I go to a state MD school. We do not have an IM sub-I rotation. What to do then?
What do people who have applied and matched IM have to say? You have to have run into someone who can answer that question at some point. Reach out. Sucks if you're the first year that this has happened to, but again reach out - coordinators, advisors, even your deans and home prog director.
What your school has done seems pretty nonsensical. That said, here's what I would consider:
- Do an ICU rotation at home (and of course, rock it - which could be a little difficult but definitely manageable). This is probably the only one that could be considered somewhat equivalent to a sub-i in the eyes of selection committees.
- Do an away at a
reasonable program. Things to consider - will you work with one attending the entire time? Be shuffled around every day? Are you competitive for that program? Also consider the opportunity cost of relocating for a month and all that it entails. Your goal is to Honor this and get a fantastic letter. If you're not that good, and it shows, or if you're drowned in a sea of other rotators or constantly shuffled between people, you could come out of this month with not much to show for it or tank your chances at that program. That said, as long as it's somewhere you didn't have your heart set on, there are lots of fish in the sea in terms of IM programs. Do your research here on what places put effort into their aways.
- Do an away at a reach program. The idea is that you work with a big name, happen to impress them, and get a letter from a big wig that helps you at other programs (but not necessarily improve your chances at
that program). The risk here is that you could waste a whole month. The potential upshot could be great if you're willing to stomach that - ie great letter and a chance a highly regarded program you would not have had otherwise.
Throw in a possible elective (heme onc, GI, cards, whatever) and you've rounded out your schedule. You can do two aways at reasonable programs. You can substitute the reach away with another home ICU elective if you'd like as well. I've known people who have matched doing only Aways and no home rotation. Best of luck!