Do I need an away?

[satdixon]

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I am applying to IM this upcoming cycle, and go to a newer MD school in Florida. I wanted know if a rec letter from a VA that I rotated at would be good for academic IM programs or if I need to an away rotation

 

[NotAProgDirector]

In general, you don't need an away rotation to match into IM, and a letter from a VA is perfectly fine.

 

[GoSpursGo]

You don't NEED an away rotation for IM. If you have a reason to aim for a specific program, may be worth doing so, but otherwise it's a big risk (you might not be on top of your game as you get adjusted to a new environment/EHR/team culture) with limited reward

 

[satdixon]

In general, you don't need an away rotation to match into IM, and a letter from a VA is perfectly fine.

Is a Sub I letter required for IM? I will have a department letter, but may or not be able to get a sub I letter. My main focus was going to be Step 2

 

[GoSpursGo]

Is a Sub I letter required for IM? I will have a department letter, but may or not be able to get a sub I letter. My main focus was going to be Step 2

It certainly helps, but obviously it is known that not everyone can do a sub-I before ERAS opens. Obviously you'll want strong letters from your core clerkship

 

[satdixon]

It certainly helps, but obviously it is known that not everyone can do a sub-I before ERAS opens. Obviously you'll want strong letters from your core clerkship

I will be able to get a strong letter from an outpatient IM doctor from my core IM rotation along with a strong letter from an IM subspeciality elective, in addition to the department letter. Do you think that would be adequate

 

[GoSpursGo]

I will be able to get a strong letter from an outpatient IM doctor from my core IM rotation along with a strong letter from an IM subspeciality elective, in addition to the department letter. Do you think that would be adequate

It would be good to have a letter from an inpatient rotation, preferably a general IM service or at least a high volume one (ie oncology).

But again, obviously not everyone can do it in time