I'm a MS3. Like many, I need some advice with regards to where to do my away rotations. I attend a medical school in the west (but not on the coast) that has a well respected ortho department/program. I have searched the forums and read and appreciated many of the suggestions given with respect to away rotations. I realize this is a largely a relative question, but I want to approach this process with a clear understanding and real expectations. I feel I have a reasonable knowledge of the programs that are considered ultra competitive, competitive, etc. Personally, I'm not one for huge names and reputations. (i.e. I'm not the kind of guy that just has to match HSS, Mayo, Rush, or any other big name). I simply want to find a that is well-balanced, non-malignant program that offers a good education in all arenas of orthopedics. As of right now, I plan to pursue a career as a community orthopod, but I will likely want to complete a fellowship after residency, however, I am undecided at this point as I am only in my third year of med school. I would prefer to stay out west, but by no means will I limit myself to the west. Also, I have read a lot about regionalism in ortho, so I fell I may need do an away in the midwest/east to break into those areas. Is that true? Another problem I face is getting a feel for how competitive I am. Again, I don't want to rotate at a program I'm not competitive enough for. That being said I will include some of my stats at the conclusion of this post. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated at this point. Programs? # of aways? Thanks. As many of you already know it is hard to approach these decisions as a MS3 sue to the fact that we just don't have all the info yet. It's like applying to med school all over again
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kind of frustrating.
Step I: 247
Grades: H/P/F system - mostly honors in basic sciences, mostly honors in clinical rotations thus far except Peds (P).
AOA: Won't know for a few more weeks whether or not I will make Jr-AOA or not. My program only takes 5 JR-AOA, and I am kinda borderline. If not Jr I should have a decent chance at Sr-AOA after 3rd year.
Research: published x3 by the time I apply. (1 non-ortho, 2 ortho), 3 abstracts, 3+ presentations. Only 1 of the 3 was in a substantial journal (Spine), in fact it was actually featured in Orthopedics Today last fall.
EC's: avg. amount of volunteerism, etc.
Other cosiderations:
-I'm married and have a family - so NY, CHI and other big/expensive cities are likely not an option.
Thanks for the input.
B4B
