🇺🇸 Resume guide · USA and Canada · General guide: US resume
Doctor CV for the USA and Canada
In North America doctors use a longer academic CV, not a one-page resume. Exams, research, clinical experience and US/Canadian clinical exposure matter most.
Licensing and work permits
- USA: most international graduates need ECFMG certification (USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK plus an English requirement) and then a residency through the Match.
- Canada: international graduates usually pass the MCCQE Part I and apply to residency (CaRMS), or use a practice-ready assessment in some provinces.
- Clinical experience in the US or Canada (observerships, externships) and letters of recommendation are very important.
- On the CV: “USMLE Step 1: Pass (2025), Step 2 CK: 245 (2026), ECFMG certified”.
Words recruiters and ATS look for
ECFMG certifiedUSMLE Step 1 / Step 2 CKResidencyObservershipMCCQE Part ICaRMSResearch publicationsLetters of recommendationBoard certification
Example resume lines
As they would appear on a US or Canadian resume.
Observership, Internal Medicine, 4 weeks – US teaching hospital
Published 2 peer-reviewed papers on diabetes outcomes
Managed 30 inpatients per day as a medical officer
Common mistakes
- Using a one-page resume instead of a full academic CV
- No exam scores or dates
- Gaps after graduation without explanation
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Start free →Questions
Do I need US clinical experience?
It strongly helps residency applications. Observerships and externships count – list them with dates.
Should I list research?
Yes, with full citations. Research is valued in residency selection.
Other professions
Licensing differs between US states and Canadian provinces and changes. Check the state board or provincial regulator before you apply.