Scheduling Away Rotations

You can always contact the program where you would like to rotate -- they can direct you as to what you need and how to apply.

I used VSAS for two of my away sub-i rotations. It worked beautifully.

When you decide on a program I strongly suggest you submit your VSAS application on the day the program starts accepting apps. Most programs will fill the early months with their own students, so if you want an early (ie, July, Aug, Sept) month you gotta be on the ball with submitting your app. Also, call each program prior to make sure you have everything in order, it never hurts to be a bit anal with this whole process.

I did a total of (3) sub-i rotations at the start of my 4th year and had my LOR's submitted by mid Oct. If your schedule allows, I suggest early sub-i rotations (July, Aug, Sept) vs. later (Oct, Nov) so you can get your LORs submitted and have your file completed before Nov 1st.

Regarding LOR's, try to get (2) from orthopaedic faculty, (1) from an orthopaedic chairman and a final one from a non-orthopaedic physician. Also, when you ask for LOR's try to not only give them your CV, PS, etc... but look into the programs you plan to apply and check to see if any supplemental forms need to be completed by letter writers. Two off hand are Univ of Wash and Yale.

On a side note, aside from titers, one of my sub-i away apps required a LOR from an orthopaedic faculty member.

Good luck!

Thanks a lot that is good information. Especially about the titers.

Keep in mind, the AAMC had a trial program last year with 10 schools. They called it VSAS- the Visiting Student Application Service. According to their website, they have expanded and now have 63 schools on board for 2009. It is a common application/matching service for away rotations. It will likely have a big impact on aways for 2009. See the website for more info:



The school list is found at]www.aamc.org/programs/vsas/students/start.htm[/url]


Another tip I would add is that you might want to get titers drawn for immunizations-- many programs are requiring titers, not vaccination dates as proof.

Hope this helps.

I just used the program websites as a guide to how they like it handled. Most have an application and health clearance form that you will have to fill out which your school would likely not be able to do for you. That said, our school will not set up rotations for us...so I would ask a 4th year at your school what they did.

I'm just looking for anyone and what they did, 115 views, and someone had to have done some away rotations right?