SnapOrtho · Away Rotations

Excelling on Away Rotations

Prepare with intention, be yourself, and get the most from every month.

Season Focus

ERAS Submission → Universal Offer Day

Secure an Interview and Set Yourself Up to Match!

Timeline

Key VSLO / Away Dates

November 2025

December 2025

Draft PS, update CV, secure 1 LOR

January 2026

Request VSLO access; confirm titers & paperwork

February 2026

VSLO applications open (varies by program)

July 2026

Begin away rotations; target 1–2 LORs

On-service Habits

How to succeed on an away

Be Self-Aware

Bring a positive attitude; be first in and last out when appropriate.
If told to go home, confirm once and head out — it’s not a test.
Be yourself! It is a stressful time but this is the program’s opportunity to get to know you.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Asking good questions and learning will stand out.
Read the room: stay focused if the team is stressed; help lighten workload.
Co-rotators are teammates, not rivals; collaborate and share tasks.
Ask to be shown unfamiliar tasks rather than fumbling through them.
Seek midpoint feedback from your senior and apply it quickly.

Anticipate

Be curious and observant; look for work that makes residents’ lives easier.
Write everything down; help with lists, notes, supplies, and morning rounds.
Write down hospital codes early in the rotation.
In the OR: learn team workflow, pull up images, prep, and be last to scrub unless told otherwise.
Between cases: track the board, check in, and help turn over rooms.

Own Your Role

Look up cases the night before; know injury, mechanism, anatomy.
Always have a couple questions prepped regarding the case. (Ie. What does post-op look like for this patient?)
Master basics: splints, local anesthetic draw-up, supply hunting, ties, drains, dressings.

Network Intentionally

Connect with residents early; attend socials, journal clubs, and labs.
Stay in touch with 1–2 residents who know your work; 2s/3s often carry influence.
If rotating pre-ERAS and there’s real rapport, ask mid-block for a LOR.

Etiquette: offer help and take initiative, but don’t hover. If a resident or other medical student is being questioned, don’t answer over them.

If you don’t know a question, be honest and take that opportunity to learn.

Packing & Prep

Show up ready

Day-1 Fit & Everyday Carry

Over-dress on day 1 (business professional + white coat).
Carry trauma shears, pen, marking pen, small notebook, cheap eye protection.
Have at least one physical resource to study during down time.
Have OR shoes and clinic clothes handy — the schedule can change fast.
Protein bars save you; keep a couple in your pocket.

Pimp Topics

Anatomy (free points); core classification systems (Schatzker, Vancouver, GA, Garden, Weber).
XR fundamentals and views.
Basic principles: primary vs secondary bone healing, basic trauma principles, etc.
If assigned a topic/conference, read and be ready.

MD / DO Toggle

Build a smart away plan

Finding the best programs to rotate at

Competitiveness: be honest and rotate where you have a realistic shot to match.
Case mix & autonomy; trauma level; night float vs q4 call.
Resident culture & mentorship; attendings’ teaching style.
Rotator volume & visibility (how many students per month?).
Region & support system (do you have family nearby?).
Research infrastructure & aligned faculty interests.

Apply early via VSLO; many offerings are first-come, first-served.

Do aways where you want to match.

Avoid rotating at too many reach programs.

Ask how many rotators they take per month. If there are too many students it can be hard to stand out.

Avoid overlapping aways with classmates when possible.

Balance your slate: big academic, community, and a program that’s a size/fit contrast.

Coordinator pro-tips

• Verify bloodwork early — they can bottleneck approvals.

• Confirm liability coverage amount; some sites require a higher cap.

• Be organized with program specific requirements.

• Be very polite! The coordinators work closely with program directors.

FAQ

Common away questions

Quick answers to what applicants ask most. Open each to learn more.

How many programs should I apply to on VSLO?

Around five is reasonable for most — avoid over-applying so you don’t have to decline overlapping offers.

What should I wear/bring on day 1?

Over-dress (business professional + white coat). Carry shears, pen, marking pen, note pad, eye protection. Keep OR shoes handy.

How do I ask for a LOR on an away?

Be direct and ask early. Ask the residents for advice on who writes strong letters. Some programs will write a letter covering your entire rotation. If you are having a strong rotation, ask early, provide your CV & personal statement. Follow up with a thank-you and gentle reminders as needed.

What if I need to withdraw from an away application?

Withdraw promptly and politely once you accept elsewhere. Many sites are first-come; coordinators expect movement — just communicate early. Do not expect an interview if withdrawing.

How do I prep for cases?

Focus on anatomy, core classification systems, imaging views, and a few bread-and-butter principles. If assigned a topic, come prepared to teach it.