How to Write Your Primary Care Cover Letter and CV (Samples Included)

When you're applying for a new job as a Family Medicine physician or an Internal Medicine physician, there are some things that are critical to include – and some that should be left out – in your curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter.

"Of course you want to pay attention to the mechanics and aesthetics of your cover letter and your CV; those things definitely matter," says Amy Knoup, senior provider recruiter with Provider Solutions & Development (PS&D). "But especially for Family Medicine or Internal Medicine candidates, you'll also want to make it clear why you're interested in that geographic location or specific community."

Because the physician shortage for Primary Care is so acute, medical groups and health systems are assessing for community fit in a big way as they determine who they want to interview, bring in for a site visit and potentially sign.

"Hiring managers will be looking to see that you will love where you live, because that's the biggest reason why someone would stay," Amy says. "Health systems invest a lot of resources in the relocation and onboarding of a new doctor, NP or PA, and they are very much looking for that long-term fit."

At PS&D, recruiters like Amy help physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants explore their options in Primary Care or Urgent Care. We have hundreds of Family Medicine and Internal Medicine roles available with more than 40 partners across the country.

(Are you thinking about the next step in your Primary Care career? Learn more about how PS&D recruiters can help, at every stage of your journey.)

What to Include in Your Primary Care CV

There are four things that should be on every Family Medicine or Internal Medicine physician's curriculum vitae, no matter what your career stage or experience level:

1. Board certification
2. State licensure
3. Training
4. Current and previous practice experience

From there, Amy says, one thing that can help you stand out in the Primary Care environment is volunteer services.

"There's a trend for CVs in general, but especially I think for Primary Care physicians, to include volunteer experience, especially for the early-stage career folks," Amy says. "If you've done medical missions or any work at free clinics, that's really great to put on your CV, because it shows your commitment to community and maybe it spotlights some of those patient populations that you're passionate about working with."

For the same reason, listing hobbies and interests in your CV is key for a Family Medicine or Internal Medicine physician, and for nurse practitioners and physician assistants applying for jobs in Primary Care or Urgent Care settings.

"Hiring managers definitely look at that 'hobbies and interests' section, and what they're hoping to see is activities that align with the area," Amy says.

For example, if the clinic or hospital is in a rural region surrounded by lakes, and you list boating, fishing and hiking as hobbies, they know you're more likely to be happy living there. Or if you're applying to a medical group in a large urban city, and you list Broadway theater buff and foodies as interests, that reinforces the likelihood of you being a long-term fit.

Beyond hobbies, where you are in your Family Medicine or Internal Medicine career makes a difference when it comes to your CV. Here are some tips specific to your career stage:

• Post-residency and new physicians, NPs or PAs: If you're just launching your career, be sure to spotlight experience that sets you apart from other candidates. Point out opportunities you've had specific to Primary Care, especially if it's with a patient population you want to work with.
• Mid-career providers: By this point in your career, you may have association memberships, appointments to board, etc. Include those, as well as leadership experience, whether it's at a committee, departmental or hospital level.
• Experienced providers or nearing retirement: Make sure to list your re-certification date and highlight past roles that are relevant to the position you're applying for. Consider deleting or moving down any roles that are less relevant.

What to Leave Out of Your Family Medicine or Internal Medicine CV

Primary Care providers tend not to participate as much in research, compared with other specialties, so Family Medicine or Internal Medicine physicians should only include this in a curriculum vitae if you're interested in a faculty position, perhaps later on in your career.

In addition, Amy recommends against describing your current patient panel in your CV – or cover letter.

"Your patient panel can be interpreted too many different ways by recruiters or hiring managers," she says. "If you get too specific, with demographics or numbers, they might make assumptions about what you're looking for or what you are ready for, or aren't. It's best to leave that for face-to-face conversation."

Are you looking for a sample Primary Care curriculum vitae? We've put together an example of a Family Medicine physician CV you can use as a template.

How to Write your Primary Care Cover Letter

Speaking of the cover letter - are they still relevant? For Family Medicine or Internal Medicine providers, Amy says yes.

"I see applications come in with and without cover letters, and all CVs get considered, but I have to say the ones that have a personalized cover letter that you can tell is heartfelt and isn't just copy/paste – those candidates will automatically stand out to me and to hiring managers as well," she says. "My advice is to write one tailored to every job you apply for. If you do it right, it will give you an edge."

Amy has the following advice for structuring your Primary Care job cover letter:

1. Introduce yourself and say what role you're interested in (name the actual position and organization).
2. Get right into why this particular job and location are right for you.
3. Talk about experience you have that pertains directly to the job you're applying for.
4. Describe why you're drawn to work on their team and work for their health system or medical group. Include details that let them know you've researched them.
5. Close with how you resonate with their mission. It doesn't hurt to quote part or all of their mission statement.

"It's just as important as in your CV, maybe even more so, that in your Primary Care cover letter, you talk about why you'll be a good fit for their clinic and for their community," Amy says. "Give them specific reasons why you want to work there and live there. If you can show them you're likely to be a long-term fit, it's going to really work in your favor. Again, they're looking for that ideal provider, but they're also looking for longevity."

Are you in the process of writing a Primary Care cover letter? We've created a sample Family Medicine physician cover letter for you to use as a template.

How PS&D Can Help You Find Primary Care Job Opportunities

At Provider Solutions & Development, we specialize in Primary Care roles, hiring Family Medicine and Internal Medicine physicians as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants into jobs across the country.

"Primary Care is so important, to our partners and to our country right now. Access to comprehensive healthcare continues to be such a huge need. We're honored to be able to provide guidance and support to all the providers pursuing this critical work. We work really hard to find the right match, where you're going to be happy both on and off the job."

~ Amy Knoup, Senior Provider Recruiter, Provider Solutions & Development

Founded and owned by Providence, we recruit for hundreds of jobs within its seven-state footprint, in addition to Primary Care and Urgent Care roles for more than 40 other partners. We've helped thousands of providers find their next Primary Care opportunity.

"Primary Care is so important, to our partners and to our country right now," Amy says. "Access to comprehensive healthcare continues to be such a huge need. We're honored to be able to provide guidance and support to all the providers pursuing this critical work. We work really hard to find the right match, where you're going to be happy both on and off the job."

Are you looking for your next Primary Care job opportunity? We can help you find the right fit the first time, at every stage of your career. Reach out today to get started.