Is an Away Sub-I necessary??

[slackMD]

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I am starting this whole process they call the match and I was wondering exactly where I stand. I know little of the subtleties of the competitive match. I want to do Peds at a top tier university affiliated institution such as Duke, Northwestern, etc. Do I really need to do an away rotation at one of these institutions if my CV is already strong?

Thanks

 

[mdphd2b]

I am starting this whole process they call the match and I was wondering exactly where I stand. I know little of the subtleties of the competitive match. I want to do Peds at a top tier university affiliated institution such as Duke, Northwestern, etc. Do I really need to do an away rotation at one of these institutions if my CV is already strong?

Thanks

Hi there,

I'm applying to 10 academic programs, and I was told by advisors and senior students that it's not required...you could just as easily screw up once in the 4wk and ruin your chances...or you could be a super-star. I chose not to take that risk😛 Instead, I would rather use my away opportunity to do an international elective, so if a program asks me why I didn't do an away at their institution, my reply is I dedicated all my time and resources ($$$) for the chance to see how medicine is practiced in a developing country.

 

[andyh]

Just to add my 2 cents -

I'm doing an away _elective_ rather than sub-I. The elective (Peds Onc) has given me the chance to see the hospital from the inpatient to surgial to ICU to path to radiology etc...

It also has given me a chance to use the computing systems etc...

Most importantly, I've gotten a chance to meet the faculty, fellow, and residents here.

I guess, in my mind, if you are looking to go somewhere, an away elective can give you the opportunity to explore and learn more about a place. I haven't done a sub-I yet (PICU in Sept) but I gather that the above is true - you have to do well or it may hurt you in the residency process.

In anycase, as for my elective, I'm having a blast. I've only done this for a week but it has been amazing. I'll try to write more.

 

[14022]

I think an away sub-I is a bad idea if you are fairly competitive, but an away elective on a subspecialty service is a great idea. If you do a subspecialty service you will likely work a manageable schedule with weekends off, no call, and work closely with an attending or two. Your exposure is more limited, so it is easier to learn and shine while there. Your time off on nights and weekends will give you a chance to see the city.

Keep in mind the away elective is as much for you to see them than for them to see you. On interview day, you only see a snapshot of a program on their best behavior which may or may not accurately reflect how things really are. I did two away electives, and it was invaluable in helping me make my decision. The one I thought I would love, I actually very much disliked after spending a month there. Ironically, if I would have based my decision on the interview day alone, I would have likely mistakenly ranked it number one.

I would strongly recommend spending more time at a program if you have the time and resources. Three years is a long time to be at a program you may not end up enjoying so I would try to get as much information about a program as possible before making a decision on a rank list.

 

[tatabox80]

I am starting this whole process they call the match and I was wondering exactly where I stand. I know little of the subtleties of the competitive match. I want to do Peds at a top tier university affiliated institution such as Duke, Northwestern, etc. Do I really need to do an away rotation at one of these institutions if my CV is already strong?

Thanks

I think one of the major points of a sub-I is to have an opportunity to practice working like an intern. I was told by one of my advisors that it's often better to do a sub-I at your home program and do elective/sub-spec. months at programs you want to check out.

 

[14022]

I think one of the major points of a sub-I is to have an opportunity to practice working like an intern. I was told by one of my advisors that it's often better to do a sub-I at your home program and do elective/sub-spec. months at programs you want to check out.

I couldn't disagree with this more. You have to do at least one sub-I month to graduate. That is all the practice you need. You will have an entire year to be an intern. Use your fourth year for more unique experiences. The last thing you want is to burn out before residency even starts. I am not saying to blow off your fourth year, but do things because you think you will enjoy it, not because it is something necessary to do.

 

[ESPNdeportes]

I don't think an away sub-i or elective is neccesary at all to match at a program. Obviously it can help if you do the away rotation and do a great job. And as others have mentioned, if the preceptors you work with don't like you or you underperform, it could hurt you.

Outside of putting in a good impression and getting a letter, the big utility is obviously getting to see a program up close and see what its really like not just on interview day.

Still, I wouldn't consider it neccesary- think of all the applicants who are unable to do aways (married, kids, other pursuits, what have you) that are able to match at competitive outside programs.