Just wondering what people think about doing two-week aways. I will definitely do a 4 week away in August because I might need an LOR or two, but I was thinking of doing an audition rotation (i.e. not looking for LORs) in September. However, I was also considering doing 2 2 week rotations in Sept. Just wondering what people think about whether the benefits of being exposed/known to an additional program outweigh the more limited depth of exposure that you'd get from a 2 week vs 4 week rotation. Thanks for any thoughts.
I haven't applied yet, but I think 2 week aways are too short. It's going to be hard to make much of an impact and even if you do, you'll be compared to other applicants who stood out after doing 4 week aways.
i think this may be bad for several reasons.1. it always takes 1 week to get to know your way around the hospital, clinics, etc. that gives you 1 week to meet let alone impress everybody. a tall order. especially if you're visiting a large program with many other visiting students and faculty from multiple hospitals.2. it is unconventional. surgeons are conversative and being a little different from everyone else can hurt you.3. the residents won't know what to think about you. anyone can play nice for 2 weeks. even if you do great, there will always be the disclaimer "well, he was only here for two weeks" attached to what people say about you. whether this is fair or not doesn't really matter, because that's how people think and that's life.4. whether true or not, it can give the impression that you're not all that interested. it's like leaving a date after drinks and appetizers.
I was thinking of doing the same thing when it comes to two two-week rotations, especially since these aren't to get LORs. It may be short, but two weeks is still longer than the one day one gets for interviews. Can any current residents or attendings chime in? Thanks!
I think its all about exposure. If you can manage to do a 2 week rotation, then do it. None of the surgeons/residents will give a shit if you are there for 2 weeks or 4 weeks, they are busy being urologists/residents. Do the same hard work you would do on a 4 week, you just won't have as much time to do it. You may not be able to get in on a research project, or do a presentation (which you could volunteer for), but you will still get to know the dept and they will get to know you. For example, I went and visited a program for just 2 days (all I could fit in, and they wouldn't let me rotate as an FMG), and when it came time for interview, I was treated as though i had a done a month rotation. It was a great feeling. Good luck