Benefits of SICU in 4th year

I wouldn't recommend taking any hard rotations at the end of 4th year. The most important preparation for internship is relaxation. This may be the last time that you have a significant chunk of time to yourself for travel etc. Everyone is anxious about taking care of patients during internship but you will be fine.

I did SICU just after my ortho rotations. It was very beneficial for the intern year. I skated out on advanced gross anatomy.

I was going to take SICU during fourth year but then decided to take anesthesia instead. Can't say that a SICU rotation won't be useful, but i don't think it is necessary as you will learn to deal with SICU patients as an intern during your rotation ( at least I did). It can be a little overwhelming at the beginning, but after the first week, you'll get the hang of it. I suggest you enjoy 4th year a little bit and take lighter rotations especially towards the end of the year.

complete waste of time.
I repeat, complete wast of time.
If you match into ortho you are going to spend the nest 5 years of your life busting your rear end. Take an easier elective and spend the time enjoying life....

wiser words have not been spoken. who knows, you might match at a program that has an easy SICU month. some places require you to simply follow a few patients in the SICU and learn about specific issues on each patient as opposed to just blindly "running the service (making vent changes every hour)"

bust your ass during your ortho months, kick step II's ass, and enjoy the rest of the year--period