As a general rule, list your most current activity first. Include month/day/year for all dates. Any gap in time must be explained. If you took a sabbatical, for example, spell it out in your CV. Otherwise, it will generate a red flag in the mind of the reviewer. Keep your CV short and compact, not to exceed two pages if possible. Include your full name and make sure you can be reached at the address, telephone number and e-mail address that you include. Check this each time you send your CV out. If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) or a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG), make sure you list your visa status. Finally, there are a few items best left out of your CV. These include social security numbers, licensure numbers and examination scores. You will have the opportunity to supply them at a later date in a more secure way. Do not include race or religion. Marital status and number of children are optional.

Break the information into sections with clear title headings. If you have published medical papers, title them as “publications.” If you have medical research that has been submitted or is in progress, use the title “research experience.” People who review lots of CVs—including organizations that are regular users of locum tenens practitioners—are used to seeing the information in the following order. We recommend that you follow it. Personal information (Full name, address, phone numbers, email address) Professional work Practice specifics Hospital affiliations Military service Academic history Graduate training Fellowship Residency Internship Medical school Undergraduate training Licensure Certifications Recertification dates Professional associations Honors Volunteer work, community service, additional accomplishments Publications, presentations, research