Ask the Program Director: Fourth Year Courses
Does it make any difference what kinds of courses one takes during 4th year? For instance, besides a sub-internship and a medicine critical care rotation, do residency programs like to see other medicine (general or subspecialty) rotations, or can one feel free to experience a variety of specialties for which this may be their last chance for an in-depth exposure (e.g. anesthesia, dermatology, psychiatry, etc.)?
Program Director 1 Response
Do something you're passionate about so you can learn something and
talk about the experience intelligently and with enthusiasm. There
is no formula, and what works for one place won't necessarily work
for another. A series of "audition" rotations (Cardiology in three
different institutions) can be a red flag for someone who is "just
passing through" IM, and therefore not low maintenance. Depth and
rigor is good, add scholarly investigation to that, and it's a slam
dunk.
Program Director 2 Response
I do not pay too much attention to medical student applicant's
electives. Students should try to do their sub-internship early in
the year, and try to get a letter or recommendation.
Program Director 3 Response
A Sub-internship in medicine is important and ideally done early so
that the grade is reflected in the transcript. I also look for
letters from applicant's Sub-internship attending. Other than that,
I think the fourth year is a time to expand your experience in
whatever areas interest you. Some programs may look favorably on
research or community service experiences during the fourth
year.
Program Director 4 Response
It is best to be broad in fourth year rotations. You'll have time
to learn the internal medicine specialties, so pick things that you
want to do and that will help you be well-rounded as a
physician.
Program Director 5 Response
I do not look closely at what electives an applicant has chosen in
his or her senior year. I feel this is the time to explore
different experiences that they may not be exposed to after medical
school.
Program Director 6 Response
The student should do a sub-internship in medicine. Otherwise,
speaking as a generalist, I think the student should take electives
in areas that that he or she will not be able to pursue during
residency. Take advantage of educational opportunities that will
make the program director jealous.
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Ask the Program Director is a new feature that focuses on providing medical students practical advice to help them navigate the process of obtaining a residency position in internal medicine. Issues covered include: CV development, writing a personal statement, the Match process, residency program interviews, and more.