Where to do clinical Rotations?

[Jasminegab]

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Are you allowed to clinical rotations done in a medical clinic rather than in teaching hospital?

I would like to create a situation where I'm more in control of my medical education by being able to choose if I want to do my clinicals in a hospital or medical clinic.

I'm not talking about residency which I know you have to go through a residency match. I'm talking about your 3rd/4th yr of medical school. You know, the 8 weeks of Psychiatry, 8 weeks of internal medicine, etc.....


I would like to hear from someone that had the opportunity to travel within the US while doing clinical rotations.


Thanks

JasmineGab

 

[Winged Scapula]

Depends on your school - better ask them.

I can imagine that you would be allowed to do an FP rotation at a clinic but since much of IM, Surgery, Psychiatry and Ob-Gyn, etc. are inpatient I assume you will be restricted to rotating through a hospital environment. I frankly cannot see how you would get a thorough surgical, Ob-Gyn or IM education without doing an inpatient rotation.

Despite wanting to "remain in control" of your medical education, I also suspect that you may find yourself restricted to formal teaching institutions or outpatient environments due to the fact that many states will not accept rotations outside of the parameters for licensure.

Schools also have little way of assessing the quality of education (ie, THEY have no control) you might receive when its offered at a location without demonstrated educational abilities.

I did plenty of 4th year electives throughout the US, but always at teaching institutions with ACGME accredited residencies.

 

[Jasminegab]

Thanks,

Since I'll be an International Medical Student....is it possible to do all core rotation within the country of my school...then perhaps do a residency in US? The school of my choice offer core rotation in the US and several other countries. I'm sure there has to be a way, how else do Doctor from other countries come to the US and become licensed without having to go back and do core rotations over again?

The reason I'm wanting to avoid doing core rotations in the US is because the school of my choice is the only Med school that offers a dual program of MD/NMD and I would like to get my experience in a country that believes in Naturopathic Medicine and Integrative Medicine which the US is not yet fully acceptable of Naturopathic physicians.

If I'm not mistaking, I know that Canada and the UK have a strong foundation in Natural Medicine. I would love to do core rotations in Canada within a facility that integrates natural medicine with allopathic medicine. The US is slowly following behind those countries who have made a point to do research and incorporate finding into their medical system. However, the US has yet to incorparate both naturopathic medicine and allopathic medicine under one roof.

Having to do all core rotations in the US would mean that I would have to go back and take the second half of my dual degree rather than working together.


Any ideas would help.


JasmineGab

 

[Winged Scapula]

If your school offers you the option of doing Core rotations either in the US or the country of the school, I would choose the former under the widely held belief that its better to train in the country you wish to practice.

However, many international medical students do only final year electives in the US or none at all (doing all rotations in their home country) before starting a US residency. US residencies do not require that you do Core or elective rotations in this country - it IS helpful, because you can get LORs from people familiar with the US system and US medical students/residents. No one requires you to do Core rotations over before starting a US residency as long as they have been approved and you've been awarded the ECFMG certificate.

I take it from your message that if you come to the US for Core rotations then you will have to travel back to your country or stay in Canada/UK to finish the naturopathic portion? Is this a financial concern? Why not do Cores in the US and the other courses in a country of your choice?

I understand your concern about the acceptance of Naturopathic Med in the US but it seems to me that this is a separate issue from the concern over where to do your Core medical rotations. IMHO, you would be better off doing your Cores in the US, if offered the chance, if you are planning a US residency. Its not necessary but would make things easier for you come residency application time.

 

[shag]

It seems that your primary reason for wanting to train outside the US is your desire to enhance your ND "skills". I'd never heard of "Naturopathic Medicine" until I read your post so I looked up some material on the web. Is this stuff for real?

Some sources described an ND as basically an open minded medical doctor (i.e. "real doctor") who isn't averse to using herbs or accupuncture. Other sources are pretty wacky, with folks saying "ommmmmmmmmmm" as they put their hands over you and "realign" your "forces".

How much education is a ND required to have? Are the programs accredited by any higher board? Can they prescribe meds in the US? Canada? Would you not be better served by learning to practice medicine, taking a course on herbs, and referring out nontraditional procedures like accupuncture?

As far as your question goes, I agree with Kimberli. You would be well served to spend as much time as possible training in the US if you plan to practice here. The system can be intricate and etiquite on the interview trail doesn't always make sense. By spending time training in the US, you would be in a much better position to apply for a residency program here.