Away Rotation/ ICU

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nedoc

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As an MS4 who is planning on going into Anesthesiology, I currently have a 1 month Anesthesia elective at my home institution scheduled. The following month, I have planned to do an away rotation, but have not yet heard back from the other institution. Currently that month has a Pulmonary/Critical Care elective in its place.

Is there a need for me to do an away rotation? Also, should I do a SICU rotation instead during that block? Would that be better when it comes time to apply for residencies. Currently I have a MICU rotation towards the end of my 4th year, due to scheduling, but should be able to switch to SICU without any problems.

Stats: Step 1 in upper 250s, HP in all 3rd year clerkships, putting me in 2nd or 3rd quartile overall, research (none Anesthesia related) - 1 2nd author basic science publication, 1 poster presentation at a national conference, few other posters at local conferences and named on a few abstracts

I would like to stay on the East Coast if possible and am looking at mid-upper tier programs for residency

Any recommendations/thoughts would be really helpful
 
If you have one particular program that you have in your sights at this point, spending some time there can only help you make a more informed choice and give them a better look at you. Otherwise I agree with the above poster.
 
It looks like your paper qualifications are good enough to get the interviews you want. You will have to do the rest, which you will have an advantage at because of your Step I score.

As for SICU, I would say do any other ICU rotation. SICU patient management is more like a long version of what we do in the OR, with some additional ICU issues. MICU has a bunch of chronic medical issues which we don't see as frequently and that knowledge base may serve you well.

On the other hand, if you plan on doing a prelim medicine year, you'll get plenty of that experience.
 
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