Done with Core Rotations, Time for Elective Rotations

It's a relief that the core rotations are now completed.  Here is the order of rotations which I conducted:

• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Pediatrics
• Surgery
• OB/GYN

It's a blessing that I went through 48 weeks of clinical clerkships in Chicago. The city is an expensive place to live in and with all the crimes and driving around was a headache.

SJSM guidelines for clerkships is to complete 48 weeks of core rotations and 48 weeks of elective rotations. I have completed AICM so 16 weeks is taken off from the 48 weeks of electives, that leaves 32 weeks of electives left. I also conducted one 4 weeks elective at the beginning of my rotations so it brings down the elective requirement to 28 weeks with 20 weeks completed. Since I have completed my core rotations 48 weeks will be taken off from core. Therefore, I have completed 48+20 weeks, totaling to 68 weeks.  

With 28 weeks of elective rotations, that's around 7 months left of rotations left, hence a bit over half a year. I can't believe time flew by like that, but it is what it is.

Some things I learned the most in doing these rotations is always prioritize the patient's care in the clinical setting.  In the academic setting, always prioritize the USMLE Step 2 CK studying. I'm not a fan of working harder, I like to work smarter. There is no shortcut in being a doctor but you should always do your work and study in the most efficient manner so you don't waste your energy unnecessarily.

Some of the distractions to avoid:

• Friends
• Partying
• Relationships (it's an exception if you are engaged or married)
• FaceBook
• Texting
• Eating Out
• Playing Sports
• Roommates (only if he/she is not another medical student)

I said all I can and I would really appreciate it if you, the readers, can refer other people to this blog to learn and ask questions. Because as you ask questions, this blog will grow and it will help me and the readers. On the Anguilla island, I'm sure people are unsure and uncomfortable of what to expect after the island life, well tell them about this blog and they will feel a lot better after being informed from here.

Now this is the perfect time to cram in for USMLE Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS studying, getting into a 6 month research position, and getting letter of recommendations.