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 out overall. 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.

 

[Gut Shot]

Would you really want to end up at a program that you could piss off so easily? Our current visiting student has really impressed everyone here. If he ranks us #1 I'd venture to say it's a done deal.

Unless you're a freak, or a lazy ass, or unpleasant, or smell foul, or otherwise suck, an externship is generally a good idea. It'll also help you figure out if your dream program is really where you want to go.

 

[Blade28]

I think it's a good idea, not only as an "audition," but also to see what that program/city is like. Oh, and to see if you could work with those residents.