Must one take a general radiology elective before applying?

[The Doctor]

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Hey guys,

I'm actually putting up this post for a friend of mine who is applying to radiology (I'm going into ophthalmology). He is a current 4th year student getting ready to apply and is wondering if you need to take a general radiology elective before you apply in September. He has previously taken a 2 week radiology selective during an earlier year and will have taken a thoracic 4 week elective before the september application deadline, but he may not be able to take the general elective until later in the fall or spring. Is this okay? Is it alright to apply without a grade on your transcript from a general radiology elective? Can you wait until later in the Fall semester or even spring?

Thanks!

 

[Pontifex Maximus]

Surprisingly it isn't a MUST (I actually got asked at a few interviews if I'd taken a rotation period), but is probably recommended. I think 6 weeks of Rads is more than enough to build an interest and be able to talk about it, however. Thoracic is fine.

 

[MrBurns10]

The Doctor, I think we come from the same school. I didn't even do the general 2 week selective, I just did a 4 week neurorads rotation and it was more than enough. I did eventually do a general rotation as an away but it was after September.

 

[The Doctor]

Hey, thanks to both of you for your answers. This is what he suspected but just wanted to make sure from someone "in the know". Having taken a thoracic elective myself, I was recommending waiting until later for the general elective because it seems like you get better exposure to the attendings on the more focused electives. Yes, Mr.Burns we hail from the same school - I'm lamenting the coming loss of my 3rd year freedom!

 

[igottaquestion]

so nowadays people apply without an elective, and presumably without radiology research? wow.

 

[C5toC9]

isn't it a good idea to do an elective in the field you want to apply to?

 

[Pontifex Maximus]

isn't it a good idea to do an elective in the field you want to apply to?

Of course. Did you read the OP?

And I would imagine most people do an elective. Research isn't 100% necessary.