Center for Career Development
Doctor of Medicine students
The Center for Career Development (CCD) supports the Division of Student Affairs’ mission by fostering students’ personal and professional growth. The CCD provides support and resources through the Career Pathways Program, individualized career coaching, physician specialty mentoring and advising, and comprehensive residency planning to promote your career and professional goals.
The Career Pathways Program
The Career Pathways Program is a 4-year longitudinal, co-curricular, required program for students throughout the Total Health Curriculum to assist students in self-reflection to identify their skills, abilities and interests in the selection of a medical specialty and support students in the development of a self-directed career and resource identification plan. The program framework is guided by the AAMC Careers in Medicine model to support all phases of the career decision-making process. The program uses various instructional methodologies including self-assessments, interactive lectures, panel discussions and mock interviews.
Contact us
Christin Spatz, MD, FASN
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and MD Career Advising
Associate Professor of Medicine
cmspatz@geisinger.edu
Physician specialty mentoring and advising
Mentoring can have a significant impact on student success, so the CCD is committed to providing physician mentors for students. Geisinger School of Medicine has created a platform called Geisinger Connect that allows students to search for faculty and resident mentors, including Geisinger School of Medicine alumni, who can assist at all phases of the curriculum.
During Phase 2 and Phase 3, students receive personalized career planning support from their regional assistant dean of student affairs, specialty advisors and the assistant dean for student affairs and MD career advising. These meetings focus on specialty interests, preparedness for desired specialty, Phase 3 elective scheduling and USMLE Step exam timing. Through these sessions, students develop preliminary application strategies that align with their residency goals and position them for success in the Match.
Residency planning support
The CCD offers you comprehensive residency planning support. Individual student meetings held throughout Phase 3 help you with personal statement development, application strategy and review of the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). A residency planning team consisting of CCD staff, specialty advisors and regional campus leadership meets regularly to review all Phase 3 students. You’re risk stratified based on the likelihood of a successful match using your metrics, interview numbers and national data. Select students are prepared for the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP), if needed.