What are away rotations?
Away rotations allow you to take an elective (usually one targeted to fourth-year med students) at an outside institution, usually lasting 2-4 weeks! During the time of your elective, you will be enrolled as a student at that institution, will rotate with other students there, and work with their faculty and residents.
Why would I do an away rotation?
Depends on the specialty! But there are several reasons:
- Auditioning for the program (most commonly)
- Getting a letter of recommendation
- Experiencing the program at an institution you’re interested in
- Networking
- Unique course offerings/course credit
- Leaving Columbia for a while (?)
When do I apply for an away rotation?
This also varies by institution! Be sure to check the institution’s away rotation/visiting students page to find out when they start accepting applications. VSLO will also (usually) have this information.
- Some programs will start accepting applications in late December, so make sure you look early!
- Most programs usually begin accepting applications in the late January – March range
- Again, try to apply as early as you can so you can get the time slots you want
Getting access to VSLO
You should get an email from the coordinator in charge of away rotations usually around November with information about accessing VSLO and your VSLO access code.
The VSLO dashboard:
Cost of an away rotation
Again, it depends, but here are some factors to consider for cost:
- Cost of the rotation itself (varies)
- Cost of living at the away’s location (most people use Rotating Room to find a place to stay, as it is usually the most affordable. You can usually find something that costs the same as one month’s rent for a 4-week elective)
- AirBnB is also an option that may offer cheaper alternatives, so be sure to check!
- Application cost ($15/elective applied to)
- Costs of requirements before attending the elective (requirements discussed later)
How do I know if I’m competitive for an away rotation?
The truth is: you will never know. Yes, you can ask advisors to size up your resume, but that absolutely should not stop you from applying! If there is an away that you really want to do, apply regardless. Getting aways can be very random!
However, institutions will look at the usual things:
- Grades
- Research
- Extracurriculars
- Demonstrated interest in the field
If you don’t hear back before 4 weeks before the away you applied for starts, contact the student coordinator for that institution and ask about the status of your application. This should not look bad and you deserve to know.
What all do I need to get ready for an away rotation?
You can see the most up-to-date individual program requirements on the institution’s visiting student page! Before applying, most if not all require:
- CV
- Professional photo
- AAMC immunization form
- Medical School Transcript (transcript request instructions are found in MyZou)
- Proof of COVID vaccination
- Hep B titers (try to do these early! If you don’t have them done by the time you submit, it’s no problem, but they will have to be done by the time you attend your away)
- Proof of flu shot
- BLS card
- N95 fitting
Some but not all require:
- Varicella titers
- Repeat TB test
- Self-disclosure form (provided by Mizzou – look on the M3-M4 informational site)
- Personal statement (bleh)
- Letter of recommendation
- Background check
- Letter of good standing
After accepting an away, most require:
- Learning modules
- EMR training
Some require:
- Drug testing
- ACLS certification