I understand that this is a controversial topic but since there's been so much discussion about it on this site and from students who I speak with I thought I would share some thoughts.
In speaking to my friends and colleagues around the country there are obviously a variety of styles that programs employ in managing rotators and interviews. Here are the ones most commonly used and I will point out the pros and cons of each:
1) INTERVIEW ALL ROTATORS DURING THE MONTH THAT YOU ROTATE
Pros: Everyone "gets" an interview. You don't have to fly back for the formal interview and go even further into debt!
Cons: This may be a "courtesy" interview so you have no idea that simply because you "got" an interview that you are really a competitive candidate. Even though you spent a month, there's often a lot to learn about the program during the formal interview weekend and you will be fresher in the minds of the faculty and residents for ranking session.
2) INTERVIEW ALL ROTATORS DURING THE FORMAL INTERVIEW PROCESS
Pros: Everyone "gets" an interview. You do get to see the program again and renew friendships with the residents and faculty with whom you worked. Get to experience the whole interview process not a limited one.
Cons: This may still be a "courtesy" interview so again simply being asked to come back in this system does not truly guarantee that you have a realistic chance of matching there.
3) INTERVIEW ROTATORS WHO HAVE AS LIKELY CHANCE OF MATCHING AS THE NON-ROTATORS WHO ARE INVITED
Pros: This means that if you are invited back you truly have a chance at matching in this program. You do get to see the program again and all the pros mentioned above.
Cons: You may spend a month at a program that you were truly interested in but you end up not getting a coveted interview.
I certainly understand the pros and cons of all 3 approaches especially since we have done all 3! After doing them all, however, we came to the conclusion that simply bringing people back for a courtesy interview if the sub-internship demonstrated not a terrific fit made little sense. It is disingenuous (from our perspective) to have a medical student who is already in debt spend the money, time, and energy necessary for that interview at a program that is not a real possibility. Furthermore, if you are coming to that courtesy interview then there are other programs you've likely had to turn down due to the typical conflicts which means you are actually losing 2 possible chances to match, not just one.
So remember, pick the programs that you most want to go to. Your chances of matching at any of the programs (even those that don't guarantee interviews for all rotators) is MUCH HIGHER than if you don't rotate. I am happy to answer any questions that any of you have on this topic - feel free to email me.
Good luck as always --
wnl
