Any must-take 4th-year rotations?

[Oceanview]

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Just wondering if anyone could reccommend a 4th year rotation that they feel was an absolute must, or if any residents out there wish they had taken a rotation prior to finishing med school that they didn't?

 

[KidDr]

Just wondering if anyone could reccommend a 4th year rotation that they feel was an absolute must, or if any residents out there wish they had taken a rotation prior to finishing med school that they didn't?

emergency medicine (though at some schools it's a required rotation). best rotation I had 4th year.

 

[katrinadams9]

I've heard multiple 4th years recommend the Radiology rotation. It will be useful in pretty much any field you'll go into. Plus, it is supposedly a cake rotation with great hours and ease of getting time off. A few people I knew scheduled it during interview time.

Other rotations that were recommended to me: Critical care and anything you think would be fun that you will never get to do again.

 

[Click Here!]

I'd highly recommend pathology. Just about everyone will consult pathologists for some of their patients, and it helps to know what happens once you send a specimen "to the lab"--the capabilities and limitations of modern pathology.

If your elective will allow, spend time at least in surgical pathology and transfusion medicine/blood bank. That way as an intern you might understand why "the lab" denied your request for platelets even though your patient's only got 42,000. Forensic pathology might be a fun, "won't ever get to do that again" 4th year experience.

My two cents.

 

[Wednesday]

Do a unit month if it isn't required by your school. Incredibly high yield.

 

[Dr JPH]

Agree with above. ICU.

 

[Discobolus]

Critical Care and Radiology but for vastly different reasons.

I'd never spent much time in the unit before and those complicated patients really frightened me. After a month on critical care I learned a LOT and also got to do many procedures such as central lines, art lines, intubations, and got to even attempt a bronchoscopy.

Radiholiday, I mean radiology is great for getting back into touch with old hobbies and hitting the gym. I swear I'm going to wander down to a reading room at least once this month!

 

[ESPNdeportes]

The only one I know I'm for sure gonna take is 2 weeks of EKG interpretation......a skill almost all physicians should have.

 

[VALSALVA]

Do a unit month if it isn't required by your school. Incredibly high yield.

Absolutely agree! If anything...you're gain a better understanding of the vent/vent. settings!

 

[nabeya]

You can't go wrong doing an ER rotation. I did a really good one at a Level 1 Trauma center.

 

[SLUser11]

You can't go wrong doing an ER rotation. I did a really good one at a Level 1 Trauma center.

100% agree. I think that an ER month should be a 4th year requirement....it gives you a look at patients coming in from the ER physician's perspective, and this will hopefully help you as a resident to think twice before whining about/insulting the ER staff.

Also, it helps you to get a well-rounded picture of different problems that can land someone in the ER, and would probably help your Step 2 score......

 

[DocWagner]

I think in retrospect the two most valuable rotations were 1. Emergency Medicine 2. ICU.

Each give you the look at the most critical patients and immediate stabilization strategies. In turn, EM gives you the less acute patients as well, such as orthopedics, lacerations, OB, GYN, common colds, pediatrics, and many procedures. EM was easily the most well rounded rotation. Unfortunately, it can be a little overwhelming to many students, therefore preparation is necessary. Usually EM and ICU go well together.

 

[Hopefulmeds]

EKG rotations at most schools, from what I have heard are easy. I remember during my EKG rotation the following quotes from my preceptor:

'I don't get the grading system here, everyone should get honors!'

'Use your time during this elective wisely to...explore outside interests'

'I remember during my EKG rotation, I learned a lot about GI but nothing about EKGs, I urge you guys to study broadly.'

'Try to come in once in a while if you can.'

 

[AmoryBlaine]

Just wondering if anyone could reccommend a 4th year rotation that they feel was an absolute must, or if any residents out there wish they had taken a rotation prior to finishing med school that they didn't?

I love the way this turned into a "what field are you in?" thread.