away rotations in IM

[obiwan]

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for those who plan on doing aways, do you plan on doing general inpatient subIs or more subspecialty electives

 

[Hassler]

I would think a SubI because that really gives them a good idea of how well you function as an intern.

While we're on the same topic, do people know when they need to start contacting individual depts to secure away rotation spots? Is it now? I'm getting confused because a lot of programs won't accept applications until like April. I wonder if I'm already behind in the game *sigh*

 

[yayarea]

Some programs won't even let you do an away sub-i until november. I would do aways in something fun.

 

[viostorm]

I would think a SubI because that really gives them a good idea of how well you function as an intern.

While we're on the same topic, do people know when they need to start contacting individual depts to secure away rotation spots? Is it now? I'm getting confused because a lot of programs won't accept applications until like April. I wonder if I'm already behind in the game *sigh*

I would recommend doing something in general medicine, either sub-i or something else like a hospitalist rotation. If you do a rotation at a big place and do a subspecialty you will likely work with faculty that have no input on the general medicine service or IM residency.

On my sub-I away, I was lucky enough to work with someone on the intern selection committee and get a letter from them for my application. IMO that certainly carries more weight then a random cardiologist.

As far as timing, getting away rotations are a complete pain in the @#$@ so get on it. Likely you will be trying to convince an office administrator to give you the position, many times departments have minimal say on who gets to rotate because its up to some scheduling nazi in the student affairs office and their priority is their students. So, in general apply to 2 to 3 times more programs then you want to do.

 

[Sapira]

Unless you have a definite number one place to do your residency, the away rotation for IM applicants is not worth the trouble.

It's a pain to schedule, it's expensive, it forces you to be on your A-game all the time in a foreign land. And....there is a chance that you will be stuck with that one attending or resident that "hates teaching" or "never gives honors" etc etc

Unless you know where you want to go or feel that without an away you will not get an interview, it is not worth your time and effort. I did no away rotations and got every interview I applied for.

 

[Reddpoint]

Unless you have a definite number one place to do your residency, the away rotation for IM applicants is not worth the trouble.

It's a pain to schedule, it's expensive, it forces you to be on your A-game all the time in a foreign land. And....there is a chance that you will be stuck with that one attending or resident that "hates teaching" or "never gives honors" etc etc

Unless you know where you want to go or feel that without an away you will not get an interview, it is not worth your time and effort. I did no away rotations and got every interview I applied for.

I think this pretty much hits the nail on the head. If you have a strong application that will get you interviews at the programs you are interested in. Its possible that an away will help you if it goes great but its not worth the risk that something goes wrong.

The scenarios I would consider doing an away would be if you really want to go to a specific program and think its unlikely that your application is too weak for an interview. In this case you have nothing to lose (expect $$). The other benefit mentioned above about seeing other programs makes sense if you are willing to spend the money. Just dont do it at your dream program.

 

[slippers82]

MS3 here, debating the same issues. i plan to do at least 1 ward/hospitalist sub-i away in a program hopeful, to get a good feel of the program/residents/faculty and have something to compare to what's familiar here. i would love to do residency in CA, but am well aware of the difficulty of getting into a UC program from the outside. i've heard from multiple people that you def have to bring your "A game" while in a foreign land, different chart system, logistics, etc., so that's always the challenging part.