Elective for First Rotation Intern Year

[Oso]

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Incoming peds intern here. First rotation of the year will be an elective of my choice. I know in the long run it won’t matter what I choose, but I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions for what to preference? Maybe someone here also started with an elective and had a good experience? Not that it matters much, but currently interested in PICU/NICU specialty wise. Thanks!

 

[Perrotfish]

Incoming peds intern here. First rotation of the year will be an elective of my choice. I know in the long run it won’t matter what I choose, but I’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions for what to preference? Maybe someone here also started with an elective and had a good experience? Not that it matters much, but currently interested in PICU/NICU specialty wise. Thanks!

I vote CVICU. Learn the inpatient computer system without inpatient hours, learn cardiology without having to look at an echos. I agree, though, that it doesn't matter much.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Depends on your program as well. Some places require ID and some don’t. If yours doesn’t, it is a valuable rotation however it shouldn’t generally be a first one. Pulm is another one if your program doesn’t require it. The respiratory physiology will help.

 

[SurfingDoctor]

Why don't you write an upper level in the program or the current chiefs and see what people like? Given this will be your first rotation ever in a new hospital system, I wouldn't pick something with high acuity, unless you want to be relatively useless.

 

[GoSpursGo]

Agree, the chiefs and seniors in your program can likely guide what will be useful better than we can. If all else fails, it's hard to go wrong with ID.

 

[pedstar09]

I vote genetics as well if PICU/NICU is something that you may like. Some programs also like to have "core" electives during which you cannot take a vacation, so search for something that can fit that need (unless you want to take vacation your first rotation of residency)

 

[Oso]

Cool, thanks everyone!

I vote CVICU. Learn the inpatient computer system without inpatient hours, learn cardiology without having to look at an echos. I agree, though, that it doesn't matter much.

I don't think I can rotate through the CVICU without having done PICU, but I could do a cardiology rotation..

Depends on your program as well. Some places require ID and some don’t. If yours doesn’t, it is a valuable rotation however it shouldn’t generally be a first one. Pulm is another one if your program doesn’t require it. The respiratory physiology will help.

They don't require ID, but I was hoping to do it at some point. Any particular reason why it shouldn't be the first rotation?

Why don't you write an upper level in the program or the current chiefs and see what people like? Given this will be your first rotation ever in a new hospital system, I wouldn't pick something with high acuity, unless you want to be relatively useless.

Agree, the chiefs and seniors in your program can likely guide what will be useful better than we can. If all else fails, it's hard to go wrong with ID.

Yeah, I'll reach out and ask a resident in the program to see what they think. Thanks!

I vote genetics as well if PICU/NICU is something that you may like. Some programs also like to have "core" electives during which you cannot take a vacation, so search for something that can fit that need (unless you want to take vacation your first rotation of residency)

Interesting, will look into that

 

[FrkyBgStok]

They don't require ID, but I was hoping to do it at some point. Any particular reason why it shouldn't be the first rotation?

Well in my program, ID is an intense rotation with a lot of chart digging. They expect a lot regarding notes, exam findings, and efficiency. Plus they are a heavily consulted service. If you are trying to learn the computer system and the hospital, it is difficult to know how to examine patients and gain information in a NICU/PICU consult if you have never been there. And while this is my program, the friends I have in other programs tend to agree. If you are willing to deal with all that, you could be fine, but it will be tough.

 

[Oso]

Well in my program, ID is an intense rotation with a lot of chart digging. They expect a lot regarding notes, exam findings, and efficiency. Plus they are a heavily consulted service. If you are trying to learn the computer system and the hospital, it is difficult to know how to examine patients and gain information in a NICU/PICU consult if you have never been there. And while this is my program, the friends I have in other programs tend to agree. If you are willing to deal with all that, you could be fine, but it will be tough.

That makes a lot of sense to me, thanks for your input 👍