How to Write a Doctor CV: Step-by-Step Guide with Examples!

With over 1.27 million healthcare workers in the NHS, the medical field offers many career opportunities. Training to become a doctor promises a rewarding career and the chance to improve countless lives both in the UK and abroad.

If you thrive in a supportive, collaborative, fast-paced environment, we can help you write a good CV to gain your dream job with the NHS and private healthcare employers. Whether you're just starting your medical career as a graduate or looking for a more senior role, a well-crafted modern CV can make a significant difference.

Applying for jobs in the medical sector and being shortlisted for an interview can be competitive and challenging. To simplify the process, we recommend to use a CV layout optimised for application tracking systems (ATS) to increase your visibility among other candidates and increase your chances of securing a job.

In this article, we cover:

• What essential sections to include and how to format your doctor CV.

• How to list work experience, skills, qualifications and achievements.

• Writing an entry-level medical doctor CV with little experience and what information to include.

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Doctor CV example 

What to include in a doctor's CV?

When writing a doctor CV, you must consider the professional requirements for healthcare roles such as certifications, licences and visa status for international medical graduates. The NHS and private healthcare employers have a specific application process that requires a concise and well-formatted CV. 

Here are the essential sections to include:

• Personal information: contact details, professional email, and LinkedIn profile.

• Personal profile: a summary highlighting your experience, soft skills and career objectives.

• Education: degrees, medical school details, and certifications.

• Work experience: detailed descriptions of your previous roles,  responsibilities and achievements.

• Skills: both hard and soft skills relevant to the medical profession.

• Professional memberships: any memberships with relevant medical associations such as the General Medical Council (GMC).

• Additional information: publications, research, additional training or courses, references, or languages to demonstrate English language proficiency. Proof of an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. International medical graduates may also require to show proof a valid visa or work permit.

For a more detailed guide on writing a CV, refer to our blog about the CV writing process and starting with a master CV. This comprehensive document should encompass your entire career history, relevant qualifications, and areas of expertise. Think of it as a record of your career that you can use to create CVs for job-specific applications. 

If you want to learn more about specific roles and bands in healthcare professions, explore the different careers in the UK with the NHS and National Careers Service. 

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How to write a doctor CV: 5 steps with examples 

1. What are the important skills for a doctor to have on a CV? 

Working in a hospital as a doctor involves diverse tasks, from diagnosing patients and prescribing treatments to conducting research and training other healthcare professionals. Skills like administration and IT are also useful in managing patient records and coordinating with office staff. 

In your doctor's CV, it’s important to highlight your qualities and soft skills in your personal profile and work experience sections while listing hard skills using bullet points in a separate section.

5 essential skills to highlight on a CV for a doctor

1. Medicine and dentistry: understanding medical and dental practices to diagnose and treat patients effectively.

2. Science skills: proficiency in scientific principles and methods to apply in medical research and patient care.

3. Patient care techniques: expertise in providing direct patient care, including administering treatments and monitoring recovery.

4. Pharmacology: knowledge of medications, their interactions, and appropriate prescription practices.

5. Attention to detail: examining patients, reviewing medical histories, and documenting treatments to ensure accurate diagnosis and care.

In need of more inspiration for skills to add to your CV? Explore over 100 skills to put on a CV. 

2. How to write a personal profile for a doctor CV 

It is essential to highlight fundamental soft skills and use keywords listed in the job description to grab the attention of recruiters or hiring managers. Your profile should showcase your professional strengths and provide examples of how you have successfully applied these skills in a practical work environment.

Include soft skills and keywords to highlight your qualities:

"Dedicated and compassionate Junior Doctor with exceptional diagnostic and patient care skills in NHS settings."

"Enthusiastic and detail-orientated Foundation Doctor with excellent teamwork and adaptability, effectively collaborating in various NHS departments."

Mention how you’ve applied your skills successfully in relevant contexts:

"Junior Doctor who effectively managed a high volume of emergency cases, providing timely and accurate diagnoses and treatments in a busy NHS hospital."

"Foundation Doctor who adeptly handled patient assessments and treatment plans, contributing to successful patient outcomes in various NHS departments."

Examples of personal profiles on a doctor CV

For more examples and tips, explore our blog on how to write a personal profile on a CV.

3. How to include practical medical work experience 

When listing your work experience on a doctor CV, highlight your clinical skills, responsibilities and achievements. Use a chronological CV format starting with your most recent role. Write a brief description of duties with clear and concise bullet points to outline your achievements and contributions.

Use action verbs such as ‘supported’, ‘managed’, ‘diagnosed’, ‘improved’, or ‘performed’ to show your contributions and quantify your contributions where possible. For example, mention the number of patients treated or specific outcomes of your efforts, like reduced patient recovery times or improved diagnostic accuracy.

When writing a junior doctors medical CV, include entry-level apprenticeships and prioritise the education section if you have no experience. If unsure, use a skills-based CV to highlight your expertise effectively.

Doctor CV work experience examples with little to no experience

If you have little to no experience, find part-time or volunteer work in preparation for medical school. If you’re a recent school leaver, applying for a medical internship can also develop your skill set in a healthcare setting.

Medical internship work experience example:

Medical Intern, Royal Hospital, London,  2022 - 2023

Assisted senior doctors in routine examinations and minor procedures. Participated in patient assessments and documented medical histories. Observed and supported patient consultations, gaining exposure to various medical conditions. Maintained accurate patient records and ensured compliance with confidentiality protocols.

• Contributed to a 20% improvement in patient record accuracy by implementing a new filing system.

• Enhanced patient follow-up care by developing a streamlined communication protocol, reducing missed follow-up appointments by 10%.

Work placement CV experience example:

Clinical Volunteer, St. Mary's Hospital, London,  2021 - 2022

Provided support to nursing staff in daily patient care activities. Assisted in administrative tasks, including filing patient records and scheduling appointments. Participated in health education workshops, educating patients on preventive care. Shadowed senior doctors during ward rounds and gained insights into patient management.

• Increased patient engagement in health education workshops by 15%.

• Streamlined patient intake process, reducing wait times by 10% through efficient administrative support.

Examples of job descriptions for a doctor CV

Associate Specialist Doctor, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, 2019 - present

Diagnosed and treated a wide range of medical conditions in a specialised unit. Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans. Conducted clinical research and presented findings at medical conferences. Supervised and mentored junior doctors and medical students.

• Reduced patient wait times by 30% through improved patient flow management.

• Increased research publication rate by 20% by mentoring junior doctors in clinical research methodologies.

Junior Specialist Doctor, Birmingham General Hospital, 2017 - 2019

Managed patient caseloads in the cardiology department, performing diagnostic tests and interpreting results. Assisted in complex procedures and surgeries, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes. Participated in multidisciplinary meetings to discuss patient progress and treatment plans. Engaged in continuous professional development through attending workshops and training sessions.

• Improved diagnostic accuracy by 25% through the implementation of new testing protocols.

• Reduced patient recovery times by 15% by introducing enhanced post-operative care practices.

General Practitioner, Central Health Clinic, Manchester, 2015 - 2020

Provided comprehensive primary care services to a diverse patient population. Duties included conducting routine check-ups, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing chronic disease patients. Additionally, focused on educating patients about preventive healthcare practices and lifestyle modifications.

• Increased patient satisfaction scores by 20% through personalised care and follow-up initiatives.

• Reduced hospital admission rates by 15% by implementing effective chronic disease management programs.

Hospital Doctor, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, 2012 -  2017

Delivered acute care to patients in the emergency department, handling diverse medical emergencies. Performed minor surgical procedures and assisted in major surgeries. Coordinated with nursing staff and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless patient care. Contributed to hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives, enhancing patient safety and care efficiency.

• Reduced emergency department wait times by 15% through process optimization and efficient patient flow management.

• Increased patient recovery rates by 10% by implementing new post-operative care protocols.

Read more about how to effectively include work experience on a CV.

4. How to include education on a doctor CV 

Typically, the minimum requirements for becoming a doctor include GCSEs, A-Levels, and an undergraduate medical degree. For most healthcare careers, a PhD is not necessary; however, it may be required for those pursuing a career in medical research or academia. For more advice, read how to write the education section on a CV.

For an entry-level doctor CV with little to no experience, prioritise this section to list any courses and certificates, coursework and relevant academic subjects. Mention qualifications in your cover letter when you send your CV via email to the NHS or private healthcare employers. 

Discover more professions that require a strong foundation in medical and health sciences such as a psychologist, radiographer, pharmacist and dentist. 

Examples of education in a doctor CV

How to format a university degree

• [Degree] in [program name], [institution/school name], [Location], [date range, year of graduation, or in progress]

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Birmingham Medical School,  2014-2019

How to format an apprenticeship

• [Course name], [institution/school name], [Location], [date range, year of completion, or in progress]

• Medical Laboratory Science Apprentice, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, 2019-2020

Refer to the National Careers Service for more information on entry requirements for a hospital doctor or general practitioner (GP). 

5. How to add additional relevant information 

When writing your CV for doctors roles, an additional information section can give potential employers a comprehensive view of your qualifications and experience. With additional information, you might be thinking how long should your CV be? Generally, we recommend one to two pages, but it depends on your level of experience.

How to add references on a CV

For those writing a CV for their first job or interested in entry-level placements, references can be very beneficial. For a junior doctor CV, references provide credibility and enable potential employers to verify your skills and experience.

List each reference's name, job title, organisation, and contact information if requested in a section at the end of your CV. Generally, we advise to simply include a short statement 'References available on request'.

How to list publications and research on a CV

Highlighting publications, research, and other relevant achievements can significantly enhance your doctor CV. List any articles, research papers, or studies you have authored. Include the title, publication name, and date.

Detail any significant research projects you have been involved in, specifying your role and the outcomes. Mention awards, honours, or special recognitions you have received in your medical career.

Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2020). The Impact of Diet on Cardiovascular Health. Journal of Medical Research, 34(2), 123-130.

Conducted research on the effectiveness of new treatment protocols for Type 2 Diabetes, resulting in a 20% improvement in patient outcomes. 

For more expert advice on improving your CV refer to our blog. 

Key takeaways 

Writing an impressive medical doctor CV involves highlighting clinical skills, professional achievements, and accredited qualifications. For entry-level applicants, pursue internships, volunteer work and additional study opportunities. If you're entering the workforce after graduating, list transferable skills and relevant courses to boost your credentials and increase your chance of securing a job interview.

Next steps?

Browse our collection of CV examples tailored to healthcare roles, from junior positions to experienced medical professionals. Our intuitive CV Builder and  CV Writing Service for doctors applications will save you time and effort. We offer a career blog with expert tips, perfect for those in need of cover letter advice. Stay organised with our tips on how to track job applications. Prepare for your interview with examples of NHS interview questions.

FAQ 

What is the average salary for a doctor in the UK? 

The average salary in the UK ranges from £76,000 to £102,000 per year, depending on experience and specialisation. A junior doctor in the NHS starts at approximately £29,384 per year (FY1) and increases to about £34,012 (FY2).

How to become a doctor without a degree in the UK? 

Consider the medical doctor degree apprenticeship starting from September 2024 for school leavers, which combines work-based training with academic study and is recognised by the General Medical Council. Browse the Observe GP platform if you aspire to study medicine.

How long does it take to become a doctor? 

It typically takes 10-14 years: 5 years for a medical degree, 2 years of Foundation Programme, and 3-8 years of specialty training for roles such as a plastic surgeon.

What GCSEs do you need to be a doctor? 

You need at least five GCSEs in grades 9 to 7 (A* or A), including English, Maths, and Sciences to apply for A-Levels, apprenticeships and pursue a medical degree.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a doctor? 

Doctors collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams to diagnose and treat medical conditions, prescribe medications, perform tests, provide preventive healthcare advice, and maintain patient records. They must stay updated with the latest medical advancements, including the growing role of AI in medicine.

Is 30 too old to become a doctor in the UK?

No, 30 is not too old. Many medical schools welcome mature students, and with dedication, you can complete medical training and advance your career.