Career Services and Advising
Personalized Advising
At Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM), advising is personalized, proactive, and longitudinal. Students engage in one‑on‑one advising tailored to their individual academic progress, professional interests, and long‑term goals.
Through Residency Rx, a structured, longitudinal online program, students receive guided support throughout the residency preparation process, including specialty exploration, curriculum vitae (CV) development, and residency application readiness. Each student develops an individualized career plan designed to enhance competitiveness and support informed decision‑making from orientation through graduation.
Advising also includes strategic academic planning for clerkship rotations, electives, and externships, ensuring students are well positioned for both academic success and residency preparation.
Specialty Exploration Resources
AWSOM students have early access to Careers in Medicine, an interactive online platform that supports specialty exploration by aligning interests, values, and skills with potential career paths.
In addition, students receive mentorship and guidance from Specialty Advisers, faculty and community physicians with expertise in specific medical fields. These advisers provide insight into specialty‑specific training pathways, practice environments, and professional expectations, helping students make informed and confident career choices.
Career Workshops and Seminars
The advising team offers a robust series of workshops and seminars throughout the academic year. Programming includes Specialty Speed Rounds (small‑group conversations with practicing physicians), specialty panels, residency‑focused sessions, and networking opportunities with health care professionals.
Residency Rx further supports this programming through self‑reflection activities, career exploration tools, and resources focused on specialty selection, residency application strategies, and interview preparation.
Professional Development
Professional development at AWSOM is a continuous process. Students participate in interview preparation workshops and mock interviews, receive individualized feedback on application materials, and receive hands‑on support navigating the ERAS and NRMP processes.
These experiences help students develop essential professional skills, including communication, professionalism, and self‑presentation, preparing them to represent themselves confidently and effectively throughout the residency application and match process.
Houses at AWSOM
At AWSOM, each student is assigned to one of four Houses, which serve as longitudinal learning communities throughout medical school. Students are placed into Houses where they are supported by a pair of House Mentors, practicing physicians from the local community who guide and support them across all four years of training.
Houses at AWSOM provide a structured, supportive framework designed to enhance student development through:
Mentorship
Collaboration
Personal and professional growth
Monthly House luncheons with House Mentors provide opportunities for career exploration, professional identity development, reflection, and peer connection. This model ensures consistent support while fostering a strong sense of belonging and community throughout the medical education journey.
Contact Information
For additional information, please contact the Director of Academic & Career Advising at advising@alwmed.org.