4th year rotation scheduling

[DIVA01]

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Hi everyone,

I am applying to EM for residency and I am trying to start planning for my 4th year electives soon. There is a problem though that I am part of a program at my medical school that will put me behind by two months, i.e. I will be able to start doing externships starting from September instead of July. How can I best schedule my rotations so that I can still get LOR in time for the application then. I don't get to do an ER rotation until 4th year.

Also, what are your recommendations for rotation scheduling during 4th year? And which rotations (non-EM) did you find helpful?

One more question-- can a faculty member write you a LOR even if you have not done a formal elective with them? I have been doing informal work with a faculty member in the ED,and was wondering about that.

Obviously, LOR from distinguished faculty members is always great. But, is it more important to get a LOR from someone who knows you well who can write you a great letter or someone who is well-known in the field?

Thank you!

 

[Sweet Tea]

From my persepctive as a current M4...

1) the 2 month delay isn't so bad. Most EM programs don't let students do rotations in July (b/c all the interns start in the ED then), so you'll really only be 1 month behind. BKN can answer this better than I can, but I don't see it hurting you. It seems most programs want the apps complete by Nov. 1, so that gives you some time to do the rotation and get letters in on time.

2) Any faculty member can write you a letter. I had one of my research faculty folks write me a letter, and I've gotten plenty of interviews. I got 6 LORs/SLORs w/a mix of Big Name Docs and docs who knew me well but weren't as famous. I seem to be getting more interviews from the places where I sent the letters from people who knew me really well.

3) What's your M3 rotation? Got any downtime (i.e., psych rotation? family rotation? outpatient peds?) I would take the opportunity to find a EM faculty member you know and like, and pick up some shifts with them now. You might just be shadowing, you might not, but you are showing interest and developing a relationship with a faculty member. This will help you come LOR time, especially since you won't be getting your letters in until later.

4) Non-EM rotations for this year: I picked up a Trauma Surgery/SICU AI and while it kicked my butt and was not the laid-back M4 dream, it was very good and I got procedures in and learned more about critical care. If you can take time off in December/January then do it, otherwise schedule light rotations that don't care if you aren't there for interview season.

Speaking of light rotations, time to go to ortho clinic. Hope that helps.