Auditions=Sub-is=Sub-internships=Acting internships=Away rotations
So many different names for the same thing! So, what are these audition rotations? Essentially, they are rotations you set up yourself during your fourth year of medical school in the specialty (or specialties) you are considering. It's called an acting/sub-internship because you are auditioning as an intern/PGY-1.
It is not required to do an audition rotation. In fact, I've had many friends in years above me not do any at all. I'm choosing to do away rotations because I want more exposure to the fields I'm interested in while simultaneously staying in my geographic preference and I want to experience what it will be like at that place to see if it is a good fit and a potential spot where I would apply to residency. It's also good to show your interest in a program or build connections in a location you don't have ties to. However if could harm you too if you don't do well or vibe with the residents and may risk your chances of an interview.
The purpose of an away rotation:
See how your specialty is practiced in another setting
Shows your interest in the program for residency training
Opportunity to get additional letters of recommendation in the specialty your applying to in the Fall via ERAS
I've heard that it is more advantageous to do an audition rotation for competitive specialties (ie: ortho, plastics, derm, neurosurgery) but not too impactful for less competitive specialties like those in primary care, in which case you may only need to complete one or two if you have a specific program of interest
Overall, if you feel you can make a good impression and it will help you stand out, do an away rotation! It's ultimately up to your comfort level.
You apply to these audition/sub-i rotations via AAMC’s VSLO (Visiting Student Learning Opportunities) or on individual program websites. Sometimes you have to find coordinator's contact information and email them directly if you can't find program specific due dates. It's a lot of extra leg work and something I wish we got a bit more guidance on. Personally, I applied to some programs months ago and still haven't heard back from, with no indication of when they will send final decisions, so it's been making it super difficult to plan my schedule. I wanted to share with you all the how to's/my tips and advice I wish I had earlier on:
1. Begin by researching programs, ideally around the fall of your 3rd year of med school:
My favorite search engines are AMA's FREIDA and Residency Explorer. These website can filter based off location, specialty, and even compare you as an applicant with others who have previously been accepted for residency.
Searching programs can be overwhelming as there are hundreds per specialty, so it's sometimes difficult to figure out where to apply. I spoke with many students ahead of me to find out how they picked/prioritized, and the majority said they began filtering based off location (either being close to family/partners/loved ones/areas they would like to practice). Others also filtered based off learning modalities and styles, ie: community vs university training, which includes service to certain populations or research opportunities at larger institutions. Some people have a very specific niche and type of training they want (ie it is important to me to receive strong training in abortion training, or for psychiatry, a focus on working with pediatric/adolescents). Also consider fellowships offered at programs if that is something you're considering post residency.
2. Begin saving these programs on AAMC's VSLO/VSAS, which will send reminders and notifications via email once these program apps open.
Most apps are through VSLO. You will need a token from your school to register. Contact your school if they didn't email you this info in the beginning of your third year.
Not all institutions use VSLO, which is why it's important to visit the institution's website and do research on what platform they use (usually it's via email if not VSLO). I usually would just google "Institution X Clerkship" which will direct you to the appropriate page and the various specialty rotations they offer.
3. When apps open: Apps and specialties open at different times. Some open as early as January of your third year. You typically will be applying from January - May. Below are some of the docs that are usually required, so you can start gathering them ahead of time.
Immunization records
Background check
Transcript
Photo
CV
Personal Statement/Letter of Intent for specialty/program you're applying to
Letters of Recommendation
You can have your letter writer send it to your school’s point person or whoever is in charge of away rotations.
4. We were instructed to apply to about 3-5 auditions per block/time slot. Each audition is about 1 month long and a block is typically one month. You usually won't get every audition you apply to because spots are limited, which is why you apply to a few per block.
5. When you begin submitting apps, they will ask for your preferred dates. If it is a program you're very interested in, you can apply to multiple dates and multiple rotations within the same specialty. Typically, it is recommended to complete auditions in the summer/fall of your fourth year, especially if you want to obtain a letter of rec in time before ERAS/residency apps are due around September/October. So I'd say July - October are ideal timeframes for completing auditions, depending on your school schedule and when your third year ends.
6. In terms of actually completing auditions, my school had a max number of 4 in a specialty. So if you're vying for a competitive specialty, I'd say do 2-4, though 4 is usually not recommended because they are exhausting lol. If you are in a less competitive specialty, do 1-2 max.
7. Make a googledoc to stay organized and keep track of your programs/applications and progress. This is a sample of what mine looked like:
So here's a quick rundown to help plan your schedule:
- Fall of third year: start researching programs and dates they will open, ask school for access to VSLO account
- January of third year is usually the earliest programs will open their apps
- January - May of third year: send in applications for auditions
- June/July - Sept/Oct of fourth year: complete auditions, start working on personal statement and residency apps
- Sept/Oct of fourth year: apply to residency via ERAS
- October - December of fourth year: keep schedule light for interview season
- March of fourth year: Match week!
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