Advice on Selecting MSIV away rotations?

[docjolly]

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Hey all!

I'm in the process of deciding which Elective EM programs to apply to for my 4th year, but I'm at a standstill. I have at least 10 separate programs that I'm strongly interested in, but have no idea where to begin, in terms of choosing the best ones. My school allows MSIVs to select up to 4 away rotations, max.

Unfortunately, my medical school does not have an emergency medicine residency program. Also, the only exposure to Emergency Med. we receive is through a 2 week rotation within our Surgery clerkship. So, inevitably, we have to have externships if we hope to receive strong LORs/match into EM. Although we can participate in up to 4 externships, I'm aiming for 2 (or 3 better?)


My ultimate goal is to head back to the Northeast (with NYC, my home, being my first choice location), but I'm not completely opposed to other areas.


Any ideas or advice?

Thanks a million!

 

[nymbarra]

I can see how it could be more difficult not having an EM Dept at your school.

I'm sure there is a thread out there with the same topic, but here are my two cents:

1) find an EM mentor that you can get to know reasonably well...shadowing, sitting down to talk about programs, etc. Make sure this person knows you well enough to know why you're going into EM...and the strengths and weaknesses to your application. It may also help if you seek a SLOR later. You will rely on your mentor throughout the year--with personal statements, second opinions, ROL stuff, etc. And also, you can of course have more than one mentor, especially if there is one at a program that you are really interested in.

If there isn't one around you, I think SAEM has a virtual mentor program.

2) if they are general EM rotations, I'm not sure if more than two will help you. Sure, if it's subspecialty--like EMS or tox--that would benefit your education more so than a third or fourth general EM rotation.

3) for the first rotation, I would pick one that emphasizes teaching and learning; you will get used to the pace of EM, and become more prepared for your second rotation

3) for the second, I would pick one that is different from the first (ie, county vs. academic vs community), and because you want to be in NYC, go to one of those programs...it may help to go to a better known program, since if you are planning to ask for a SLOR, it helps that the person writing it is well-known

4) I actually took my step 2 in August, not because I didn't do well on Step 1, but because it helped me to consolidate a lot of info from my 3rd year rotations...I think it helped when I did my EM (and other) rotations in the Fall

5) I got my letters in a bit late, but I don't think it hurt me at all

6) Don't forget to talk to the MS4's in your program who are going into EM

Hope this helps!

 

[deleted109597]

Only do two. You get burnt out by the third, not because you are doing EM (which most of us love), but because you're walking on eggshells the entire time. If you are doing "interview" away rotations, ie no home place, then you need these people to be your advocate for your career.

Ask me how I know.

 

[TakayaSue]

I agree with the above posters who say maximum two EM rotations. Also, to echo what was said above, you need both junior and senior mentors. I would advise you to get a senior mentor via SAEM and a resident mentor via EMRA.

Consider doing a related rotation, in addition to your EM rotations. E.g. toxicology at NYC Poison Control would not be completely redundant and would give you a chance to meet residents from most of the NYC programs. Similarly, you could do an Ultrasound rotation at St. Luke's-Roosevelt or a Hyperbarics rotation at UPenn.

Good luck!