Externships: Help or Hurt???

[bnichols0330]

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I have heard many differing opinions lately on whether you should do externships or not. Granted that most of these differing opinions come from different specialties, but I am wondering how this plays into radiology. Any input would be appreciated. The predominate differing opinions are: 1) You should do externships so that you can evaluate the program & try to impress the attendings & residents there by working very hard 2) You shouldn't do externships if you look decent on paper b/c you might piss someone off or make a mistake & they could end up blackballing you both at that institution & others.

I am a 3rd year student who wants to do radiology & am trying to prepare as best as I can for the match. My board scores are good, I am trying to do really well during 3rd year, I have always been hard-working & a good interviewee, but my question is this: If I do externships to find out about 1 or 2 programs outside of my university system & to let them find out about me am I opening myself up to be hurt or am I doing the best thing by letting them get to know me?

 

[trouta]

The thing about radiology is that as a med student you arent likely to impress anyone with your knowledge of rads. Most of what they are going to look at is how well you get along with other people.

I was told to only do an away if there was some particular place that I knew I really wanted to go.