elective in PM&R

[scm]

hey everyone,

did most of you do an elective in PM&R where you attended medical school prior to doing an away elective? or just one of the above? how long was each?



I kinda don't want to do it where I goto school, but I suppose people might be more friendly here/i'd be familiar with how things work/docs would be willing to give a recommendation etc etc, not to mention I'd get some experience before doing an away elective which might make me look better.

On the otherhand, it could be not so great here + a waste of time and kinda well, might turn me away from PM&R...I've met some great PM&R people where I'm at, but also some quite apathetic people (both equal in number so far), and I'm _sure_ I dont want to do residency here or even remain in this city..

much thanks for any insight/advice
take care
scm

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[Ligament]

hey scm.

I did a PM&R elective at my base hospital which was kind of a waste but gave me a taste. Then I did an away rotation at Rehab Inst. of Chicago, and I think that helped me a lot for the following reasons:

1. Got to see how broad PM&R can be
2. Worked at a place that had a good rep.
3. Got a letter of Rec. from the RIC program director.

number 1 helped me decide on PM&R as a career and numbers 2 and 3 opened lots of doors during residency interview.

So, I would suggest rotating at a place with a residency you are interested in. Alternately, just rotate at a place with a strong rep, and get a letter from some well known people.

all the best.

 

[scm]

ah much thanks!

i forgot to ask everyone though-did the place where you did the away elective require that you do PM&R @ your school 1st?

also, how long were/was everyone's electives at school and/or away?

take care
scm

 

[Camber314]

SCM:

- I didn't get the impression that a rotation at your base hospital was required at any of the programs I looked at.

- I did two 4-week rotations; most of the places I considered doing away rotations at were set up on a 4 week schedule, often a mix of inpatient and outpatient experiences to give you a good overview of PM&R and their program.

- Certainly it's nice to have some experience under your belt before you try to shine on any rotation, but I don't think it's that crucial. The old adage "show up, work hard, be yourself" works just as well, in my experience. In the bigger picture, I also would aim for the best educational experiences regardless of specialty (but especially in my future field). If your home elective isn't a good one, don't waste the month.

Good luck!
wes

 

[njdevil]

I agree with Wes. Remember, most medical schools don't have a PM&R residency, so many students do an away elective as there first PM&R rotation. For that matter, the more high profile programs usually have students from all over the country rotating through. Remember, PM&R is a very people oriented field, so they really want to know you either through a rotation or interview...preferebly both.