Away rotation question

[smq123]

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Hi everyone.

I'm setting up an away rotation to do an OB sub-I/AI. I was given the option of doing it on L&D, doing normal low-risk deliveries, or working on a specialty service (MFM or prenatal/genetic counseling).

Some people have suggested that I should opt for the specialty service, because I'll probably get to work more closely with a smaller number of attendings - which would help make for a better LOR at the end.

I was just hoping to do the regular, low-risk, L&D, but I admit that my friends' suggestion hadn't occurred to me. Any thoughts?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[nykka3]

Hi everyone.

I'm setting up an away rotation to do an OB sub-I/AI. I was given the option of doing it on L&D, doing normal low-risk deliveries, or working on a specialty service (MFM or prenatal/genetic counseling).

Some people have suggested that I should opt for the specialty service, because I'll probably get to work more closely with a smaller number of attendings - which would help make for a better LOR at the end.

I was just hoping to do the regular, low-risk, L&D, but I admit that my friends' suggestion hadn't occurred to me. Any thoughts?

Thanks for any advice!

So is your goal to get an LOR or to have a more hands on experience? It seems that working in a low risk setting you would be able to do more (hands on, i.e. deliveries, suturing, "mgmt") than in a high risk or counseling setup. However, it seems as if you are implying that the attendings on the low risk side are more hospitalist type or not the type of faculty you want an LOR from? I would just decide what was more impt. and what you want to accomplish. Good luck!

 

[smq123]

So is your goal to get an LOR or to have a more hands on experience? It seems that working in a low risk setting you would be able to do more (hands on, i.e. deliveries, suturing, "mgmt") than in a high risk or counseling setup. However, it seems as if you are implying that the attendings on the low risk side are more hospitalist type or not the type of faculty you want an LOR from? I would just decide what was more impt. and what you want to accomplish. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice!

There are a few goals for the away rotation. Just want to see a different institution, want to see what it's like, want to see if I fit in there, and get an LOR.

I don't know what the attendings are like at all - but my friends' point was that there will probably be MORE of them on the low-risk service...and, therefore, that none of them will get to know me very well. But if I did high-risk specialty services, I could work more closely with a smaller group of attendings - and they might be able to write a more personalized LOR.

 

[nykka3]

Thanks for the advice!

There are a few goals for the away rotation. Just want to see a different institution, want to see what it's like, want to see if I fit in there, and get an LOR.

I don't know what the attendings are like at all - but my friends' point was that there will probably be MORE of them on the low-risk service...and, therefore, that none of them will get to know me very well. But if I did high-risk specialty services, I could work more closely with a smaller group of attendings - and they might be able to write a more personalized LOR.

Ok. That makes sense. Then I would go with the sub specialty service. If you feel that you have had enough hands on experience in Ob why do another month of the same. You could also get a "nice" surprise and get a lot of experience on the sub specialty rotation.

 

[Global Disrobal]

I think your friend is right. I did one month on MFM and one in GYN-ONC and got 1 LOR from each. You definitely want to stick to a smaller attending cohort.

Another option is to do a month of primary care (routine GYN clinic). You'll have a chance to present to the attendings and have good one on one exposure.

Good Luck!

 

[smq123]

🙂 Thanks to both of you for your help!

 

[goodsamob]

First, having interviewed residency candidates, I can tell you that it didn't mean any more to me to read a letter coming from a specialist versus a generalist. It's the content that counts, and that you can't predict.

Second, research the program where you want to do the away. For example, at my program, there is a single attending monitoring L&D during the day with rotating faculty at night. AIs have plenty of exposure to that attending, if they seek it out. If your heart is in low risk obstetrics, there is nothing wrong with that, and more experience as a student will only make your transition to residency easier. I say go with what you love. If you do what you love, it shows in your performance and should reflect in your LOR. (Working hard is the key...I've seen AIs blow it by acting like we should be honored simply to be in their presence, no work required)