Since aways are so important for orthopedics, why not do 2 week aways and get to see 4 schools in the time you would have only seen 2. It seems to me like you would have plenty of time to get a feel for the program and for them to get an idea of whether you are a hard worker and amiable. Any thoughts?
Most programs are set up to have rotators for 4 weeks as it's difficult to coordinate for shorter periods of time. That being said, however, we have had a number of students over the last few years call and coordinate coming in for a week so they can get a feel for the program. That, in addition to 2nd look visits after the interview at least give you the opportunity to see more than just the few programs where you do your AI.
How long do you feel a student needs to be on your service before you feel comfortable judging whether or not you would like to have them at your program? Do you remember the one week wonders, or are they the same as your non-rotating applicants when it comes time to make a rank list? Thanks for your thoughts.
2 years ago we matched 1 student who came back and spent 1 or 2 days after the interview for a 2nd look and last year we matched a student who called and spent 1 week with us prior to the interview.
It definitely shows interest in the program and although you cannot know these students like you do the full month rotators - it helps to differentiate them somewhat from those who you only meet on interview day.
On the other hand, I do not want to leave the impression that it is in any way mandatory nor does it guarantee moving up the rank list. Final analysis, if you are interested in a program but cannot spend a full month there it is worthwhile to try and spend some additional time as it allows you exposure to the residents and some of the faculty.
As you know from this site, however, there are programs which place a very high premium on rotating and you need to factor that in as well as you make your choices on where to do an AI and if possible where to do "one week wonder" visits prior to the interviews or 2nd look visits after the interviews.
