What is an away rotation? Who can take these?
Away rotations — also called away electives, aways, or visiting electives — are short-term courses typically offered at teaching hospitals that are either an AAMC-member institution or have at least one Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA)-accredited program.
Students who have completed their required Patient Care clerkships may take away rotations.
Should I take an away rotation?
This decision is based on a variety of factors, including your desired specialty, your level of certainty about that specialty, personal factors, etc. Your Specialty Career Advisor can help you determine the best answer for your situation, while your UWSOM Career Advisor can answer general questions about Away rotations. For more information about Aways in the context of specialty exploration and residency application, visit the UWSOM Career Advising Away page.
Am I required to take an away elective?
No. Away electives are not required to graduate.
Can away rotations count toward graduation requirements?
Yes! Away rotations may count for up to four weeks of elective credit toward graduation requirements if approved.