EM Rotations - getting in and getting it right

This data driven guide will walk you step by step through your EM application
The active hyperlink is below

Getting In:
If you haven't already you should be applying to and beginning your EM rotations ASAP. Data supports doing two EM rotations at programs with residencies between May and October. This allows you to have 2 SLOE included in your application, which is what program directors look for and trust as a reflection of your strength within EM.

Current map of open positions in June through September

If you haven't already used EMRA Match Clerkship to look for open rotations - there is a feature that will actively update open spots so you can apply to programs that have openings. If you are having trouble getting two rotations look in the Southeast, Midwest, and Southwest as these locations have more open positions for visiting students.

This filter allows you to search for programs that will
offer and interview with your number of SLOE

If you will only have one SLOE on September 15th - use the EMRA Match Residency filter to search for residencies that review applications with one SLOE and strategize to apply to these rather than programs that are less likely to review your application.



Getting it Right:
SLOE letter writers want to see rotators who perform well clinically, have no professionalism issues, and actively apply feedback.

The secret to performing well clinically is easy - learn to give a great EM presentation. Succinct, EM directed, focused on worst first differential for this patient's chief complaint. After giving a great presentation own your patient - know the labs, recheck interventions, review radiographs and be one step ahead.

This video does a great job of summing up all you need in your presentation and is worth the watch

Be Professional - show up early, never lie (even when you forgot to ask or look - acknowledge and correct), be eager at all times. This includes non-clinical responsibilities as well as clinical. It is just as important to ask questions and appear interested even during the less engaging didactics - that teacher likely still has a lot to share.

Feedback - If you can accept and actively apply feedback you are teachable and can improve from whatever level you are currently performing at. If you can't, you may never get better than your current level. Those who are hard to teach are going to receive poorer letters because the ceiling on their EM trajectory is low. Listen, Accept, and Apply the near constant feedback you are getting. It may not seem it but you are always getting feedback, it may not be overtly labeled as feedback. The supervisor who is typing, texting or dictating while you are presenting is not engaged. You aren't telling the story in a way to gain their attention. Pay attention to tone, facial expressions and spoken feedback. You are getting feedback all shift long - notice it and act.

Lucienne Lutfy-Clayton is an APD and Education Fellowship co-Director at UMMS Baystate
She has sat through approximately 10,000 lousy disengaging presentations and literally jumps for joy when she hears a good one - make her happy