Audition EM rotation before core?

[bravotwozero]

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I've just found out my fourth year rotation schedule. The powers that be, in their infinite wisdom, have scheduled my core EM rotation in the last month of my 4th year. I'm doing what I can to try and switch it to an earlier month, before I take off for EM electives. There's a chance that it may not happen. I'm worried that I'm going to end up on my elective rotation being clueless in front of the attendings. Am I screwed? Is there anything else I can do to deal with this? Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

[peppy]

(speaking as someone who did some ER electives for fun even though I am not going into the field) It's not ideal but I don't think you're screwed - it was my experience that showing enthusiasm and being pleasant to work with will get you far even if you don't know all the ins and outs.
If you have no other choice but to do your ER rotation last (though I would expect that if you explain to the school it's what you want to do for residency they should work on accomodating you), you may want to ask one of the ER attendings at your school if you can come in for a few shifts on your days off during other earlier rotations. That may help ease your jitters. Good luck.

 

[ccfccp]

If you can't get it changed you may be in for a little bit of a rough ride, but not for the reason you may be thinking. The main problem I see would be that unless you've been pulling shifts on your own time, it will be difficult to get a letter of recommendation from your own program without doing a rotation there. This will look weird if you can't do it.

My school didn't have an EM residency program so I did 2 aways in July and August (with no "core" rotation.) Early in the year I don't think it makes much of a difference because everyone is in the same boat. So, as to that part of your question, I think you're fine. FYI - I had, however, pulled some shifts in my home ED so that I ended up with a letter from them in addition to my rotations. Just remember... all application stuff has to be submitted by November 1 and the earlier the better.