Audition Rotations for Fellowships

[DO_Surgeon]

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This may be a stupid question, but is there any value in doing an audition rotation at potential fellowship programs? I know that as students there is push to do audition rotations at potential general surgery programs. Not that I am totally opposed to the idea, but just wonder if there is any benefit that would out weight being away from my family, rotating through an unfamilar hospital while competing with "in-house" residents for cases, etc. Please keep in mind that the fellowship that I am looking toward in the future is CT surgery. Thanks

 

[ESU_MD]

as it stands right now... you need only a willingness to enter the field to get the fellowship of your dreams in CT surgery these days. even a pulse may be optional. there are very few programs that are competitive to the point of having to do an audition.

Maybe this will change in a few years.

 

[Winged Scapula]

RE: the pulse. I was going to say the same thing.

If you are looking at a competitive fellowship (which CT is NOT), then there may be some benefit at doing an "audition" rotation, that is, if you can get elective time to do so during your more senior years of residency (many places do not allow it). As you mention, there will be some disdain from the locals - I recall being sort of PO'd when we had a resident rotating with us on Peds Surg. But for CT, I wouldn't say it would be necessary at this point in time.