scheduling electives

[Mystique]

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Hola guys and dolls. I'm in the process of putting together my MS-III rotation schedule, and I need some advice.

I have a few hospitals/programs in mind where I would ideally like to end up doing my residency. (I know I'm a dork...) I have the option of doing up to 2 electives my 3rd year. I'm interested in doing those at the hospitals with res. programs I'm interested in. Would you guys recommend that I put those electives off until 4th yr OR would you strongly recommend doing them during 3rd yr? If I want the opportunity to knock the socks off these folks I realize that I should rotate through these hospitals BEFORE I start applying for residencies/interviewing. But, I don't want to go into these hospitals too early and do something stupid due to naivety/lack of knowledge. I'd love to hear from you guys since you're in the midst of it all right now.

 

[DOtobe]

I think it depends on where the electives fall in your third year schedule. If the electives are right at the beginning, maybe hold off until fourth year (but try to do the elective early in your fourth year), since you are fresh into your rotations and will not know very much yet. If the electives are around November or later, you will know enough at that point to probably really impress the attending with your hard work and knowledge, so you could do them in your third year.

Just my $0.02....