You'd think someone with a 260+ and AOA would already know the best way to find out requirements for an AI, but just in case....

Go to the website of the specific programs, many list their requirements, or the contact info of the program coordinator. Contact them, they have the answers.

I guess I was the only one that took step 1 without knowing the ins and outs of scheduling fourth year electives?

I've looked through VSAS briefly and it looks like the majority of participating programs only require transcripts, possibly a CV. But, only about 60 schools use the program. A number of the schools don't have specific requirements for the application, so short of contacting all of the program coordinators, I was curious if anyone here ever experienced a situation in which they had to furnish letters of rec for a competitive program?

Once again, it appears you need me to state the obvious...

Narrow down your selection to the handful of places you want to do an away, and contact those coordinators.

It's not hard. You got a 260+, I'm sure you can figure out how to use email or a phone.

Brilliant - Thanks a lot for your help. Anyone else?

(friendly note for future posts: as a parliamentary matter, it's considered poor form on this site to list your academic credentials [golf handicap is probably okay])

I went through this last year and didn't get the pleasure of the VSAS or whatever. However, I'm sure it's still pretty true that a part of scheduling aways is a personal-contact kind of thing. Besides, it gives you a chance to speak with whomever runs the Ortho offices at those programs... and guess what?... these almost-always-VERY-friendly folks FREQUENTLY have some input in who gets offered interviews and who doesn't (probably more of the latter: if you happen to tick-off a coordinator or secretary with irritating emails, arrogant call, or snide remark, you can pretty much guarantee that you won't get interviewed... no matter how smart/qualified you are).

So, as was briefly stated earlier, it'd probably be best for you to make contact with those programs where you'd like to rotate, either by phone or email. They're not going to fault you for asking reasonable questions, and that might be your best source if there are any additional required submissions.

In the meantime, don't forget to do well in your M3 rotations...

Appreciate the info - I still havent spent much time trying to figure out what programs would work best for me, partially because this is still early in my third year - I dont have much of an idea what type of program is going to be best. But, the fact that no one has mentioned specific programs with competitive AI's is comforting. I'm just trying to find out if this is something that should be on my radar at this point, and it sounds like it shouldn't. Thanks!

You're welcome. Well you're right, there's not much reason to get stressed-out about aways right now... except that it might be a good idea to talk to some of the M4s at your school to get a word-of-mouth feel for some of the residency programs out there. Find out who's been where and what s/he thought of it. That way, you won't end up wasting a month at a place you hate when you could've figured that out months before. Make sense?

Finally, like everything else in Medicine, it helps to apply early. Once a programs rotation spots are filled, you're screwed.

Mayo has a big fat online application to fill out, basically a mini ERAS in order to rotate there. Need letter of Rec from clinician and one from your school.