I was told anesthesia so you get better prep for lines. But Ive found that just being in the OR and talking with the anesthesiologist does the trick. So Ive just stuck with that and it's worked. Some of them don't mind as long as you show interest. I told them that I want to learn and they've let me. Plus, I'm usually with the same guys on that rotation which helps.
Radiology is actually required at my school, which is no biggie because I want to get better at looking at images. I'd recommend it only so you can be comfortable with that.
I was also recommended a rural gen surgery rotation. So far...
I did a cardiothoracic/vascular surgery in "rural" place (don't ask how that flew) but I was essentially an intern doing everything. I'm not saying you'll get the exact experience, but it's nice to be the only other person there besides the occasional np/pa. You get to learn how to properly assist in the OR which I've found extremely helpful. I wanted to learn how to get comfortable using both hands in procedures and the do/dont. After many screw ups and some personally stressful moments - I almost had stress ulcers being told to move the heart so he can cannulate at first. Only because he'd jokingly tell me I can tell I'm doing it wrong by looking at the monitor and seeing the pressure. Ugh... - but I loved it. I feel more comfortable with so many things. I now don't feel like an idiot helping with suturing and holding the line pass after pass and not getting in the way.
There's also plastics I was recommended because I was told I'd get better experience suturing... We shall see as I do it in January. I'd say doing a medicine subI would be helpful.
I'd also recommend an outpatient rotation so you get more comfortable with the 10 minute interview.
Lastly - don't do too many surgery rotations. As crazy as it sounds: you don't want to burn out. Nor do you need to. The reality is that intern year (correct me at any point) is about patient management and less so OR.
Lastly: my school mandates that you can't take time off on required rotations, so I'd get those last or before interview season. Electives are waaaay nicer about that and don't mind you taking the time for that.
