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Prepping for OMS IV

5 tips on using vsas to apply for elective clinical rotations, make sure your elective rotations are arranged in a way that will give you the best chance to succeed..

For third-year medical students, an important part of medical school is rapidly approaching. After jumping over the mountain-sized hurdle that is Level 2 or Step 2 and going from crawling to walking on core rotations, the next stop on the road to becoming a physician is choosing elective rotations.

The Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS), now also known as Visiting Student Learning Opportunities, is the service most third-year medical students use to apply to elective rotations for their fourth year. Near the halfway point of third year, a number of medical students know what specialty they are interested in and start using the extensive database provided by VSAS to find the right electives for them.

For me, this was a long, expensive, and methodical process. Although every student is going to have their own approach to handling VSAS and elective rotations, here I will share my approach for those who may find it useful. Here are my 5 tips for applying to electives on VSAS:

1. Take the time to make a game plan.

While applying to elective rotations is not as intense as applying to residency, you should still have a game plan. After all, this is a big stepping-stone toward residency itself.

More importantly, VSAS costs money! Figure out what electives you would like to do, as well as when and where. Is there a specific elective or hospital you want to be at early on in your fourth year? Do you have space for an elective in a specialty that interests you other than the one you are pursuing?

Do not forget to take into account your school’s graduation requirements as well as the role these electives are going to play on your residency application. Remember, you want to show progress as you go through fourth year, and you are going to need letters of recommendation. Make sure your electives are arranged in a way that will give you the best chance for success.

Also, remember to have all your vaccinations in order and up to date!

2. Prepare a short personal statement.

You probably thought this was something you would not have to do for a few more months, right? Wrong! A lot of institutions on VSAS require a personal statement or letter of interest along with your application.

Even the core VSAS application has a ‘Short Bio’ section, where you can include details about yourself. Prepare a short personal statement that you can use when applying to electives.

I recommend always adding a sentence or two about that specific institution to make it more personal. By doing this, you will simply have to add the statement to each application, rather than fumbling to create one and wasting time later.

3. Explore the ‘Institutions’ tab.

This is something I did not pay much attention to initially, and I wish I did. At the top of the VSAS application, there is a tab called ‘Institutions.’ Clicking on it will give you access to all the hospitals and locations that are on VSAS.

Searching through these will provide you with helpful information about things such as when applications are accepted, additional fees for certain institutions, and when you can expect to hear back about the decision on your application.

While it may add some unfortunate depth to the application process, this is still invaluable information to help keep you organized and prepared.

4. Keep track of all your applications.

In addition to the ‘Institutions’ tab, VSAS also has a ‘Tracking’ tab that shows you all of your applications and (if available) the status of those applications.

While this tool is useful, as a neurotic medical student I found it much easier to make my own spreadsheet. I broke this spreadsheet up into the block schedule created by my school. From here, I listed all my applications for each block as well as the status of those applications.

While some may view this as excessive and unnecessary, I found that it was way easier to keep track of what blocks I needed to fill and what options I had to fill them.

5. Look beyond VSAS.

Do not get me wrong, VSAS is an incredibly useful and helpful tool for finding elective rotations. However, not all institutions use VSAS. Some prefer to use their own application service and are even free to apply to!

While there is no specific document or website listing these institutions (I can provide a list of the ones I found to anyone interested), it may be worth your time to do a quick search for them, especially if you know you want to stay in a specific geographic location. I ended up getting several elective rotations this way.

Go forth and apply

Hopefully with these tips, you will be better prepared and feel more confident about finding the elective rotations that are right for you. Best of luck!

Further reading:

7 ways to thrive during clinical rotations

How to get the most out of clinical rotations during your third year

Tiny house living: Traveling with two cats in an Airstream on clinical rotations

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Masood, thank you for writing this article! It was helpful to read about someone who was also pursuing audition rotations in a wide variety of places! I was wondering if you are still willing to share the list of programs that don’t use the VSAS program for audition rotations?

I was wondering the same!

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Each year, the Visiting Medical Student Clerkship Program at Mayo Clinic receives more applications than it has educational opportunities. Selection is determined by the clinical departments and based on medical school transcript grades, successful completion of USMLE/COMLEX Step 1, space availability, and competitiveness for a Mayo Clinic residency. 

Qualifications

Candidates for the Visiting Medical Student Clerkship Program at Mayo Clinic must:

• Have passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1, Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Level 1, or National Board Dental Examination (NBDE); international applicants must have passed USMLE Step 1
• Be in the final year of medical school at the time of the clerkship
• Be in good academic standing at their medical school
• Have received the required immunizations by the start of their clerkship rotation (proof of immunizations do not need to be submitted with the online application) 

International students

In addition to the above requirements, international students must:

• Have personal health insurance coverage in the amount of a minimum of $50,000 (USD)
• If instruction at the home medical school is not in English, applicants must show demonstrated fluency in English with successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination within the last two years. Eligible students must show proof of a minimum score of no lower than 104.
• Have completed approximately 48 weeks of actual patient care clinical experiences before the start of the clerkship — six to eight weeks each of medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery, and approximately 20 weeks of electives (verification by your medical school is required)
• Be enrolled in the final year of medical school at the time of their clerkship. For international medical schools that require an internship for the final year, students who will be enrolled in their medical school at the time of their clerkship are eligible to apply. 
• Submit a $350 (USD) non-refundable application fee 

Mayo Clinic's campus in Jacksonville, Florida, is only able to accept international medical students from institutions that are licensed by the  Florida Commission for Independent Education . At this time, the only international medical schools approved for Florida rotations are:

• American University of Antigua, Antigua
• American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, St. Maarten
• Medical University of the Americas, Nevis
• Ross University School of Medicine, Barbados
• Saba University School of Medicine, Netherlands
• St. George's University School of Medicine, Grenada
• St. Matthew's University School of Medicine, Cayman Islands
• UNIBE School of Medicine, Dominican Republic
• University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Saint Kitts 

International medical students interested in our Florida rotations who attend medical schools not on the approved list must have their medical schools contact the  Florida Commission for Independent Education  to apply for approval. Although the above schools are licensed by the state of Florida, Mayo Clinic’s Visiting Medical Student Clerkship Program only accepts applications via AAMC’s Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO). If you attend a licensed school that does not participate in AAMC, you would not be eligible to apply for a clerkship.

Note:  Mayo Clinic's campuses in Rochester, Minnesota, and Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, can accept medical students from all international medical schools.

Vaccinations

You do not need to submit any immunizations with your VSLO application. Immunization documentation will be required as part of your onboarding process should you be invited for a clerkship rotation. Immunizations required include:

• Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chicken pox)
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus/Pertussis
• Seasonal influenza (only required for students who will be on clerkship rotations from Oct. 1 through March 31)
• SARS-CoV-2 (proof of vaccination or complete declination process)
• Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood test completed within three months of your rotations start date (preferred method), or
• Two-step TB skin test. If a two-step skin test is submitted, the first test should be done not more than 12 months prior to the start of your rotation and a second test within three months prior to the start of your rotation.

Malpractice insurance

Mayo Clinic provides professional liability (malpractice) insurance for any visiting medical student participating in an approved clinical clerkship in Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota at no cost to the student. The Verification of Medical School Information form must be completed by the home institution and indicate whether or not liability insurance is provided by the home institution. Students participating in approved clinical clerkships in Wisconsin must provide proof of liability insurance coverage.

How to apply

The Mayo Clinic Visiting Medical Student Clerkship Program uses the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) portal for accepting and processing clerkship applications. Visit Visiting Student Learning Opportunities™ (VSLO®) for additional information on our program and to complete an application.

If you are experiencing any technical issues in completing or submitting your application, contact  AAMC's VSLO support for assistance.

The Visiting Medical Student Clerkship program will not be accepting any applications outside of the VSLO portal. For international students whose medical school is not currently an AAMC participating institution, please see the AAMC website for information on how to initiate the process of having your institution enroll in the application service.

Academic year application timelines

Important notice: In addition to submitting student applications by the specified deadline, your home institution should also submit all required documentation by the deadline to expedite the review process. Clinical departments will begin making decisions to accept applications promptly on the first of the month following the deadline. Applications released by home institutions after the deadline may not be reviewed by the clinical departments.

Clerkships are always four weeks in length, beginning on a Monday and concluding four weeks later on a Friday in full-week increments (with the exception of holidays).

Application details

You may apply to only one Mayo Clinic location. Candidates may submit up to four total applications. Applications submitted for the same department with four different date ranges count as four applications.

To prepare for applications opening in VSLO, you should anticipate the following requirements necessary to apply:

• Personal statement
• Medical school transcript
• Board scores (USMLE/COMLEX)
• Letters of recommendation should be written by a physician with whom you have worked with that is familiar with your clinical abilities and career goals. Most programs require one letter of recommendation for domestic candidates and two letters of recommendation for global candidates. Exceptions to this include:

Once clerkships have been confirmed, changes in or rescheduling of clerkship assignments are not permitted.

Submit the online application by the appropriate deadline as indicated. It is strongly encouraged to have your home institution follow the same deadline. Clinical departments begin reviewing applications and making decisions promptly on the first of the month following the deadline. Applications released by home institutions after the deadline may not be reviewed by the clinical departments. You will receive a decision approximately six weeks following the submission deadline.

Applications are not processed prior to the submission deadline.

Students accepted for a clerkship must successfully complete all post-decision requirements and adhere to all Mayo Clinic policies, including, but not limited to background checks, immunizations, and required documentation. Failure to complete or adhere to any post-decision requirements will result in the cancellation of the clerkship. Acceptance and participation in Mayo Clinic’s Visiting Medical Student Clerkship Program does not guarantee a letter of recommendation or residency interview.

Due to the large volume of requests received and limited clinical capacity, students accepted to our clerkship program are limited to one, one-month experience. Additional rotations or extending rotations beyond the allotted time is not permitted.

Rochester, Minnesota

Clerkship Coordinator Mayo Clinic Siebens Building, Fifth Floor 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN 55905 Email:  [email protected]

Jacksonville, Florida

Clerkship Coordinator Mayo Clinic Stabile Building 790N 4500 San Pablo Road Jacksonville, FL 32224 Email:  [email protected]

Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona

Clerkship Coordinator Mayo Clinic Medical Education Office 13400 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85259 Email:  [email protected]

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Clerkship Coordinator Mayo Clinic Email:  [email protected]

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Registration and vslo application procedure, registration contacts and application procedure.

UR medical students may enroll for any of these courses through the Medical School Registrar’s Office. Contact: Monique Williams - Medical School Assistant Registrar

Students from other U.S. or select international medical schools should apply via the AAMC's VSLO program. For more information, go to the Medical Education Visiting Students page . The University of Rochester accepts 4th year students for visiting electives. We currently only consider applicants from the following international medical schools:

• Jagiellonian University Medical School - Krakow, Poland
• National Taiwan University Medical College - Taipei City, Taiwan
• Royal College of Surgeons - Ireland
• Seoul National University College of Medicine - Seoul, South Korea
• Universidad de Navarra Facultad de Medicina - Pamplona, Spain
• Universidad Nacional de San Augustin de Arequipa - Arequipa, Peru
• Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos Facultad de Medicina San Fernando - Lima, Peru

Visiting Clerkship Program

Our Department also welcomes students who apply through the University of Rochester's "Visiting Clerkship Program." If you have already applied to rotate with us through VSLO, you may also apply through the Visiting Clerkship Program. Your application through VSLO will still be considered, even if you are not accepted into the Visiting Clerkship Program.

Program Information

A limited number of visiting clerkship positions are available at the University of Rochester Medical Center from August through November 2022 for select applicants from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine (URiM) or who have a demonstrated vision and commitment to improving the health status of diverse patient populations via patient care, research and/or teaching.   The Visiting Clerkship Program is designed to give students an opportunity to experience training at URMC and to connect with faculty, residents, and 4th year medical students.

• Funding includes $1,000 for travel and housing.
• Mentorship opportunities include connection with a faculty mentor and advisor, as well as with a resident and current 4th year medical student from underrepresented backgrounds. Our current trainees serve to introduce visiting students to the medical center, its resources, and the Rochester community.
• Each student will be given the opportunity to meet with the Residency Program Director(s) relevant to their future careers.

Eligibility

• Must be a registered student in good standing at their home school while participating in the externship
• Full-time, final year medical student attending a LCME-accredited U.S. medical school and have completed 3rd year core clerkships
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have a demonstrated vision and commitment to improving the health status of diverse patient populations via patient care, research and/or teaching

Application Requirements

• Official transcript
• USMLE Step score(s)
• One-page personal statement (Describe your career goals and interest in pursuing a clerkship at URMC, your vision and commitment to improving the health status of diverse patient populations, as well as any information about your future career plans that you think would be helpful in matching you with a URMC program.)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of support from a Student Affairs Dean
• Background Check

Application deadline is June 1, 2022.

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• Supplemental Guidance for 2022 Match
• Table of Contents
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• Ch. 1 - Choosing Emergency Medicine
• Ch. 2 - The Preclinical Years
• Ch. 3 - Third Year and Planning for Fourth
• Ch. 4 - Finding Your Fit: Learning the Landscape of EM

Ch. 5 - Applying for Away Rotations

• Ch. 6 - Crush Your Clerkships, Secure Your SLOEs
• Ch. 7 - Building Your ERAS Application
• Ch. 8 - Apply Smarter Not Harder: Understand Your Competitiveness
• Ch. 9 - Interview Season Logistics
• Ch. 10 - Making the Most of Interview Day
• Ch. 11 - Preparing and Submitting Your Rank List
• Ch. 12 - What If I Don't Match

EMRA and CORD Student Advising Guide

The away rotation plays a critical role in the EM residency match. For the medical student, it is an opportunity to explore different geography and learning environments that may vary by region or hospital. For the residency program, the away rotation offers an independent assessment of a student’s ability to learn and grow from the feedback they receive, or demonstrate consistency across institutions and different clinical settings.

In the 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey, “Letters of Recommendation in the Specialty” — known in EM as the SLOE (Standardized Letter of Evaluation) — was one of the most commonly cited factors (97% of respondents) in selecting which applicants to interview and had the highest importance rating (4.8 out of 5). As SLOEs can only be obtained through an emergency medicine rotation, it is no surprise that “Audition elective/rotation within your department” and “Away rotation in your specialty at another institution” were among the other most important factors. 1

More information about the structure and content of the SLOE can be found in  Chapter 6: Crush Your EM Clerkships, Secure Your SLOEs .

How Many Away Rotations Do I Need?

To be a competitive EM applicant, aim to complete 2 EM rotations and obtain 2 SLOEs. Typically, this will be 1 home rotation and 1 away rotation. For students without a home EM rotation, this will be 2 away rotations at different institutions. Students should have at least 1, but ideally 2, SLOE(s) submitted in time for ERAS Application opening in mid-September to be granted interview offers. If you’re unable to complete 2 rotations by this time, the 2 SLOEs should be submitted by the time you interview or as soon as possible thereafter to assist in rank list formation.

Program directors place high value on away rotation evaluations. Two 2018 surveys showed that performance on an away rotation is one of the most influential factors used by program directors in interview selection decisions. 1,2  On the other hand, in a 2016 survey, 27% of PDs reported that it was “critical” for students to complete a home rotation, even if they had no interest in attending residency there. 3 This suggests that students, barring significant conflict, should still secure their home EM rotation first.

In regard to number of rotations needed to interview, 2 studies found 80–90% of programs require at least 1 EM rotation or SLOE to grant an interview. In addition, the studies show 20–45% of programs require 2 SLOEs to grant an interview. 2-4 This variance may be due to differences in respondents and wording. Nonetheless, it shows the importance of having 2 SLOEs to make a competitive application. It is exceedingly rare for a program to require more than 2 SLOEs. Of note, this data is not meant to apply to EM subspecialty SLOEs like ultrasound or pediatric emergency medicine.

Based on this, we recommend 2 SLOEs from separate institutions to maximize your competitiveness. If you can only complete 1 EM rotation but are otherwise qualified, it may hamper but not bar you from matching. In this case, a SLOE from your home institution, as long as it has an accredited EM residency program, may be more important. There is rarely a need for a third SLOE and rotation, unless your advisor feels it’s needed to strengthen your application.

Osteopathic Students: For an osteopathic applicant with similar competitiveness to the average allopathic applicant, 79% of residency leadership respondents to a recent survey recommended 2 SLOEs and 11% recommended submitting 3 or more. 7  

IMG Students: For an IMG applicant with similar competitiveness to the average allopathic applicant, 63% of residency program leadership respondents to a recent survey recommend 2 SLOEs whereas 19% recommend 3 or more. 7

Latecomers: Very few programs will extend an interview invitation with no SLOEs (only 8 on EMRA Match in 2018), but 80% report extending offers with 1 SLOE. 5 Prioritize getting a SLOE as early as possible after you choose EM. If you have a later letter, make sure to notify the residency programs when it is uploaded.

In 2018, the first of this series of questions on the SLOE is: “Commitment to EM. Has carefully thought out career choice.” Be sure to convey to your SLOE writers how you have thought out your choice and how committed you are to EM even though you may have chosen the specialty later than others.

At-Risk Candidates: Having strong clinical skills but difficulty translating this knowledge in testing situations is a familiar struggle. Programs are more likely to consider students with weaker test scores if they have established a consistent pattern of strong clinical performance. Seeking out clerkships that do not have testing requirements as a criterion for grading may also be beneficial for these students.

You are not required to submit a SLOE from every EM rotation you do. If you suspect that your SLOE may not be very supportive, additional or alternative letters are often the best way to mitigate this. If you completed an EM rotation and did not submit a SLOE from the rotation, be prepared to discuss why this might be the case in your interviews.

Where Do I Want to Rotate?

Consider a few strategies when deciding where to rotate: targeted, exploratory, or practical.

In the targeted approach, you can aim for a specific program or region of the country to explore “personal fit” and to demonstrate interest. This is the ideal approach for many, as geography and “fit” have been shown to be among the most important factors in applicants in choosing an emergency medicine program. 5 Regional competitiveness can vary based on the perceived desirability and concentration of residency programs. In a more competitive region, obtaining a SLOE from a program there may be advantageous - even if you do not “honor” — as programs from the same region tend to be familiar with each other’s assessment styles and thereby confident in interpreting each other’s SLOEs. Many programs also prefer a “known” candidate, and this should offset the fear that you might perform poorly on an audition rotation at a specific institution.

An exploratory strategy may be an option if you’re less geographically inclined. Rotating at a different region adds perspective and opens opportunities during the application season. You should also consider varying clinical environments. Academic, county, community, urban, and regional are a few of the characterizations a hospital might have, and they impact how learning is accomplished and patient care is practiced. Exploring different practice environments will help you be more prepared come interview season. 

Like interviews, away rotations can be expensive and inconvenient. As a practical strategy, we strongly advise you to consider cost of living, housing, transportation, and your academic schedule when planning for aways. It is reasonable to choose an away rotation in the same region to contain cost. To successfully match in EM, your performance and professionalism are more important than where you rotated.

Osteopathic Students: Certain states have been more “friendly” to osteopathic applicants in the past. See Chapter 8: Understanding Your Competitiveness for information on historical geographic match locations of DO applicants. EMRA Match for Clerkships reports that 93% of clerkship programs accept osteopathic students. 4

IMG Students: Only 32% of clerkships listed in EMRA Match report accepting international students. 4 Students from international medical schools may benefit from seeking the advice of graduates from their medical schools that matched into EM to inquire where they completed their EM rotations. 

Military Match: Students should do at least 1 of their rotations at a military EM site.

Couples Match: Consider away rotations in cities where both you and your partner are interested in matching. Check with your mentor — depending on your specific application profile, you may need to do 2 away rotations to maximize your chances for success in the couples match. This is particularly true if your partner is applying to a competitive specialty.

How Do I Find Rotations?

Several resources exist to help you find available away rotations. Most residencies will have a clerkship, and you can find information on the residency website. The VSAS/VSLO site is a portal for away and global rotations in all specialties. Specific to EM, the EMRA Match tool allows applicants to browse, search, and filter residency programs (240 listed for 2018) and clerkships (145 listed for 2018). Clerkship filters include:

• Participation in VSAS
• Step 1/COMLEX Required
• Rotation Types
• Flexible Rotation Dates
• Interview Policy
• SLOE Authorship
• Consider DO Students
• Consider IMG Students
• Housing Availability
• Vehicle Recommended

SAEM also has a Clerkship Directory with a filter tool based on several learning environment factors (region, hospital setting, trauma designation, and number of residents per year). If you’re interested in a specific institution, check the program’s website directly.

More than 40 departments or institutions offer stipends to students from underrepresented groups to rotate through their diversity externship scholarships. These can also be found through EMRA or SAEM.

Osteopathic Students: With fewer than one-third of osteopathic medical schools having affiliated residency programs, DO students must apply smart and realistically to obtain 2 early academic rotations to provide them with competitive SLOEs.

IMG Students: International medical graduates similarly will not have a home EM rotation and will need to obtain 2–3 SLOEs to be considered as a potential candidate.

When Do I Apply? When Do I Rotate?

The majority of institutions begin accepting applications in March or April, with a small minority of programs opening before March. 6 The timing varies by institution (see Figure 5.2). This does not account for preparation time, so students should plan accordingly. Factors that complicate planning your away rotations include home institution core rotations and other schedule requirements that often extend into mid- to late summer as well as inflexibility of the away rotation schedule. Only 3 out of every 10 clerkships listed in EMRA Match advertise flexible rotation dates. 4

FIGURE 5.2. Months that VSAS/VSLO applications are accepted and processed as reported by clerkship directors on EMRA Match

Students usually complete their home and away rotations in the summer, but many students will not be able to complete their second rotation, usually away, until fall or sometimes winter. As previously mentioned, up to 45% of programs may require 2 submitted SLOEs to grant an interview — putting you at a disadvantage if your rotations are not completed. 2-4 This does not bar any student from matching into EM, however, and we strongly recommend these students to seek advice and to plan ahead. In general, students should have a minimum of 1 SLOE submitted by the time of ERAS Application opening in mid-September to qualify for receiving interview offers.

Many clerkships also process applications on a rolling basis and other students may change their schedule, creating availability as the season progresses.

Military Match: Military rotations are usually set up in January by contacting the program directly via email. Contacts are updated on the MODS (Medical Operational Data System) website.

Latecomers: Consider following up with programs that may not have offered a position initially as open spots may come available with late cancellations from other students.

How Do I Apply for Away Rotations?

Most applications can be completed through the AAMC’s VSLO website and VSAS system. Approximately 80% of clerkships on EMRA Match participate in VSAS. Visit the VSLO website to create an account and receive specific instructions regarding the application process. 

Application requirements may vary slightly across programs. In general, materials you should gather before applications open include:

• An updated CV
• Proof of USMLE Step 1 score
• A letter of recommendation from an EM advisor*
• Proof of positive vaccine titer response
• Immunization record
• Proof of BLS and/or ACLS certification
• A certified background check and drug screen**
• Professional photograph
• N95 Respirator fitting
• Personal statement/letter of intent

This list is by no means exhaustive, as some programs require institution-specific paperwork or training.

*Some rotations will ask for a letter of recommendation from an EM advisor. Do not stress out if you have not worked in the ED yet — this does not need to be someone you’ve worked with, just someone who knows you’re serious about pursuing a residency in emergency medicine.

**Some institutions, but not all, will ask for a new, certified background check and/or a drug screen. As they are not universally required, you should review individual requirements specified by your desired institutions.

IMG Students: International students will also want to consider their visa status when applying to clerkships. International students can use EMRA Match to find clerkships that are open to IMGs and residency programs that will sponsor visas. The ACEP International Section also offers a Rotation and Observation Database .

Some of the proposed materials are more difficult to plan for submission than others. For instance, not every applicant will have taken the USMLE Step 1 by the time VSAS opens. At present, an estimated 85–90% of externship programs require a passing Step 1 score with 37%–43% accepting COMLEX as an alternative. 4,6 To not be limited in options, it is worth considering taking Step 1 to have a score report by the time VSAS opens.

Clerkship Application & Vaccination Timeline

Proof of positive vaccine titer response is another component that requires advanced planning. Timing is important here as any negative titer results will require a booster and a designated waiting period for antibody response. Be prepared! Do not let this requirement delay you from submitting applications. While most clerkships make use of the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form, which only requires Hepatitis B titers, some institutions that do not use this form may require MMR or varicella titers as well. To be safe, having all five drawn is advantageous, but that needs to be considered against your financial situation. Other testing and vaccinations to consider include: being up-to-date on the flu shot and having documentation of recent two-step tuberculin skin test (aka PPD) or QuantiFERON Gold test.

IMG Students: A small population of students may have received the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine outside of the United States and subsequently tested positive on their PPD. For healthy, asymptomatic students, a proof of Isoniazid (INH) completion and most recent normal chest X-ray report should suffice. However, in rare instances, these students may be asked to undergo additional testing.

A proposed timeline for gathering documents and having titers drawn is listed. This will allow you to apply to a few programs that begin accepting applications in February. Most programs may not accept externship applications until March or April, however, so it is important to visit VSAS and plan on an individual basis.

• Get titers drawn. If any are negative, immediately get a booster. Titers typically may not be re-drawn for 6–8 weeks.
• Update your CV and choose an appropriate professional photograph
• Gather other previously mentioned documents as time permits
• Visit program websites to research programs
• Ask an EM advisor for a letter of recommendation, if required by desired
• Complete background check, if necessary
• Establish and execute a firm plan for up-to-date TB testing
• Have titers redrawn (if necessary and not already completed)

February–April

• Write your Statement of Interest for the programs that require it
• Submit VSAS when applications open institution(s)

Not all clerkship programs use VSAS, which attempts to standardize the process, but will in general have similar requirements. Find specific instructions at individual institutional websites outside of VSAS. This extra step might make some non-VSAS clerkships “less competitive” and easier to secure a rotation from.

Latecomers: Looking at programs outside of the VSAS in effort to secure a rotation will likely increase your chances of success.

How Do I Get Accepted for an Away Rotation?

Expert opinion recommends that an average student apply to 5–7 institutions to receive 1–2 invites. Consult with your advisor to determine the right number of applications for your personal situation and goals. 

A Step 1 score can be an important factor influencing your chance of being accepted for an away rotation. In a 2018 survey of clerkship directors, 90% of respondents reported requiring at least a passing score on USMLE Step 1, and among these, 45% use a mean Step 1 score of 213 as a screening cutoff. 6 These numbers are similar to Step 1 score utilization for away rotations and interview selection as reported on EMRA Match. 4 Programs included in EMRA Match for Clerkships declare whether they require USMLE Step 1, with or without a cutoff score. If you have a lower Step 1 score, you may benefit from targeting programs that report not having a cutoff.

In general, clerkship directors value genuine student interest in matching to their program or region. In the current application environment, however, common sentiment is that student interest is hard to gauge. If a program requests a statement of interest, this can be a great opportunity to communicate your particular interest in the region and in the program. Local ties, for example, are valuable to mention. 

Personal, direct communication to the clerkship director or coordinator, beyond the letter of interest requested by the application, may be helpful in some cases but detrimental if overused. Reach out through direct communication judiciously, reserving only for a few institutions (maximum of 3) in which you are most interested.

Your home institution can also help you secure an away rotation, if you communicate specific interest. It is acceptable to want to leave your home institution for residency training. Many programs, especially those with a large cohort of EM-bound medical students, will appreciate that disclosure. In that case, your home institution may have faculty connections to a particular region who can help you secure a rotation. Again, overuse of this strategy will also dilute its effect.

Latecomers: Contact your home EM advisor directly, as they can be an invaluable resource of experience and connections in your effort to complete application requirements.

Attendance at conferences and other networking opportunities may be helpful. At national conferences such as ACEP’s Scientific Assembly , EMRA hosts a Medical Student Forum and Residency Fair. This event occurs in October, so attendees will have enough lead time ahead of VSAS application to establish a network, follow up, and apply. You can also learn more about programs and make connections at the fair, but it is important to recognize attendance does not guarantee an away rotation. This is especially true for students attempting to secure a rotation or interview at more competitive institutions.

Troubleshooting & Tips

How do I deal with conflicting home requirements and away rotation schedules?

• Address it early with the dean of your home institution or contact the away rotation clerkship director. Some institutions will make exceptions or help you troubleshoot. Asking for an exception implies genuine interest. Reserve this only for rotations you would almost certainly accept if offered.

I do not have EM faculty at my institution. Where can I find individualized advice?

• Find an EM faculty mentor at an outside institution willing to advise you. This is especially important for osteopathic and international students. Often, this may be the clerkship director who “adopts” you on your first away rotation. EMRA coordinates a mentorship program at https://www.emra.org/students/advising-resources/student-resident-mentorship-program/ .
• EMRA also understands the cost and potential low yield of traveling far distances just to obtain good but generalized advice. In response, through EMRA Hangouts, it hosts live, online forums featuring prominent EM advisors once each month to answer timely questions. Sessions are recorded for those who can’t log in live: https://www.emra.org/be-involved/events-- activities/emra-hangouts/ .

I couldn’t secure an away rotation at a program I was very interested in. How can I still show interest and learn more about the program?

• Often, institutions will offer away rotations in a subspecialty area of emergency medicine. A letter from these rotations is less influential than an adult EM course, but it may resonate with that specific institution — and you will gain valuable knowledge, including a new skill set and familiarity with that program. Common subspecialty rotations include EMS, Global Health, Pediatric EM, Research, Toxicology, Ultrasound, and Wilderness Medicine. These subspecialty rotations can be identified using the filter included in EMRA Match for Clerkships.

What if I don’t get or can’t do an away rotation?

• While away rotations have many practical benefits, they also pose difficult hardships and just may not be feasible for some students. Pregnancy and parenthood are 2 such situations that may constrain the ability of both partners to travel far from home. Family illness and caregiver needs may affect others. In general, EM programs are sensitive to work-life balance and personal wellness. Nevertheless, these situations require a thoughtful approach to communication as well as securing a second letter from your home institution, if possible.
• If you’re in this situation, it’s most important to have a trusted, experienced advisor help you develop a plan. Complete an additional EM subspecialty elective at your home institution. The ideal elective would give you an opportunity to demonstrate your clinical skills to EM faculty who could then write an additional SLOE letter. Finally, you should thoughtfully, deliberately explain the reason for being unable to complete a traditional away rotation; that communication should be part of the plan you develop with your advisor.

I accepted an away rotation, but then I received an invitation from my top-choice program. Is it OK for me to cancel my original rotation?

• Be very cautious when cancelling an away rotation. If the rotation is several months out such that the program can accommodate another student, then it’s typically understandable and should be accompanied by polite and honest communication.
• Last-minute cancellations of away rotations are strongly discouraged and will be frowned upon — with the exception, of course, for personal emergencies.

The Bottom Line

• With rare exception, EM candidates should complete 2 EM rotations to acquire a total of 2 SLOEs. If available, 1 of your 2 rotations should be a home rotation.
• You should have a minimum of 1 SLOE by the time residency programs are able to view applications in ERAS (mid-September) to be considered for interview invitations. Having 2 SLOEs submitted by this time will maximize your competitiveness.
• It is highly unusual for an applicant to require 3 SLOEs to match, and it does not necessarily make you more competitive. In fact, doing extra away rotations may be harmful to your colleagues who are having difficulty obtaining their first away rotation.
• An away rotation should be affiliated with an EM residency program so that your SLOE can be completed by an EM faculty member.
• VSAS is the standard way to secure away rotations, but there are other ways that will require more personal inquiry. In general, current expert opinion suggests you should apply to 5–7 clerkships to get 1–2 invites. Consult with an advisor to confirm an application strategy that supports your personal situation.
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Wayne State University

School of medicine, records and registration records and registration, vslo for wsu students, best practices.

• Complete a Home Course Rotation and Step 2 before applying for an Away Elective
• Target a maximum of 4 Host Institutions and a maximum of 3 to 5 Applications per Host
• Do not schedule Away Electives during Interview Months
• Plan on giving 110% and 100% Attendance during your rotation
• Most Away Elective Applications are in July, August, January and February
• Many Host Institutions want to see a Personal Statement or Statement of Interest in Profile
• Have a Back-up Plan

1. Access to the VSLO Application Service

You will be invited by your Home Institution before you may access the VSLO Application Service. If you have used other AAMC services (AMCAS, MCAT, etc.), you will then sign into the VSLO Application Service with your AAMC Account Username and Password. Otherwise, you will be able to create an AAMC Account.

Complete Your Profile

Once your create your VSLO Account, you will Create your Profile and provide your Personal and Academic Information through the VSLO Application Service, including Contact and Biographical Information.

Upload Your Documents

Upload any required documentation by a Host Institution (Photo, Statement of Purpose, Letter of Good Standing, CV, Immunizations Records, and Supplemental Documentation). Assign these documents to a specific Host Institution or Elective Application accordinlgy. Your school is responsible for uploading your Official Transcript after you have completed your entire application.

Review Host Institution Information

Review General Information about each participating Host Institution and their Key Application dates and fees (Each Host Institution may have different requirements).

Search For and Save Electives

Use the Elective Search to find Elective opportunities based on, but not limited to, Specialty, Host Institution, and Geographic Location. You may then view the Description, Application Requirements, and Available Dates for each Elective. You may also save theEelectives in which you are interested for future consideration.

2. Submit Your Application

Acknowledge Applicant Agreement

Students must agree to the terms and conditions that govern their use of the VSLO Application Service, including truthfulness in their application materials, release of personal information, and acknowledgment that they must remain engaged and responsive during the Elective Application Process.

Complete Host Requirements

Requirements vary between Host Institutions and the Electives for which you are Applying. You will fulfill all requirements within the VSLO Application Service as you submit your elective requests

Pay Application Service Fee

Students will pay a $40 USD base fee which includes up to three electives (to any institution; in the U.S. or Global Network) and any quantity of elective dates. Additional electives are $15 USD each.

3. After Submitting Your Application

Home Institution Reviews Applications

Once you have submitted your Applications, your Home Institution will verify information about you and fulfill any additional Host requirements before releasing the application to Host Institutions for review.

Track Your Application

You can easily track the status of your applications are they move through the VSLO Application Service.  For example, you can view if your application is Pending Release by your Home Institution or if it is Awaiting Review by a Host Institution.

Resubmit a Requirement

If necessary, a Host Institution may request you resubmit a fulfilled requirement. After receiving an email notification you would resubmit the requirement through the Tracking Area of the VSLO Application Service.

Withdraw or Reinstate Your Application

If you have submitted an Application and are no longer interested in the Elective, you can Withdraw your application. If you change your mind and the elective and date are still available, you can reinstate your application and it will continue through the Application Process.

Accept, Decline, or Drop an Offer

You may Accept or Decline offers received from Host Institutions. It is important to respond to an offer within the time allotted to ensure the Host Institution can prepare for your visit. It is possible to Drop an accepted offer if circumstances no longer allow you to attend the elective opportunity.

Complete Post-Decision Requirements

While you will submit some requirements with your Application request, Host Institutions may also require additional "post-decision" requirements be submitted only if you accept their Elective Offer. When applicable, the VSLO Application Service will guide you through the process of fulfilling and submitting these requirements for the Host to review. Some examples of post-decision requirements may include, but are not limited to, a copy of your Passport, Immunization Records, or proof of HIPAA Training.

• UNC Chapel Hill

Application Process

Applications to UNC’s Visiting Student Program are accepted on a semester/term basis. Students from domestic medical schools, MD and DO are invited to apply.

If you are applying via VSLO, we recommend that you submit more than one elective request with your application.  If your first elective request is denied, we may be able to grant acceptance for an alternate elective request. But we will only place you in an elective and block for which you have submitted an elective request.  If you wish to be considered for an alternative elective or month, please submit separate elective requests for each month and course.

The Academic Calendar is split into the 2 terms; Spring (March to June), Fall (July to December). Each term will have a dedicated Application, Scheduling, and Notification Cycle associated with it. Ensure that you are submitting your application during the appropriate cycle. Please view our  Calendar Page  for more information on important dates for each term and our Program Requirements page for more information on Application Requirements.

Application Cycle

US-Based MD and DO students are eligible to apply through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) Program .

Applications will not be reviewed during this Cycle so there is no incentive for applying early, but be sure to submit your application before the Cycle closes.  Late applications will not be considered.

Decision/Scheduling Cycle

After the application cycle, UNC will spend one (1) month reviewing applications for acceptance and generating the scheduling for the term. Students will be granted one of three different statuses.

Accepted: Students are fully accepted to the program and will be added to the schedule based on course availability and student preference.

Denied: Students have not been accepted into the program and will not be scheduled for a rotation during the current term.

Notification Cycle

Once the Decision/Scheduling Cycle has concluded, students will be notified of UNC’s decision. Students who have been accepted will receive offers for rotations.  Waitlisted students will be notified of their status, but may not receive an offer rotation.  Waitlisted students can receive an offer up to 60 days before the rotation start date.

Denied students will also be notified of their status. Denied students cannot be scheduled for the current term for which they received the denial but are welcome to apply for other terms as long as they still meet the eligibility requirements.

VSLO Application Terms

View vslo terminology.

Accepted Conditional Offer Applicant has accepted the conditional offer and will need to submit the Accepted/Rotation Requirements.

Application This is your overall application including personal information, transcripts, malpractice insurance, personal statements, etc.

Conditionally Eligible The application has missing items and the elective request will not be considered for placement until the issues have been resolved.

Conditional Offer The elective request has been approved by the departments and offered to the applicant. There is a one-week time limit on all offers.

Elective Experiences This is the total number of rotations that an applicant would like to complete.

Elective Request This is the individual elective that you have applied for. Ex: ANES 401 in Block 6.

Eligible The application is complete and is now in the scheduling process.

Host Rejected The department was unable to accommodate that particular elective request. This does not mean that all elective requests or the entire application have been denied.

Home Released The elective request has been received by the school and the departments are able to review it for placement consideration.  However, the elective request will not be considered until the application is marked as eligible.

Ineligible The overall application has been denied and no elective request will be considered.

Offer Confirmed Accepted/Rotation Requirements have been verified and the conditional offer has been officially approved.

Offer Expired No decision has been made by the applicant on the elective request offer within the one-week time frame. The applicant has effectively declined the offer to rotate.

Pending The application has not been reviewed for eligibility.

Post-Decision Review Accepted/Rotation Requirements have been submitted to, but not reviewed by, UNC.

Post Requirements Complete Applicant has completed the Accepted/Rotation Requirements but has not assigned them to UNC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elective eligibility,   i am a student at an international medical school. am i eligible to rotate.

No. Elective spaces at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine are extremely limited, so our electives are available only to students currently enrolled at an LCME-accredited or AOA-accredited Osteopathic medical school located in the United States or Puerto Rico.

We cannot accept students from schools located outside the contiguous 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with the exception of Global Partner institutions. We are unable to make any exceptions to this policy.

  I already graduated from medical school. Am I eligible to rotate?

No. Visiting student rotations are designed for students who are enrolled in their final year of medical school and have already completed one full year of in-hospital clinical training.

  I am technically a third year student but have completed core clerkships in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. Am I eligible to rotate?

Yes, if you have completed the four core clerkships, you are eligible to rotate even if you’re still a third year student. Please note that some departments may have additional requirements (such as a neurology clerkship) you may not meet, so you would not be eligible for those rotations.

  I have not yet completed core clerkships in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics, but I will complete them before I want to rotate at Northwestern. Can I apply now?

Yes. Core clerkships in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics must be completed before you can begin an elective at Northwestern. Your home school will be able to verify in VSLO the date you have or will complete a core rotation or other course. If you are accepted to a rotation, your school will need to submit an updated transcript showing successful completion of the clerkship(s) before you may begin your rotation.

  Can I complete multiple rotations?

Yes, students are permitted to complete up to two four-week rotations for a total of eight weeks, but the rotations must be in different specialties.

  How can I determine if my school has an affiliation agreement with Feinberg?

Submitting your application,   who do i need to contact to schedule a clinical clerkship at northwestern memorial hospital, lurie children's hospital or shirley ryan abilitylab.

All clinical clerkships for non-Northwestern students are arranged by submitting an application via VSLO. Department heads, coordinators and faculty should not be contacted regarding clinical clerkship opportunities.

  Can I send paperwork directly to a department or faculty member?

No. All application documents and supporting material should be submitted via VSLO only.

  I have applied for residency through the ERAS system. Do I have to submit all application materials again, or can some of the ERAS documents be used?

The ERAS documents cannot be accessed by the Visiting Student Programs staff or VSLO . All required documents must be submitted via VSLO  order to apply for a visiting student rotation.

  My home institution requires that an affiliation agreement be signed in order for me to complete a rotation at Northwestern University. Is this possible?

Yes.  Northwestern University requires a signed affiliation agreement on record and utilizes the AAMC implementation letter for those institutions that participate in the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program.  If your institution does not participate in the VSLO program, an affiliation agreement is still required, and Northwestern University will provide an agreement for signature.

  When should I submit my application on VSLO?

Space is limited, and students are placed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each time block will automatically close 56 days prior to the start date, after which no further applications will be accepted for that time. Please refer to the academic calendar. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

  I know a faculty member who has told me that I may attend their elective. Is automatic acceptance allowed?

Knowing a faculty member does not guarantee acceptance to rotate at Northwestern, nor does it allow a student to override policy. To assure credit and fairness, all scheduling is done on a space-available basis and processing is the same for all students. All application processing begins with VSLO and the Visiting Student coordinator.

If you want to submit an additional letter of recommendation from a Northwestern faculty member, please have your school combine both PDF files into one file. This way the host institution can view two letters in the VSLO letter of recommendation requirement.

  How can I find out about availability of a rotation?

Please do not contact course directors, department heads or the Visiting Student coordinator regarding availability. This information can fluctuate hourly due to add and drop requests and cannot be maintained in real time. For this reason, all electives are considered open unless they have been closed in VSLO. There is no guarantee that an elective will have availability at the time that you apply. Some electives are closed during certain rotation blocks. Please refer to the elective catalog (corrected link: https://clerkship.northwestern.edu/public/courses/select_student_level.html ) and the VSLO elective description for details.

  When are the application deadlines?

Each block will automatically close 8 weeks prior to the start date, after which no further applications will be accepted. Please refer to the  visiting student rotation calendar. 

  Can I modify the Northwestern calendar?

No. All visiting students must follow the rotation calendar and policy. Faculty members cannot override medical school policy. You should only apply to blocks if you know you will be able to attend the full rotation.

A small number of specialties will allow you to request your own dates in VSLO. If an elective does not give you the option to request your own dates through VSLO, that means that custom dates are not permitted in that specialty.

  How can I know if an elective has any additional or special requirements?

Some, but not all, electives have additional or special requirements for applicants. This may be a prerequisite, a personal statement or specific requirements for the Letter of Recommendation. If an elective has any of these requirements, they will be listed in the comments section of the VSLO elective description and in our elective catalog . Check both locations to confirm whether the elective has special requirements. 

  Can I apply to electives if I haven't yet taken Step 1 or COMLEX 1?

If your school does not require the Step 1/COMLEX 1 exam until after the third year, please upload a statement to that effect in VSLO.

Letters of Recommendation

  who can write me a letter of recommendation.

You are required to submit one general letter of recommendation from a physician who has observed you clinically. The letter must comment on your clinical abilities and performance. Letters of good standing and dean's letters are not acceptable substitutes.

Some departments have specific letter of recommendation requirements. Please check the elective description in VSLO and  the visiting student elective catalog  carefully for specific requirements. All LORs must contain a faculty member’s signature and be on official letterhead. LORs should be uploaded by your home school only.

  To whom should my letter of recommendation be addressed?

LORs should be addressed to "Visiting Student Programs" unless otherwise indicated in the elective catalog description . 

  How do I upload my letter of recommendation in VSLO?

LORs can be uploaded to VSLO by your home school only; you cannot upload an LOR to your VSLO applications. Although this may vary by institution, usually your Registrar’s Office will have VSLO access, so faculty members can send VSLO to them to be uploaded to your application.

Transcripts

  what if a grade for one of my core clerkships does not appear on my official transcript.

Core clerkships in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics must be completed before you can begin an elective at Northwestern. Please submit your most updated transcript. If, however, a grade is unavailable, your home school will be able to verify in VSLO the date you have or will complete a core rotation or other course. If you are accepted to a rotation, your school will need to submit an updated transcript showing successful completion of the clerkship(s).

Health Records

  do i have to use the northwestern visiting student immunization form.

It depends on what kind of student you are:

• Domestic students applying through VSLO should use the  AAMC Standardized Immunization Form .
• Global Partner Students should use the  Global Partner Immunization Form .

  How does the health record review process work?

Your immunization form is initially reviewed by the visiting students program coordinator to ensure that the four-page form is filled out correctly and that the required labs are attached. Once your main application is complete and your immunization form is correctly filled out, your main application begins review by the departments. If you are accepted to an elective, your health form and supporting medical documents are sent separately to our Student Health department for medical clearance approximately four weeks before your rotation start date.

  How will I know if my records are cleared by Student Health?

Once Student Health has reviewed your health records, you will be notified by email only if they determine that your records are incomplete. It is then your responsibility to submit the missing immunization forms immediately to the Student Health office (not the visiting student coordinator or VSLO) in order to gain Student Health clearance. You will not be permitted to begin your rotation until you have been cleared by Student Health.

Personal Statements

  how can i know if the elective i wish to apply to requires a personal statement.

Personal statements are required by some electives. If an elective requires a personal statement, this will be specified in the elective catalog and the VSLO elective description.

  The elective I wish to apply to indicates that a personal statement is required. What is a personal statement?

It’s a short statement about your career goals. Please state in your own words why you wish to take a particular elective, what you can contribute to Northwestern and how this elective will help your future career goals.

  What are the guidelines for submitting a personal statement

Your personal statement should not be more than one side of one page. It must be typed, include your full name and the name of the elective to which you are applying. The personal statement should be your own original work.

Personal statements found to be plagiarized from another student or the internet will result in the immediate rejection of your application.

Plagiarism policy: Any student found to have copied another student’s work, submitted a personal statement that was found on the internet or any other example where the student was not the author of documentation intended to be an original work will be notified that they are ineligible for consideration. Their home school will be notified and they will no longer be eligible for any rotation at Feinberg School of Medicine.

Global Partner Student Applications

  how can i find out if my school is global partner.

A list of current Global Partners can be found on the Global Partner page .

  I am a Global Partner student. How can I apply to the Visiting Student Program at Feinberg School of Medicine?

Global Partner students should first be in contact with the coordinator of their home school regarding participation in the exchange program with Northwestern. If they are selected to participate, Global Partner s may apply to the program using this application Global Partner s cannot apply using VSLO.

  I am a Global Partner student. What are the visa requirements?

For the purposes of this medical school elective, a B-1 visa is required. Feinberg School of Medicine does not process visa paperwork for international students. You are required to obtain entry on your own. If you have another visa type (F-1, J-1, etc.) due to rotating at another U.S. medical school or a B-1 visa for any other purpose, this visa cannot be used to rotate at Northwestern. You will be required to show your I-94 form and disclose the conditions of your visa at registration. Once accepted, we can only provide you with an acceptance letter upon request and only after your confirmation form has been received. Letters can take several weeks to reach overseas addresses. Please plan accordingly.

  I am a Global Partner student and my home country is part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Do I still need to apply for the B1 visa?

No. If your country of origin is part of VWP, you only need to register through ESTA. A separate B1 visa is not required.

  I am a Global Partner student. Is the USMLE Step 1 mandatory to apply?

No. The USMLE Step 1 is not required for Global Partner students; however, if you have Step 1 scores, you should include them with your application.

  Is tuition or a registration fee charged?

No, the registration fee is waived for Global Partner students. There is no tuition fee charged.

  Do I have to pay the health insurance fee when I apply?

No, this fee is not required at the time of applying. Once accepted to rotate, this fee should be paid no later than two weeks prior to your arrival. The health insurance fee is $7.26 per day

Two weeks prior to your rotation, you will receive the final insurance cost and a link to the online payment portal.insurance payment form . You will receive a student health insurance card and brochure of the policy when you register at Northwestern.

  Do I have to send TB test results when I apply?

No. You will receive a QuantiFERON-GOLD blood test at Northwestern. This test must be done in the United States. If you have proof of a PPD skin test, chest x-ray or QuantiFERON-GOLD blood test done within the past six months in the United States, you may submit these with your immunization application. Do not submit TB tests of any kind that were performed outside of the United States.

  What are the health requirements for a Global Partner student if I am accepted?

The QuantiFERON-GOLD blood test will be required upon your arrival to Northwestern University. You may not participate in clinical activities until this has been completed. The QuantiFERON-GOLD blood test fee is included when you purchase the health insurance. If your test should result positive, further testing or an x-ray and doctor's appointment are required. These additional tests are also covered if you have purchased the student health insurance.

  How can I verify my English proficiency?

Fluency in English is mandatory to participate in our electives. In order to ensure both your comfort during the clerkship and that of the patients, physicians and other health care workers with whom you will need to interact, we require that a fluent English speaker at your institution verify your English language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing or you submit TOEFL/IELTS results from the past two years. If you choose to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores, these are our minimum requirements:

  I am a Global Partner student and wish to provide my own health insurance during my rotation. What are the requirements?

If you wish to provide your own health insurance during your rotation at Northwestern, you must submit a copy of your insurance policy in English to the visiting student coordinator no later than four weeks prior to your start date. A detailed policy is required and it must fulfill all requirements . Please note the types of insurance policies that are generally not accepted, including travel insurance.

If you think your insurance meets all requirements, please send a detailed summary of benefits to the visiting students office. The policy you submit must clearly state that all these minimum requirements are met, including dollar amounts. Your submitted policy must be in English and dollar amounts must be in U.S. currency. Do not submit your policy directly to the Risk Management office.

Adequate insurance coverage is mandatory, so if your plan does not meet Northwestern’s requirements, you will be required to purchase insurance through Northwestern.

Application Review Process

  how are applications processed by northwestern through vsas.

First, we determine the eligibility of an applicant. To be marked as eligible, an applicant must have submitted all application requirements and meet all of our basic requirements . If an applicant is missing any of these items or there is an error within them, the applicant will be marked as ineligible and is notified. When these missing or erroneous items are corrected, the applicant status can then be changed to eligible.

Once the applicant is determined to be eligible, each application is reviewed to determine if it meets all of the elective-specific criteria. If it does, then that application becomes available for scheduling and the status is listed as pending host institution review. If the individual application does not meet the criteria in the elective catalog, then that application is marked denied and the student is notified. If these criteria are met at a later time, the individual application can have the denial status removed and marks as available for scheduling.

An application marked as available for scheduling is not yet accepted. The department will review the application and determine if an offer should be made based on academic merit and availability as well as any other criteria as determined by the department.

  What are my chances of an acceptance? How can I improve my chances?

Rotations are very limited. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date they are completed in addition to academic merit. Incomplete applications will be marked as ineligible until missing or erroneous documents are corrected. Visiting students are placed only after Northwestern students are scheduled.

Spaces in internal medicine sub-specialties, pediatrics, and surgery are extremely limited. Summer and fall months (July through October), in particular, are extremely full.

  What communications can I expect from the Visiting Student Office through VSLO?

We will notify you by email regarding the following:

• When your application is released by your home school: This email indicates when your home school has released your application to Northwestern for processing. It will also indicate if any of the following four required documents are missing: photo, transcript, immunization form or CV.
• If your application is missing any documents or has any errors in the either the or required documents: Your application is marked as ineligible until these errors or omissions are corrected. 
• Once your application is complete : If your application was originally marked as ineligible and you have corrected all errors or submitted missing documentation, your application will be then marked as eligible and VSLO will email you regarding this change.
• Once your application is accepted or denied: An acceptance email comes directly from the Visiting Student Coordinator via VSLO.

  Can an incomplete application be processed? How will I know if my application is complete or not?

If your application is marked as ineligible or denied due to missing or erroneous items, you will be notified of this via VSLO. It is the responsibility of the student to submit a complete application for consideration. Please note that the immunization form and required labs are considered part of the application.  Applications without the immunization form and labs will be considered incomplete and ineligible to be scheduled.

Applicants should carefully review our institution information VSLO page and the elective catalog descriptions for the electives to ensure that they have met all requirements.

  How long does review of my application take?

This varies for each department. In order to be accepted, you must have both departmental approval and Student Health clearance. This can take a minimum of 30 days. Application review takes longer for the busy summer and fall rotations.

  How can I find out about the status of my application?

Please allow a minimum of 30 to 60 days for your application to be released by your home school and reviewed. Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are released to us by home schools. Please check VSLO for the most up-to-date status information.

If you have questions regarding your application’s current status, you may contact our office via email at  [email protected]  no earlier than 30 days after you have received email notification that your application was released. Please do not call the Visiting Students Office.

Do not contact course directors, coordinators, or faculty for any reason during the application process. Contacting any of these parties may result in your ineligibility for current and future rotations.

  If I am offered a visiting student elective, am I guaranteed an interview for the residency program?

Accepted students,   how will i know if i am accepted.

If you are accepted to a rotation, you will receive notification from VSLO. Any approval or notification received directly from department does not signify that you have been accepted to rotate.

If you have not received either an acceptance or denial email from VSLO within 30 days of your home school releasing your application, you may email [email protected]  to inquire as to the status. Please do not call.

  I have received notification through VSLO that I have been accepted to rotate. What do I need to do to secure my place in the elective?

First, you must accept the elective in VSLO within 7 days of the rotation offer.

Next, you must pay your rotation fee through the  online portal  within 14 days of your acceptance offer.

Finally, you must send the  Accepted Visiting Student Confirmation Form   via email  after paying your rotation fee.

Failure to submit the confirmation form within the deadline may result in elective offer being revoked. If the offer is withdrawn due to lack of response or payment within the 14-day time frame, you are not allowed to reapply for the same elective at the same time. You may apply for the same elective during a different time frame or for a different elective; however, if you are again accepted and fail to respond or submit payment by the deadline, you will no longer be eligible to apply for any electives.

  I have been accepted to rotate, but I would like to change my dates or my elective choice. Is this possible

No. All assignments are final. Once a student has been scheduled to rotate, no change in elective choice or rotation block will be allowed. This policy cannot be overridden by a department, attending or any faculty member.

  I have accepted an offer to rotate, but I can no longer attend the elective. How do I cancel this rotation? What is the cancellation policy?

If you can no longer attend an elective which you have accepted, you must drop the elective in VSLO and email the Cancellation Form to the visiting students coordinator no later than four weeks prior to your start date. The visiting student coordinator will then notify the department that you cannot attend. No rescheduling of electives is permitted.

If you fail to notify the visiting student coordinator at least four weeks prior to your start date, Northwestern will drop you from any future scheduled electives, your home school will be notified, you will be charged the rotation fee, and you are no longer eligible to apply for any other electives at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

  What are the housing options?

The Visiting Student Program cannot assist you with housing. Accepted students are expected to secure housing on their own. For some local housing options, please refer to  the Housing page .

  Do I need a white coat?

Yes, please bring a waist-length white coat from your home institution. These may also be purchased from Water Tower Place Uniforms Inc. , located a few blocks from the hospital campus.

  What is the dress code in the hospital?

Please refer to the  First Day page  for guidelines.

  Do I need to bring my own scrubs?

No. Scrubs will be provided during your rotation.

  I would like to do some advanced reading before my rotation. How can I find out more information?

Please email the visiting students office to obtain this information.

  I need to request time off during the rotation. Who should I contact?

If you must miss a day, you must always inform your supervisor (resident/attending), your department, and the visiting students coordinator. Time off should always requested in advance and approval is obtained by your supervisor or department.

  I would like to request a letter of recommendation from a faculty member with whom I worked during my rotation. Is this possible?

The Augusta Webster, MD, Office of Medical Education cannot be responsible for letters of recommendation for visiting students. If you request one from a faculty member, it is your responsibility to have this taken care of. Our faculty members are in no way obligated to provide you with a letter of recommendation. As a professional courtesy, we strongly recommend that you provide a pre-addressed, stamped envelope for the faculty member to mail your letter of recommendation to the appropriate person at your home institution. Do not have the letter sent to our office.

Denied Students (notified via VSLO that your application was denied)

  if a spot opens up, can i be placed.

No. Information is not provided regarding availability and we do not maintain waiting lists. Do not contact course directors, coordinators or faculty regarding availability. Contacting any of these parties may result in your ineligibility for current and future rotations. In order to be considered for other electives or time frames, you must reapply through VSLO.

  I am willing to participate in any elective that has availability. Is this possible?

No. In order to be considered for other electives, you must reapply through VSLO.

  Can I reapply?

Yes, you may reapply through VSLO. Your new application will be considered in the order in which it is received. You may only when the deadline has not already passed and cannot reapply for electives and blocks for which you have already been denied. Please check  the calendar for deadlines prior to submitting a new application.

VSLO® Frequently Asked Questions

New section, when do elective catalogs in the vslo® application service open.

The VSLO ® program is open year-round, so Host institutions are able to open and close their elective catalogs at any point. However, many U.S. Host institutions typically open their catalogs in March.   

How much are application fees?

The VSLO program charges a fee of $15 for each elective to which a student applies. There are no additional fees if a student applies for alternative dates for that same elective.

What resources are available as I consider different specialties, and how can I craft an application strategy?

The  Careers in Medicine ® portal  is an excellent starting point to gain insight into the various specialties. Similarly, the VSLO Specialty Away Rotation Guidance webpage provides direct links to information by specialty that can help inform and support your away rotation decisions. In addition, you should connect with advisors at your Home institution who know your skills and strengths as a student. These approaches will help you build a comprehensive application strategy.

What key dates should I keep in mind?

For each Host institution you are interested in applying to, be sure to review the Important Dates section on the Host institution’s Institution Summary page.

Is there way to save an elective in the VSLO application service?

Yes, you can save an elective by clicking on the Save button. If you save an elective, you will receive an email notification when the elective is opened by the Host institution.

I noticed the AAMC collects and remits applicable state and local sales tax. How does this affect the VSLO application service?

Yes, in certain states, these applicable taxes affect VSLO services. Please visit the  AAMC Sales Tax FAQs  to learn more.

Can I add other electives after submitting my application?

Yes, students can apply to other electives or add additional dates for the same elective even after submitting an initial application to a Host institution. If you are applying to the same elective at a Host institution, you will not be charged additional fees for alternative dates. Please review the application fees FAQ above for further information.

Can I modify any of the document uploads or application information for a specific institution after submitting an application (for example, an updated background check or vaccine document)?

Yes, students can update previously uploaded documents under the Tracking tab by clicking on the "Show Requirements" button. The most recent document upload is what will take place of the prior version.

Are medical school graduates able to use the VSLO application service?

No. Students applying to opportunities in the VSLO application service must agree to the VSLO Applicant Agreement, which states that “[an applicant] will not have graduated from [their] program at [their] Home institution until after the elective end date.”

Is there a process for providing feedback on the VSLO application service?

You can provide feedback directly via our  VSLO Feedback Form , or by contacting our Client Technical Support team at 202-478-9878. The Post Rotation Student Survey, sent directly to students as they return from an away rotation, provides another avenue for feedback.

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VSAS personal statements

• Thread starter thomasce
• Start date May 3, 2016
• May 3, 2016

Full Member

• May 4, 2016

I had to add a letter of intent for one of mine. It was basically a paragraph in length (I think they said they wanted it to be brief though) and included some stuff about why I liked the area and why I thought the program would be a good fit for me. Part of me thinks half this stuff is just to make some people reluctant to apply when they see they have to write a personal statement, provide an LOR, get extra immunization requirements, etc. I doubt the content will really be scrutinized. It isn't your ERAS PS, just write some stuff about what made you want to choose the away there and maybe why you're interested in your field and that's all that's really necessary.  

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