Amy,
I think that rotating here will help somewhat. Of the several students we've had rotate through, almost all interviewed and I know we took one in the last match. She is a transitional year intern at Mayo Jax right now.
I'm not sure that there is a strict cut-off for step I, but I do know that it has gotten more competitive. Most of the applicants I've taken on interviews have had step I scores in the 230s and 240s. I don't think that's a hard and fast rule, though. If you have a strong all-around package, I think you'd get a look.
As far as moonlighting is concerned, a few people do it. The caveat is that you can't do it in anesthesia and you can't do it within the department. By that I mean to say that several people moonlight as general practice docs at a prison or urgent care center. This, in theory, has to be done with the program director's approval and can't interfere with the 80-hour work week rule. I would say we average around 60 hours/week, so there should be time to do this if you are so inclined.
I am happy with my choice coming here. We were a new program when I started and have experienced some growing pains, but it is a good program. We have access to some big name individuals (Murray, Brull, Cucchiara, Greengrass, Dorsch) and it's more or less one-on-one. That can be a plus or a minus. Think of it like a small high school: if you excel at something, everybody knows and congratulates you. If you mess up, everybody knows and you'll hear about it.
I encourage you to apply for a rotation here to see if it's a good fit for you. Incidentally, our chief also attended Nova. You could chat with him about his experience if you rotate here before June.
Good luck! I'm happy to answer whatever other questions you have. Feel free to PM me if you like.
Cheers,
PMMD
