For rotations the class is split into groups. Each group has their rotations in the same sequence. For my group, #9, we had IM first, followed by Ob/gyn, followed by Peds, etc. So that's how your sequence is done. LECOM emails you a list of groups and the sequences for each, and you submit your 1st/2nd/3rd choice, along with what geographic area you want (because they can't have too many people on the same speciality at the same time in the same area- there aren't that many spots) and they figure it out. There are a few "year-long" positions to go around. This means that you'll do all or most of your rotations at a single site. They are located at specific hospitals at a couple sites among the northern (LECOM-Erie) and southern (LECOM-Bradenton) affiliates. I think there is a lottery system to choose who gets these (not everyone wants one). There is some kind of GPA ranking here too. Usually the people with families want these so they know they won't have to move around.
LECOM (and all other schools) requires "core" rotations - family med, psych, ob/gyn, etc, and they have core affiliates to take students. For these, you submit your 1st/2nd/3rd choice among the core affiliates. You get a list of these at the beginning of the process. The group leaders work out who gets what. We also get second pass at the northern alliliates after Erie students pick their sites.
Sometimes there aren't enough "core affiliates" to go around - like with Peds or Ob/gyn. You could get dropped from a rotation if the agreement between LECOM and the affiliate doesn't work out. Then it's up to you to find something. LECOM will help you find something if you need, but it's usually easier to do it yourself because you can look in a certain location whereas LECOM will put you wherever they can find a spot.
All your electives and selectives are up to you to schedule. You usually call the office and ask to speak to the office manager or you call the hospital education office or medical staffing office.
I did most of my 3rd year rotations around bradenton at the area hospitals and Dr's offices. I had to do Ob-Gyn in Tampa bc I couldn't find anything closer. I also chose to come back up to Buffalo for an elective GI rotation to be around my family.
I will say that clinical rotations are extremely important. When you go on 4th yr audition rotations (trying to impress residencies) or when you actually get to intern year, your performance will depend on the strength of your clinical training moreso than your preclinical training. LECOM has a lot of room to improve here. There are some great rotations. There are also some rotations that are fine and easy bc your preceptors are nice but the training is not necessarily there. We do complete evaluations of rotation sites but I'm not sure what LECOM does with that information. At some of the sites you are just going to get out of it what you put in. If you are highly motivated and curious you will be well trained.
If you have the time you may even try writing a letter of intent to your other top 3 schools..... won't hurt at least. When was your secondary complete?
