peds electives during med school

[bowlofmushypeas]

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Anyone have thoughts on "must/should try really hard to do" electives if going into a peds residency? I've heard PICU or NICU from an upperclassmen, but am not especially excited about taking that.. anyone else?

 

[Stitch]

Try a search. We've definitely discussed this topic before. There are probably a couple other threads too, and lots of people have different advice.

 

[oldbearprofessor]

I've heard PICU or NICU from an upperclassmen, but am not especially excited about taking that

:cry::cry:

Why?

 

[jcu]

Aww, you made OBP sad
Don't worry OBP, some of us think the NICU/PICU are the bee's knees 😀

 

[michigangirl]

I echo OBP, but if you're definitely going into pediatrics, you will get NICU time starting intern year and PICU time by second year. The only reason it might be helpful to do a PICU elective is if you think you like critical care and some find they get their PICU rotations a little late to decide second year if that's a fellowship they want to do. But I get the feeling critical care is not your thing...

in that case, if you are going to do peds for sure, I encourage you to do as many other electies as possible-- radiology, anesthesiology, etc.-- broaden your horizons. plenty of peds to come in the future.

 

[Socrates25]

Take whatever you are interested in. I'm not sure why there are so many people out there who say you "need" to take PICU or NICU, I suppose its an environment that makes many people nervous, therefore they feel you'll be more prepared or ready for it if you take it was an elective. I'm not so sure thats true.

On a sidenote, OBP probably wont agree with me on this, but I'm glad the ACGME got rid of the 3 NICU months requirement, I thought that was way over the top for general pediatrician training. Its much better IMHO to have a 3 month newborn/NICU option with at least 1 month being NICU.