Ophtho away rotations

[LeLu]

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I am currently applying to away rotations in ophtho for my 4th year. How many programs did you all apply to? Most applications don't even ask for a CV, so I'm confused on how to be competitive for them or how they pick you. I've so far downloaded apps for 7 schools & I'm arranging my vaccinations, but I'm not sure that's enough. 3 of them are top 10 schools, so I'm sure those will fill up fast. Any advice on applying to externships? Thank you!

 

[Eyes T]

In my experience (one away rotation at a top 3 institution) the best way to ensure a spot is to contact whoever is in charge of the medical student rotation directly. They'll tell you exactly how to go about applying and how to do it quickly. There's also a chance that they'll hold a spot open for you since they know you're interested. If you can't find the contact info for the program, ask anyone you might know who rotated there...they should have an old email with the program coordinator's info.

I didn't get a sense that it was a competitive process. It was more about who got the paperwork in first, although this could be different for other programs.

 

[browneyez01]

Would it hurt to do all ophtho away rotations in one city? Will other programs I interview at think that I am not willing to go out-of-state for residency??

Also, how many away rotations do most people do? 2? 3? research? Any advice on deciding where to do aways?

Thanks!

 

[DrZeke]

Bump.

 

[Smpco02]

Would it hurt to do all ophtho away rotations in one city? Will other programs I interview at think that I am not willing to go out-of-state for residency??

Also, how many away rotations do most people do? 2? 3? research? Any advice on deciding where to do aways?

Thanks!

I would not say it hurts, but I will say that in my experience programs in different cities want a good reason why you want to go there. Talking with program directors, they all say that they are receiving more applications than in past years but not with that many more applicants applying. So with more applicants using the shotgun approach, programs want to make sure they are not some random click of the mouse. What a lot people notice is that most of ones interviews will be regional, because most people are likely to stay near friends and family. Programs all want to increase their chances of getting the applicants they have on the top of their rank list, and who can blame them. When I went to my away rotation in a different state, one of the hard ass attendings asked me why did I choose to come here. I told him it was the city I was born in, and being a local he said it was the best answer a med student has every given. Really??? The other student said he went to college 100 miles away, attending did not like that answer. So in my opinion doing two aways in one city is not going to ruin your chances in general. If there is a specific place you would like to go, and you don't want to risk not getting an interview based on your location, and you will work hard during an away rotation, I'd do a rotation at that specific program and get that courtesy interview 😀. Being an average applicant, I don't think the place I matched would have given me an interview out of the sea of applicants that applied, but i did an away there, everyone liked me, I got a spot. I did two aways but I couldn't start my rotations till September, but I would have done 3 if I could. Hope this helps somewhat.