Question about away rotations

[DoctorWannaBe]

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I'm on an away rotation right now and am looking for some advice on how to make this a worthwhile experience.

Should I make an appointment with the PD to discuss the residency program and hopefully let him remember me when interviews come around?

Should I try to get a good LOR from an attending here? I already have enough LOR's from my home school, but will ask for one from here if it will help.

Is there anything else I should do as a visiting student to enhance my chances of getting in here?

Thanks!

 

[jdh71]

I'm on an away rotation right now and am looking for some advice on how to make this a worthwhile experience.

Should I make an appointment with the PD to discuss the residency program and hopefully let him remember me when interviews come around?

Should I try to get a good LOR from an attending here? I already have enough LOR's from my home school, but will ask for one from here if it will help.

Is there anything else I should do as a visiting student to enhance my chances of getting in here?

Thanks!

They know you are interested in their program merely because you applied to come and showed up. They will interview you. The best thing you can do IMHO is 1) Don't be a dick, 2) Show up ON TIME to everything - hell, be early every time 3) Show interest by asking questions, this means you'll need to read in order to know what is a good question vs a bad question (surgeons pick up on this more than anyone else) 4) Dress like you're a doctor - be professional 5) Finally, when you have the oppourtunity, like when at lunch with the folks there ask questions specifically about the program and mention your real interest and point out things you see that are positive - word will get back to the PD (if you really want some time with the PD or someone influential in the program the secretary is your door way be nice to her and ask that she put on the schedule with one of the "big whigs") 6) Don't be desperate - humans have this strange way of avoiding this behavior (ever had a potential dating partner act too desperate? Yeah, you get it then)

 

[jennyboo]

Should I make an appointment with the PD to discuss the residency program and hopefully let him remember me when interviews come around?

At my aways, I was told that if interested in the program, to definitely make an appointment with the PD. In other words, it was offered. So yes, absolutely make an appointment with the PD. You can do an hour or so of preparing for it by thinking about what you like about this program (and tell the PD!), why you're interested in it, what questions to ask, etc.

Also make an appointment with the department chair if the opportunity was mentioned and offered to you during your orientation to the elective. (This may be dependent on the program.)

Consider gently probing about how the "appointment" with PD or chair typically goes. Talk to the residents. Tell them you're meeting with _____ and ask if there's anything of interest to know before you go.

Should I try to get a good LOR from an attending here? I already have enough LOR's from my home school, but will ask for one from here if it will help.

Yes, the LOR will be especially helpful if you decide you are really interested in doing your RESIDENCY at THIS program. If you want to come to this program, the letter from within definitely helps.

Is there anything else I should do as a visiting student to enhance my chances of getting in here?

What the above people said.