Thoughts on away rotations

[Linus2007]

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So recurring theme here methinks regarding away rotations. I get the bottom line saying that if you do well it helps but how much does it help and what does good mean? I mean I am someone who got a low score on Step 1 (214, Step 2 fingers crossed) but I did well on all my 3rd year clerkships and I get on pretty well with people. So I am ant to an away rotation at either Mayo, BID or UW to get my name out as well as see what it's like at a bigger hospital. So would I have to unbelievably stellar (ie putting no foot wrong and pretty much keeping up with residents) to be considered? Or is it more like "yeah I'm remember that bloke he was good to work with..etc". Plus how does it help will it really help my chances or is it used to decide in situations where you have 2 students who have 250 each on step 1 and you only have one place to offer. 🙄

 

[Geri_Gal]

I did an away rotation at Mayo in Critical Care. I worked hard and stayed until I was told to go home. It was an interesting rotation so I had no problem being enthusiastic. At the end of the rotation, I was given good feedback and was told that they'd love to have me match there.

Bottom line: work hard, be enthusiastic, be a team player. You'll be o.k. You don't have to be unbelievably stellar -- just bright and a hard worker. Per Woody Allen, 80% of success is just showing up. Taking the initiative to do an away rotation indicates that you are motivated...working hard and being personable indicates that you'll be a good resident.

Programs are more likely to go with a student that they KNOW than one they only know from an interview. Interview while you are rotating or set up a meeting with a program director...get some face time so they remember you.

This advice holds true for Mayo and probably BID and UW.

 

[joejabjab]

Geri_gal, could you answer a couple of questions for me regarding this matter?

1) When did you do the away rotation during your 4th year?

2) What kind of questions did you bring to the program director?

Thanks!

 

[Geri_Gal]

I did my rotation in November of my 4th year, so I interviewed at Mayo toward the end of that month. I asked the PD questions relevant to my clinical/research interests...I didn't set up a separate meeting, but met with him on the day of my interview.

 

[Adcadet]

I also did an away at Mayo. I thought it was more important for seeing if I could fit in there (hmm...I guess it's "here" now). I'm not sure rotating at Mayo moved me up the ROL much, but it definitely helped me move Mayo way up on my list.

 

[elwademd]

i didn't do any away rotations as a med student, but have come across a few during residency, and there can be quite a difference in the students.

i would say that if you're unwilling to work hard, then don't go. most residents, myself included, don't want students who won't be trying their best. last year, there were two students that stood out- one worked her ass off, stayed until told to go home, impressed us with her knowledge, and was an all around nice girl. the other one was ok, didn't show up when asked, knowledge base was ok, didn't really impress us. both students applied to the program. i remember the 1st girl as working hard, and am glad that she'll be a new intern here in a week. i remember the 2nd girl as cute... probably not what you'd want to be remembered by.

with that said, some programs put more value in the thoughts of their residents then other programs.

in the end, you sound motivated to do well. so long as your aim is to work hard on your away rotation, you'll be fine. but if you just want to check out a city, get away for a bit, an away rotation may not be for you.