residency Emphasis on different experiences, you have had during your home residency will be key to your application.
  • Keep your description limited. (the aim is to get the message forward but not overwhelm the reader with extra information).
  • Be extra cautious with grammatical errors.
  • Expect your interview to be based on the ERAS application.
  • Your hobbies are important- Don’t just mention any fancy hobby which you have no idea of (Hobbies are ICE-Breakers during your interview be honest as it will reflect your personality).
  • Publications: Mention every indexed and non-indexed publication.
  • Research: Be brief about your research and discuss prior with your Research coordinator to what you are permitted to disclose on the ERAS application.
 
Don’ts for the Eras application

1. No plagiarism, it’s easy to tell it apart and this can have a big impact on your final match, program directors review 100’s of application’s and can easily see the similarities.
2. There will be gaps in the application, fill it sensibly by explaining what you have been doing during this time.
3. Don’t use too much fancy and tough vocabulary. 
ERAS CV is a game changer in the USMLE journey. You need to take it as seriously and give it time and complete preparation.

Useful Videos for IMGs

​Mistakes IMGs make in Personal Statement, ERAS CV and interviews
ERAS CV supplemental application Guide: Mistakes to avoid