hi guys. i didnt understand a few terms.
night float system
resident/fellow retreats
off campus electives
whats the importance of a program being affiliated with the u.s government?any advice is welcome.

night float system - a resident, usually a 2nd yr, is on at night with little or no day time obligations (except didactics). Other residents will cover days and evenings.

resident/fellow retreats - a day at the park... well, it is structured time that residents and fellows spend together outside of the hospital... pretty much program dependant

off campus electives - an elective at another facility not associated or affiliated with the program

affiliated with the u.s government - usually a military match program or a public health program. contact the particular program you are interested in and ask their requirements (i.e. military service agreement, public health service agreement, etc.)

Good luck.