OMFS Externship Questions

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deleted913442

Hey guys!

D1 here and am seriously considering the OMFS route. 2 quick questions on the externship process:

If there is a school/city I know I want to end up in, should I externship there closer to the application cycle? Or does it not matter when I do it. The reason I ask is because I plan on going on an externship during my spring break of my D2 year, and I feel like the residents and faculty may not remember me as well if I were to extern there so early compared to when the application cycle is.

Also, I was looking at a few, and Loyola in Chicago lists that the externship lasts 2 weeks. How strict is this policy at schools that try and enforce this? With all my requirements and studying, I am not sure if I could dedicate 2 weeks at a time (especially since I'm considering doing multiple externships)

Thanks!
 
If you really have your eyes set on a specific program or location don't extern there until you're in your D3 year, possibly even D4 ready to apply, no-one will remember you from 3 year ago (half the residents won't even be around).

Best way to find out about duration is to email and ask, I did only a week at Loyola, but others like Vanderbilt are very strict on their two week minimum.
 
Extern at places you dont want to go. You get the experience, get to pad your CV. Doesn't even matter you come off as a clueless student. And by the time you actually extern at a place you're serious about, you know enough to not come off as an idiot.
 
Most people try to save their top choices until the end, however, unless you have a ton of time on your hands, I would suggest externing at places where you are somewhat interested in. I wouldn't completely waste an externship on a place where you have no intention of even applying. Most people can only get off for 2-6 weeks, depending on your school. That's probably around 3-5 externships depending on the duration.
 
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