Hi everyone,

I'd really like to get people's input on doing "away" rotations. I've heard kinda mixed opinions about them. On the one side, it gives you a different perspective of how other hospitals work, plus you can "test drive" a program you may be interested in. On the other hand, you have to be on your best behavior for the whole time, and one screw-up can blow your chances. Still, a lot of students do them.

I would like to hear about any experiences, positive or negative, and also what's the best rationale for choosing them. When applying for residency, are there certain programs (let's say in Peds) that would question how come you did NOT do an away rotation at their hospital?

Thanks for your input :)

I agree with Andy, but let me qualify his comments. Certain specialties like RadOnc, Derm and ENT have relatively small communities and big names are more well-known. Therefore, doing a rotation at an institution that you are seriously considering is a good idea. In fact, in RadOnc, many students do two externships.

i'm biased, but i'm in the 1st of my 3 away electives (duke, hopkins, penn). i was advised by an attending i trust to go and see what the programs are all about. i think doing these rotations will only help me see where i fit, what the residents are like, and how much operating experience i will get (i'm doing gen surg).
i see the point about indiscretions, etc. but really this rotation is no different from the ones at my home institution in terms of stress and having to "be on all the time". and it is very informative in terms of whether i want to be here for 7 years.
so i think they're a great thing. and yes, names do matter. so if someone big signs off on you, you're golden.