Visiting Students

Below are common questions about applying for electives through VSLO at UMSOM. Please review these details carefully before submitting your application. For housing, compliance requirements, and other resources, see the links provided in each FAQ. Only 4th year applicants in good standing from an allopathic or osteopathic medical school located within the United States and accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA) will be accepted, no exceptions.

Visiting student applicants can begin browsing the 26-27 electives catalog on VSLO on Friday, March 13th, and the portal will open for submission of applications on Monday, March 30th. 

UMSOM will be accepting in-person visiting students from July 6, 2026 - April 23, 2027. For more information on VSLO, visit AAMC/VSLO.

Malpractice coverage MUST extend up to or beyond the end date of last rotation applied for.

OSHA Universal Precautions Speak to your home school for information/renewal. Expiration date must cover entire rotation. Upload completion/expiration date document. More information below in the FAQ.

Visiting Student FAQs (VSLO)

Who is the contact for application questions?
Bailey Jenkins - bailey.jenkins@som.umaryland.edu 

What is the duration of each extramural elective?
Minimum of four weeks

How many extramural electives can a visiting student arrange?
One per student per specialty

Is a separate application needed for each elective request?
Yes

How much are the application fees?
$15 per elective application. No extra fee for alternative dates for the same elective

If a departmental coordinator gives verbal approval, is an application through VSLO still required?
Yes. All applications must be processed via VSLO.

What documents are required for initial submission of applications?

• AAMC Immunization Form 
• Background check
• ACLS/BLS certification
• OSHA Certificatation
• CV/resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of Malpractice insurance ($1M per incident and $3M aggregate coverage)
• Personal statement
• Transcript
• USMLE Step 1/COMLEX Level 1 score report
• Proof of Mask Fit Testing 

What are the requirements that need to be fulfilled for onboarding? 

• Proof of up-to-date Mask Fit Test 
• Flu Vaccine 
• TB Test 
• Proof of Malpractice Coverage 
• Affiliation Agreement in place BEFORE arrival 
• Title IX Training 
• HIPPA Training 

Are there housing options in the area?

Past visiting students have successfully secured accommodations through a variety of local and online resources.

Here are some recommended options to explore:

🏢 Local Housing Option

• • ZAHLCO – 500 Park Avenue
    Located directly on campus, this is a popular choice among visiting students. You can explore availability and apply directly through their website: https://www.zahlco.com/500-w

🌐 Online Housing Platforms

• • RotatingRoom.com – Ideal for students in healthcare or academic rotations.
  • FurnishedFinder.com– Commonly used by travel nurses and short-term professionals.
  • Airbnb – Offers flexible short- and long-term stays.
  • VRBO – Vacation rentals that can be suitable for extended stays.
  • TravelNurseHousing.com – Tailored for healthcare professionals on temporary assignments.

Are off-block rotations available if my schedule does not match the elective dates in the catalog?
No. UMSOM does not accommodate off-block rotations.

If I have special needs, will I be accommodated?
Yes.