Any Sub-Is or electives that are critical to have completed and on the deans letter before interviews?
Surgical Sub-I’s are an important step in the process as they provide excellent experience and direct contact with faculty who are involved in resident selection. It is best to have at least one surgical sub-I on the dean’s letter. Often times more than one may be beneficial, especially if it is in another discipline outside of a general surgery sub-I (i.e. critical care, the burn unit, SICU, or other). Also, if you are interested in another program or just want to see what is out there, a visiting rotation is very helpful. These rotations give you essential inside information that you may or may not get on interview day. When you visit another program and do well (and you will) you will have a leg up on the rest of the competition. Keep in mind, it is not uncommon to be asked on the interview trail what surgical rotations you’ve taken up to that point. Have an idea of what you will say about each experience.
