Being realistic about away rotations

[Tep]

First time poster on the site -- but I've been reading the forums for quite a few years.
Now that I'm actually at the point where I can think about getting into an orthopaedic residency, I have a few questions. Would be really grateful for any sort of feedback.

I'm a third year at a pretty mediocre Midwest school (at least reputation wise, I personally love it). I took step 1 last month and got a 249. Right now I'm trying to plan ahead by looking into some possible away rotations, and am looking for some advice.

I really want to go west (Pacific Northwest in specific - but anywhere in California would also be fantastic). I realize that my step 1 score is good, not great in terms of orthopaedic applicants. I also realize that it's not all about boards scores -- I am lucky enough to have some research under my belt as well. I also work my ass off.

-- Are programs like Washington and Stanford completely unrealistic? I don't want to make the mistake of doing electives in places I have no chance of getting interviews/matching at.

Sorry for the lengthiness of the post -- and thanks for any advice you may have.

[WestCoastOrtho123]

Coming recently from a big-city, academic west coast program, I can tell you that the midwesterners from smaller programs that rotated always seemed a little out of place on their away sub-i's...even just being in a big city when you're from oklamhoma, etc. can be a tough transition so i think it's hard but absolutely not impossible. I think your scores are fine and wont hold u out of any program in the country nor will they get you in. Letters of Rec, your relationship w/ your programs mentor and your clinical performance 3rd yr will be the bulk of your application. Talk to your mentor in your program and ask him/her if you think you have a shot - they have seen years of students go through and know what is likely realistic for you. If you don't like what you hear, talk to another person in the program as we all know there's a few eccentric opinions in every program. That said, if they're all saying yes or no, then you likely have your answer...if not, then it's probably a toss-up and no one on this forum could give you better advice other than to try if it means a lot to you. Just remember, nearly everyone wants to live in california so "lesser" quality programs have tons and tons of applicants to choose from. Figure out what's important to you (QOL, research, perks, experiences, program strengths, mentors, location, family, fellowship opps, etc) and go with that. Just my 2 cents. good luck.

[cdbones]

Coming from an east coast guy, not everyone wants to live in California and there are plenty of "lesser" programs near the Atlantic ocean that might be able to teach you a thing or two about broken bones haha. That being said, I agree with almost every thing above: gather opinions from people who would know, check out the kind of residents your desired programs chose, and if absolutely want to be on the west coast, do all your electives on the west coast. That all being said, let me give you some personal advice: your #1 program at the beginning of your selection process may be completely different when everything is said and done. The best thing you can do is keep an open mind and be honest with yourself with what you want. If you do that, you will end up where you want. Good luck to you. It's a tough/scary process but a lot of fun if you approach it with the right attitude.

[orthoguy11]

Can't understand why Stanford is so high on everyone's radar. I know quite a few of the residents, and they are all disappointed with their operative experience. One resident told me, "The only part of an operation I feel proficient in is the post-op orders."

[LowBackPain]

Can't understand why Stanford is so high on everyone's radar. I know quite a few of the residents, and they are all disappointed with their operative experience. One resident told me, "The only part of an operation I feel proficient in is the post-op orders."

A bit harsh? Yes, Stanford may not offer the best operative experience, but the residents overall seem happy and do well getting fellowships. I have heard that there are a lot of fellows relative to the case volume, so maybe that is a factor. Anyone more "in the know" have a comment?