Here‘s a NYT piece by Pauline Chen, MD regarding changes in medical school training at Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Minnesota, among other institutions. I’ll also add to Dr. Chen’s point: Not only does the current system of third-year rotation blocks reinforce fragmented care, but it also does not allow students adequate time to make informed decisions about their future specialties.
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Away rotations
Some medical schools are currently requiring their students to plan their spring and summer rotations. The question I am asked is what my thoughts are on the utility of away rotations. Here we go:
1. They are either really good or really bad. Never in between. If you think you are going to shine then consider being away. If you are just revving up then don’t go. The last thing you want is to spend a month away only to have the institution rule you out early. (If you have a strong application that is even more reason not to go away.)
2. Consider the financial cost. Unless you have free housing, being away can get very expensive.
I have a few clients who are strategically contacting me early – now during their third years – for strategy sessions. It’s a good idea to get professional advice now and not be blindsided later about weaknesses you could have improved.
Tags: February 2009
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
