# of away rotations

Jointspace,
I'm really not sure if other programs really care how many aways you do. I think I was only asked once on the interview trail. I don't belive it makes you look like a weak student; it shows that you're willing to work hard to get what you want. However, I do belive that it does limit your other elective time. YOU SHOULD DO A LOT MORE THAN ORTHO YOUR FOURTH YEAR. This will make you a more well rounded student. You also raise a very valid point in terms of burn out. I did three ortho months: one at home and two away. By the time the third one was finished, I was really ready to see something else. The work is great, the patients are great, but for three solid months you're trying to impress everyone around you and that can be exhausting.

Good luck.

I have never been told by anyone in ortho that doing 3 aways is in anyway detrimental to ones application to residency...especially if you don't have a home program. I found that the people in charge with your medical education don't like it too much for the reason you stated; they don't want to encourage academic tunnel-vision. Having said that, doing aways can be a doubled-edged sword. If you have average numbers but are great in person I would recommend doing as many aways as possible. In this case you can shine at programs that wouldn't have given you a serious look otherwise. On the other hand, if you look great on paper do you really want to give yourself a 4 week opportunity to p@#$ someone off at your dream program?
Now, will it help you get into a program? This depends on a few things. I urge you to ask ahead of time if the program gives any brownie points to rotators; not all do, in which case its a waste of time & money unless you are a total ortho stud on a fact-finding mission. Other than that it comes down to rockin' their world and getting along very well with the people. Hope this helps..good luck!

Thanks guys. I'm trying to decide where to do my aways. Anybody rotate at Kentucky, Arizona, New Mexico or Oregon? Any info on these programs - stats to get in, need an away to match, how much will one help, etc. Cheers.
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Jointspace,
I did not rotate at KY, but I will be a resident there starting in July. I thought the program was great on my interview (there is an old thread about this). I just bought a house wilth plenty of room so if you decide to rotate and need a place to stay e-mail [url=mailto][email protected][/url].

Good luck.

Doing more than 3 aways.

Food for thought. By the time I got around to my third ortho rotation, I was pretty sick of the whole smoozing up to attendings/residents thing. I just didn't have much drive at that point. Plus I was really getting tired of the whole med skool scene too (senior-itis). I ended up doing really well, but I'm pretty sure one more ortho rotation would have put me over the top (more harm than good). Just something to think about. Playing devil's advocate once again ) .