When should I do my ER rotation?

[sddoc]

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We are in the process of selecting rotation sequences, and I was wondering when I should do my first ER rotation. I am very interested in pursuing an emergency medicine residency; however, the sequence that I want (you start with OB and Surgery) doesn't have a scheduled ER rotation until the end of MS-IV.

My question is, can I plan an MS-III elective ER rotation, even though there are 2 ER rotations at the end of MS-IV, or is this overkill on the ER rotations? I would appreciate any advice that you could provide. Thanks!

 

[PimplePopperMD]

You'll need to/want to do one-two rotations prior to September of MS-IV, for recommendation letters as well as overall certainty of choice. The rotations you do at the end of ms-iv are worthless for both qualities, as it will be too late for letters, and too late to persuade you to choose a different specialty...

 

[DrQuinn]

Agree with the Pimplepopper-

I did one EM core rotation in Jan, and an elective in August. I got letters from both. I did a second elective audition rotation in November but by hte time i got a LOR it was WAY too late for my ERAS applications... but I did have the LOR in my "folder" at that institution. I ended up ranking htem 2nd.

 

[anonymousEM]

Many institutions won't allow an audition rotation prior to the completion of MS III or at least the "core" rotations of surg, IM, OB, Peds, +/- Psych and FP. Don't forget that you need your ms III rotations to give you the clinical judgement and experience to excell at your EM rotations. Try to schedule them first thing in your 4th year or at the very end of MSIII if that's an option.

 

[bustinbooty]

I am also in the process of scheduling core/elective rotations and have a question on the same lines. I currently have my core EM rotation scheduled at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit where I am currently based at the beginning of MSIV. It is a very reputable program from which to get a good LOR and I think I could get a good letter from here. However, I also have the option of doing my core ER rotation OUT somewhere. So does anyone have any recommendations on whether I should stick in Detroit for my core ER or use this rotation as an extra audition rotation out somewhere? It would be like an extra chance to rotate at another potential interview site. (I'm really not interested in staying at Henry Ford (or Michigan at all for that matter)
Thanks