applying but haven't done an elective

[tetris]

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what do i say in an interview if asked: "why haven't you done an elective?"

the true reason is that i didn't consider going into it until recently, but i'd rather not say this to an interviewer. i thought of doing an elective toward the end of 4th year, but couldn't schedule one conveniently. (i'm now done with all my rotations, by the way). i also have a relative who's a rehab dr.

in my personal statement for ERAS, i don't say exactly when i chose it as a career. i only say that my first exposure to it was through my relative.

so far, i've gotten an invite from SUNY stonybrook.

please help.

 

[drvlad2004]

I would try getting a 2 week elective in PM&R ASAP. Why wait later and leave any doubt upon the residency committee? Do you even have a LOR from a physiatrist? It definitely does not look good going to interviews without doing a PM&R rotation. Just be honest if they ask you why you haven't done an elective.

 

[drusso]

I would say that an elective is very important. However, if you cannot swing it then just go with the truth: You didn't learn about the field until relatively late; your exposure to it was through your relative's illness/injury. Most interviewers will appreciate that.

 

[tetris]

many thanks to both of you.

drvlad, i've completed the required number of rotation weeks, and my med school won't let me do any more. and no, i don't have an LOR from a physiatrist.

drusso, my first exposure wasn't through an injured relative, it was through an MD in my family who's board-certified in PM&R. but your advice still makes sense: i'll say that although i didn't consider it seriously until recently, i've been exposed to the field (and have had it in mind) for a long time because of my relative. the problem is that this might make my personal statement seem deceptive, as though it implies that because i've long been exposed to the field, i've long been dedicated to going into it. but i guess there's nothing else i can do at this point.