Do you have interests in attending said program? If so, I would say it was probably a poor choice to schedule back-to-back aways in the middle of interview season. It kind of ties you down for 2 months.
I do have interest in that program. While I understand it may have been a poor choice, I was given advice that doing an anesthesiology and SICU month there would greatly enhance my chances. I will not mention the name of the program. However, I did understand that it could tie me down.
It would be easier for you to miss days during anesthesiology, as you are basically dead weight to the anesthesia team (no offense). They won't miss you when you're gone. As an M4 on SICU, however, you should probably be in charge of managing patients much like an intern. Your absence during that month would cause a shift in the workload to your colleagues.
Again, though, if you are trying to impress an anesthesia dept, asking for time off during the away isn't always the best idea. I'm not saying it's never been done, and I am sure someone can share a story of doing just that and still matching, blah blah blah. I did it, but the interview was on a Sat., and I basically asked to leave by 3 pm on a Friday. I don't think anyone other than the resident I was scheduled with that day was aware I was going to an interview.
The program that invited me gave me dates for options. However, they also mentioned that IF none of the dates work for me, they could accommodate with me on a date I request however the whole sha-bang that goes on with interviews would not be happening (i.e. pre-interview dinner the night before, resident luncheon, etc). Thoughts? Should I roll with this option and schedule it for say a Saturday? Thanks!
