Strategy for Away Rotations

[kwel]

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Is it better to do an away rotation at a "top" program in your specialty of interest (in order to improve your chances for that program), or to do an away at a program you've got a really solid chance at?

I'm just not sure what the purpose of away rotations are or how they factor into a program's decision to interview/rank you. Interested in a competitive field btw.

Edit: For interest's sake I think my resume is pretty good (high step 1, pubs, pretty good 3rd year grades, very good med school, etc.) and I feel like I stand a decent chance at top programs, but the program I'm interested in hasn't taken someone from my school in over 10 years, which is why I'm wondering if an away might help at all.

 

[OveractiveBrain]

Is it better to do an away rotation at a "top" program in your specialty of interest (in order to improve your chances for that program), or to do an away at a program you've got a really solid chance at?

I'm just not sure what the purpose of away rotations are or how they factor into a program's decision to interview/rank you. Interested in a competitive field btw.

Edit: For interest's sake I think my resume is pretty good (high step 1, pubs, pretty good 3rd year grades, very good med school, etc.) and I feel like I stand a decent chance at top programs, but the program I'm interested in hasn't taken someone from my school in over 10 years, which is why I'm wondering if an away might help at all.

Aways in competitive fields are not "aways" they are "auditions." Because you did an away at a hot shot program does not enhance your application at other programs. It enhances your application AT THAT PROGRAM as many competitive positions (Uro, ENT, derm) are filled by home-school and away matches.

In all honesty, it would help you more to do an audition at a program you are likely to match at. That being said, there is nothing wrong with doing 4 away rotations (other than the sapping of your soul), sprinkle it here, there, and a reach. And by the way, if you get an Away at a program it pretty much means (obviously not absolutely) that they would have interviewed you and are at least considering you for the position. SO, apply away and take spots at competitive programs. Just make sure you have a backup away or two.

Now, for other people reading this and are freaking out, dont. This is a VERY aggressive approach for people doing a very competitive field at a very competitive place. Most difficult-to-obtain fields do not require this much effort. But, if you want to get a spot, remember that more effort up front will make you happier in residency, which will make you happier in life, even if you have to work for 4 months while your internal medicine counterpart is partying like crazy.

Disclaimer: I am an Internal Medicine Resident

 

[Tomodachi123]

Most of the institutions require applicants to have completed all core rotations at the time of the applications. This basically means that we can only apply at the end of 3rd year.

 

[DreamingTheLive]

If you're pretty confident you're at least somewhat close to a clinical superstar, then YES, show up and show out. It can definitely help solidify your application as "elite."

That being said, it IS an audition of sorts.....show up and don't shine....Not good.

But it also really depends on what you're planning on matching into...certain fields (like mine) value "Aways" much more than others...

 

[kwel]

If you're pretty confident you're at least somewhat close to a clinical superstar, then YES, show up and show out. It can definitely help solidify your application as "elite."

That being said, it IS an audition of sorts.....show up and don't shine....Not good.

But it also really depends on what you're planning on matching into...certain fields (like mine) value "Aways" much more than others...

Yes, this is what I'm worried about. I usually get good clinical evals but I'm definitely not the kind of person to blow them out of the water.. maybe an away wouldn't be that great of an idea then. Do you guys think it hurts your chances at a top residency to have NOT done an away there?

Also, to the above poster, which fields tend to value aways more than others?

 

[duckie99]

Yes, this is what I'm worried about. I usually get good clinical evals but I'm definitely not the kind of person to blow them out of the water.. maybe an away wouldn't be that great of an idea then. Do you guys think it hurts your chances at a top residency to have NOT done an away there?

Also, to the above poster, which fields tend to value aways more than others?

1. what field are you applying for?

2. Aways will help big for surgical fields. No they are not necessary because you obviously cannot do an away everywhere. But if you are really interested in a place I would do it. They will help get you recognized at the top places because these places have more than enough people to choose from and it's easier to go with the student they know vs one they do not. So it won't necessarily hurt your chances to not do an away but if you did pretty well on the rotation it will help you.

3. I am doing IM and did not do an away and they are not necessary for less competitive fields (see charting outcomes in the match). But by all means do an away at a place you think you may like if you're doing something like IM. It'll give you a much better impression than just on the interview day. Also if you have good grades and scores I'm sure you'll be fine once you get used to the system.

 

[dally1025]

Yes, this is what I'm worried about. I usually get good clinical evals but I'm definitely not the kind of person to blow them out of the water.. maybe an away wouldn't be that great of an idea then. Do you guys think it hurts your chances at a top residency to have NOT done an away there?

Also, to the above poster, which fields tend to value aways more than others?

Some fields that value away rotations: EM, surgical subspecialties. I'm sure there are others but those are the only two I know at the top of my head.

I did my away at one of the more competitive EM programs. I don't feel like I blew them away with my knowledge of EM (I didn't get honors) but I worked hard, showed up on time, acted interested, and was personable. The program doesn't interview every person that rotates there and I was fortunate enough to get an interview. Had I not done an away at that program I am pretty sure they would have passed over my application (I'm maybe slightly above average for EM and am from a no-name school). Had my application been stronger I might have a shot at an interview but there are tons of outstanding applicants and it's sometimes a crapshoot. Think about it, would you rather hire someone you've worked with before and like or some person you spent 15-20 minutes interviewing?

Remember that you're also evaluating if you want to spend the next 3+ years of your life there. Not every program will be a good fit for you and away rotations are the best way to determine if you want to go there for residency. If you are really interested in a specific program go for it. If they like you it will increase your chances of matching there if that's what you want.