1. Create and maintain a curriculum vitae (Microsoft Word template below) that will serve as a comprehensive record of your professional and personal accomplishments. Keep this document up to date by adding new entries as they occur. Include details of your awards, training, leadership positions, committee participation, speaking engagements, and volunteer experiences. Also, list your non-professional talents, such as athletics, foreign language proficiency, and musical abilities. This will help you keep track of your achievements and provide a ready source of information when you need to update your CV. It is recommended to have a master document that includes everything, and you can tailor it to each submission.

2. Develop a personal database to store important documents, such as school transcripts, exam results, awards, training certificates, etc. Organize them in a manner that is easy to access when needed. For hard copies, use a 3-ring binder with clear sheet protectors. For digital copies, create designated folders on your computer. Name each file to in a way that your database is easy to organize and easy to search. This will help you avoid scrambling to locate essential documents when someone requests them. Do not rely on external databases to maintain your documents. Instead, download copies of important records. Create digital copies of important email conversations (scheduling rotations, arranging research projects, agreements, etc).

3. Keep templates of commonly created forms, such as requests for letters of recommendation or sponsorship, personal statements, etc. This will save you time and effort by allowing you to work from a prior document instead of starting from scratch each time.

4. Establish and maintain relationships with trusted advisors who can review your written work, ranging from formal email messages to research papers. Choose someone with expertise in your field as well as someone who has strong spelling and grammar skills. Seek someone who will provide constructive feedback instead of blind positive support.

By following these tips, you can build a strong foundation for your medical career and increase your chances of success. Remember, although mentors, friends, and family members can offer sound advice, ultimately, you are the best person to manage your medical training and career.