How many is too many?

Started by melvindo
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melvindo

OKLAHOMA NATIVE
7+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
During forth year I know it is important to do electives in the feild you want to go into, but how many is too many. I have heard at least two is good. What about three? Is that too much or should I spend my time doing other electives like rads and anesthesia?
 
melvindo said:
During forth year I know it is important to do electives in the feild you want to go into, but how many is too many. I have heard at least two is good. What about three? Is that too much or should I spend my time doing other electives like rads and anesthesia?
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I wouldn't do more than two unless you just really have a great reason for a third.
 
I concur.


Two is good, more than that is excess... unless you have a really good reason. You should try and enjoy your fourth year.
 
roja said:
I concur.


Two is good, more than that is excess... unless you have a really good reason. You should try and enjoy your fourth year.
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I hear from almost everyone that it is neccessary to do a rotation at the program you are interested in. Won't you be disadvantaged if you are applying to several more than 2 or 3 programs and don't have the opportunity to rotate there?
 
OSUdoc08 said:
I hear from almost everyone that it is neccessary to do a rotation at the program you are interested in. Won't you be disadvantaged if you are applying to several more than 2 or 3 programs and don't have the opportunity to rotate there?
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It's not neccessary. It definitely helps if you show up to your number one choice and blow them away, but there are a lot (I would say the majority) of residents in programs that they didn't rotate at as med students.
 
Yup. I didn't rotate at my residency, and it was my first choice.
 
Along these same lines. Is it better to rotate at a big name in EM (Carolinas, Baltimore, Hennepin etc.) or try for that "shine" spot at your M3 conceived #1?
In other words, is a great LOR from a known program better than rotating through with a hopeful honors at where you want to be?
 
If you know where you want to go then do the rotation there. If you don't know then I would suggest doing your rotation at a location where you are at least interested. I don't think that doing a rotation at a big name (and lets not get into the "big name" argument) that you aren't interested in or competitive for is a good idea. Keep in mind that it sometimes takes lots of planning and months (6+) of lead time to set up electives...especially during the summer months.

The most important thing from an away rotation is the letter. In EM there is a standardized form that accompanies each letter. You want to get a "superior" or whatever the top recommendation is on that letter. It is best if you get a letter from the residency program director. When you get to your first day of the rotation look at the faculty schedule. Make sure you work at least 2 shifts with the program director. If you have to switch or come in on extra days then do it.

I had a good letter from a program director at a smaller name EM program and it opened lots of doors. As long as the letter is good then the reputation of the program is only secondary. Good luck.
 
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