1. Talk to the advisor in your specialty of interest. They will give you honest, accurate advice on the positives and negatives of rotating away from MCG. For many fields, away rotations are a great way to earn an interview, and some programs will let the month serve as your interview, guaranteeing the option to put that program on your rank list. Also, the month will give you a good “feel” for the training program at that institution. For some competitive fields, away rotations are almost an unofficial requirement. However, some specialties may recommend not doing away rotations at all, as the benefit may not be worth the time, expense, and travel.
2. Research programs. Again, talk to your advisor. Ask where previous MCG students have had success matching and if they have any recommendations on specific programs. Most away rotations are listed on VSAS, but if you do not see a specific program you are interested in, be sure to check that school’s website, as many programs have separate, individual applications.
3. Decide on where to apply, and remember, they can be competitive. Plan your finances accordingly, as most cities with medical schools are more expensive than Augusta, and you will have to find a place to sublet since most schools do not guarantee housing for visiting students. Rotatingroom.com, craigstlist.com, and airbnb.com are good sites to search. Contacting old college friends on facebook and organization list-servs are also good options to find housing. You can also offset costs by listing your own apartment on such sites for medical students visiting MCG. Once you decide on a list, plan on filling out A LOT of immunization forms, visiting your doctor for signatures, and possibly acquiring letters of recommendation or writing a personal statement. Yes, this part is a headache.
4. Accept a rotation, (or 2 or even 3). Review MCG’s curriculum requirements frequently to ensure the rotation will count towards graduation. As of Fall 2015, two “off-campus” electives can count towards graduation, as long as they are “sufficiently different” in content. The away rotation is a great way to demonstrate to residency programs you are willing to leave the South, so consider programs in a different part of the US (or even internationally).
5. Complete away rotation(s), and bring your A game. Remember, the rotation functions like a month-long interview, and you should try your best to show you are interested, engaged, and knowledgeable. In addition to reading about your patients, asking thoughtful questions, and arriving to all activities promptly and ready to work, interact with as many faculty members as you can. If you can, try to set up brief, private meetings with attendings, and bring your transcript, CV, and personal statement. While some programs may allow such meetings to serve as your interview, for those that don’t, the impression you make may score you a formal interview a few months later. It may be reasonable to ask a faculty member you worked closely with for a letter of recommendation. Getting involved with a case report may be a viable option, as well. All this being said, avoid being overbearing, obnoxiously “gunning”, or hard to work with, and have fun. While programs want smart, enthusiastic residents, they also want people who are easy to work with and have interests outside of medicine. Take advantage of your free time to explore a new city, catch up with old friends, and above all, enjoy yourself.
Caroline Lewis is a fourth-year medical student based out of the Southeast campus. She is currently applying to residency in Dermatology. Outside of school, she enjoys yoga, cooking and trying new restaurants, and seeing live music.
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