The Advanced Clinical Phase

Definition  

An Extramural rotation is any course not in the UMSOM Course Catalog and taken at another institution. Students in Good Standing may apply for, register, and take an extramural rotation in the Advanced Clinical Phase.  

Extramural rotations, often referred to as “away” rotations, can be a part of the residency application process or simply an opportunity for a student to participate in a unique experience at another institution. Doing a rotation at another institution can be a way to explore a specialty, program, or location of interest. It may also be a good opportunity to see how things are done at other institutions and/or to network with faculty in your specialty.  

Application Process  

Timing: 

• • Students may participate in extramural rotations in the Advanced Clinical Phase. 
  • Applications systems are generally available in the winter (e.g., January) for rotations in the summer/fall (e.g., May-November).   

Deciding Where to Apply: 

• • Consider programs of interest where you are competitive for residency applications.
  • Seek advice from faculty mentors in your specialty and the Office of Student Affairs (OSA).

Helpful Resources:  

• • AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) Database  
  • AMA Frieda Database 
  • UMSOM – Where Our Students Match  
  • VSLO Program by the Numbers
  • Recent Away Rotations – UMSOM: 2022-2023 and 2023-2024

Application Systems:

• • Many host programs participate in the AAMC VSLO program and students can identify programs and apply through the VSLO central application system. If an institution does not participate in VSLO, the student should refer to that institution’s website for any visiting student information.  
  • You must be invited by UMSOM OSA before you can access and use the VSLO application system. Students may request access from OSA by emailing studentsaffairs@som.umaryland.edu. Students must complete and attest to reviewing the below module.

Getting Started (Required for ALL Students):

1. Complete the Extramural Rotation Module and Attestation:

Extramural Rotation Registration Module  

Attestation Form Link  

2. Receive Your VSLO Token: After completing the module and attestation, the OSA will send your VSLO token within 1-2 business days. This token allows you to create your VSLO profile.

VSLO Application Steps: 

The VSLO process involves several steps beyond simply creating a VSLO account and submitting an application. To help you stay organized and on track, be sure to check out the VSLO Applicant Checklist. This resource is packed with helpful hints and a suggested timeline.

1. 1. Gather/Request Documents: Collect and request necessary documentation. Some documents require OSA assistance. Use the Away Rotation Document Request Form for OSA-provided documents.
   2. Apply/Submit: Once all documents are uploaded, apply and submit your applications through VSLO.
   3. OSA Review/Verify/Release: The OSA reviews, verifies, and releases your applications to host institutions.
   4. Host Review/Decision: Host institutions review applications and make decisions.
   5. Student Response: Accept or decline offers and fulfill post-decision requirements (e.g., Affiliation Agreements, screenings).
   6. Host Confirmation: The host institution confirms with you and provides next steps.
   7. UMSOM Registration (REQUIRED): Register at UMSOM before your rotation to receive credit. Contact Brian Wynder: bwynder@som.umaryland.edu to register.

Important Note about UMSOM Registration:

If you do not register with UMSOM before the rotation:

• • • • You will not receive credit toward graduation.
      • The rotation will not be on your transcript.
      • You are not covered by malpractice insurance.
      • You will receive a professionalism citation, which may be noted on the MSPE.

Supporting Documents (General Requirements - Confirm with each Host Institution):

• • Affiliation Agreement: Required. The OSA will provide this after your rotation is confirmed. Email bailey.jenkins@som.umaryland.edu to request.
  • Official Transcript: The OSA will upload this directly to your VSLO profile. You can 
    request your official transcript here: https://www.umaryland.edu/registrar/forms-and-services/
    Input email address (bailey.jenkins@som.umaryland.edu) for the person to receive it. As soon as Bailey receives it, she will upload it to your VSLO profile/current applications requesting the documentation. 
  • CV: OSA CV Preparation Tips
  • Personal Statement: OSA Personal Statement Guidelines
  • Headshot
  • USMLE Step 1 Report: Request a copy of your transcript directly from the NBME. The OSA does not have access to this report.
  • Immunization Records: VSLO and most systems use the AAMC Standardized Immunization Form.
    1. Log into your EXATT account and transfer the information to the Immunization Form.
    2. Drop off the filled form in person to Student Health (408 W. Lombard St., upstairs front desk).
    3. Forms will be reviewed and ready for pickup in 10 days (if all information is complete).
    4. Questions? Email SHealth@som.umaryland.edu or call 667-214-1883.

• • BLS/ACLS: Access your digital card here: HERE
  • Personal Health Insurance

Documents Provided by OSA (Use Away Rotation Document Request Form):

• • Letter of Good Standing
  • Mask Fit Documentation
  • HIPAA/OSHA Training (Good Guy Letter)
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Training (OSHA) (Good Guy Letter)
  • Professional Liability and Malpractice Coverage

Letters of Recommendation:

Letter writers must email LoRs to Bailey Jenkins (Bailey.Jenkins@som.umaryland.edu). The OSA will upload them to the VSLO document section. Students cannot view the recommendations.

Financial Support and Planning:

Students who need assistance with financial planning or other support should schedule an appointment with SOM Financial Aid and Wellness (SOMFINAID@som.umaryland.edu) to discuss.   

Students may also find opportunities for scholarships and stipends through the VSLO Database or program-specific websites.

Registration at SOM

Scheduling Resources

Advanced Clinical Phase Scheduling Process - Intramural Rotations

Advanced Clinical Phase Scheduling Process - Extramural (Away) Rotations

Evaluation

Students are responsible for ensuring SOM has the appropriate supervisory contacts for evaluation. At the start of the extramural rotation, a list of evaluators and their contact information should be sent to dreynolds@som.umaryland.edu.   

Graduation Credit  

Students should review the MD Program Graduation Requirements  

• All Advanced Clinical Phase rotations are 4-weeks in duration (note: students may be allowed to participate in 3-week rotations scheduling conflicts arise between institutions, please see policy for additional details).     
• Extramural rotations can only fulfill an elective requirement, regardless of whether they are a sub-internship or elective at the host institution. 
• Students must register at UMSOM prior to the start of the rotation to receive graduation credit.  

Students are required to take the USMLE Step 2 examination during the Advanced Clinical Phase, sometime after the completion of clerkships and prior to graduation. We strongly recommend students take Step 2 shortly after completing the core clerkships and no later than July 26, 2024, to ensure scores are available to programs to residency programs when applications are sent at the end of September. USMLE estimates students should expect results to be available 4-8 weeks after the exam.

More information and resources are available from the Office of Medical Education Academic Development.

External Resources

USMLE