From my experience on my aways, I would say that the trauma rotations have been more fruitful. First, I was more useful on rotations. Second, I got to do WAY more in the OR on trauma cases. Third, the residents appreciated the little things more (like getting the splint material, starting the notes, and taking off casts/splints in clinic). Forth, attending actually knew who I was.

I was able to get great letters from both sub-specialty rotations and from trauma. But what I think mattered more in the long run was bonding with the residents on trauma. I know a few went to bat for me and I think this was worth more in the long run.

If you can pick trauma, that's ideal. However, depending on the institution they might just assign you. One of my aways we got to request a service, but trauma was reserved for a home student. 1 place assigned us to 2 different services (neither of mine were trauma), and one place had everyone do trauma for 2 weeks and a subspecialty for 2 weeks. Moral of the story, go with the flow and make the most of your time there. You can be a good subI on any service. Good luck!

Honestly, never did trauma on my 4 rotations (1 home + 3 aways), was able to get letters from all 4 aways even though they were all subspecialty. Got great evals from all my aways. Definitely don't need to do trauma. This USED to be the thinking, but more and more, subspecialty rotations are just fine.

Grain of salt: Trauma is still highly regarded at some institutions like U of Miami, UTSW, Baylor, etc where trauma is king but if you're rotating at academic programs then it shouldn't matter much as long as you work hard and take it in stride.