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Residency Application Manual
Offices of the DeanOffice of Student AffairsResidency Application Manual The Advanced Clinical Phase

The Advanced Clinical Phase

The Advanced Clinical Phase of the Renaissance Curriculum begins after students have completed the requirements of the Clerkship Phase. The Advanced Clinical Phase consists of 32 weeks of instruction, including two 4-week sub-internships, six 4-week elective rotations, and one 4-week Transition to Residency course. The Advanced Clinical Phase affords students an opportunity for individualized schedules to meet personal and professional goals. OSA Advisors, Specialty Advisors, and Peer Advisors are available for consultation in developing a schedule that fits your needs. 

Information regarding scheduling including resources, policies and procedures can be found in the Academic Handbook –  Clinical Scheduling and Clinical Sites

SOM Renaissance Curriculum Graduation Requirements

Use the Graduation Requirements Worksheet to ensure you are meeting all requirements.

Consider Electives and Rotations that may align with your specialty of interest.

Extramural Rotations

What is an Extramural Rotation? 

Students in good academic standing may participate in extramural rotations during the Advanced Clinical Phase. An extramural rotation—often referred to as an “away” rotation—is any clinical course taken at another institution that is not listed in the UMSOM Course Catalog. These rotations may be pursued as part of the residency application process or simply as an opportunity to gain a unique clinical experience.

Participating in an extramural rotation allows students to explore a specialty, residency program, or geographic area of interest, observe how clinical training is conducted at other institutions, and network with faculty and peers in their chosen field. Application systems for extramural rotations are typically available in the winter (e.g., January) for rotations occurring in the summer and fall (e.g., May–November).

 

Why do students participate in Away Rotations?

  • Residency application requirement
  • Enhance competitiveness for a residency application
  • Student preference (Visit a program/location of interest or Participate in unique experience not offered at UMSOM)

 

Are Away Rotations Required?

Required: Emergency Medicine (should do at least ONE EM away rotation)

Strongly Considered: Child Neurology, PM&R, Specialties with no home program

Recommended: Dermatology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Orthopedic, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Urology

May be Considered: Anesthesiology, OBGYN, Psychiatry, Surgery/General

 

What are some tips for financing my Away Rotation?

✅ Plan Ahead

Apply early through VSLO and research programs.

✅Research the Visiting Scholars Resources Database

https://students-residents.aamc.org/visiting-student-learning-opportunities/explore-visiting-scholars-resources-database

✅Understand the True Cost

Away rotations costs vary. Conduct diligent and thorough research, especially from a cost-of-living standpoint. Budget early and include application fees, transportation, housing, meals, and any additional costs like parking.

✅ Explore Financial Aid Options / Meet with OSA Financial Aid Team

Some schools allow students to request a Cost of Attendance (COA) increase for away rotations, enabling additional federal loans.

Questions? Contact Juanita Simmons or Sofia Cascio

 

What is VSLO?

 

What if the host institution I am interested in is not on VSLO?

  • If an institution does not participate in VSLO, students should consult that institution’s website for specific visiting student application requirements.
  • Overall process is the same (registration, Affiliation Agreement)
  • Reach out to Bailey Jenkins for assistance. (Bailey.Jenkins@som.umaryland.edu)

 

How do I decide where to rotate?

 

What is the VSLO Process?

Getting Started (Required for all students completing away rotations):

    1. Review the Away Rotation Presentation: Overview Extramural Rotations The Away
    2. Review the Extramural Rotation Module: Required Extramural Rotation Module | Registering for an Away Rotation
    3. Complete the Extramural Rotation Module Attestation: Attestation Form
    4. Receive Your VSLO Token: After completing the module and attestation, 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 a couple of applications.

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. 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) 

 

How do I receive credit for my Away Rotation? 

    • Once accepted by the host institution, students must register at UMSOM at least 4 weeks before the rotation begins.
    • To register, students should complete the Extramural Rotation Form.
    • Registration requires faculty approval. Make sure to use the Departmental Contacts for Fourth Years to identify your Faculty & Admin Approvers.
    • Students must attach a copy of the official acceptance from the host institution to the Extramural Rotation Form. 
    • 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.
    • Questions regarding Registration? Contact Brian Wynder: bwynder@som.umaryland.edu. 

 

What is the process to apply for and register for an International Away Rotation?

  • Learn more about how to get started: UMB Global Hub
  • Consider applying for the Provost’s Global Scholar Program (up to $2k in stipends!)
  • ***NEW! To register specifically for Ambulatory & Global Health electives held off-campus, students should complete the Register for Ambulatory or Global Health Rotation
  • Registration requires faculty approval. For your convenience, the Faculty & Department Contacts have been listed directly on the form. 
  • Students must attach a copy of the acceptance from the host institution to theOff Campus Ambulatory & Global (Away) Elective. 

 

What kinds of documents might host institutions request?

  • Official Transcript: OSA will upload this directly to your VSLO profile. You can request your official transcript here: Parchment 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.
    • Log into your EXATT account and transfer the information to the Immunization Form.
    • Drop off the filled form in person to Student Health (408 W. Lombard St., upstairs front desk).
    • Forms will be reviewed and ready for pickup in 10 days (if all information is complete).
    • Questions? Email SHealth@som.umaryland.edu or call 667-214-1883.
  • BLS/ACLS: Access your digital card here: HERE
  • Proof of Personal Health Insurance
  • HIPPA & OSHA Training Certificate
  • Toxicology Screening**
  • Criminal Background Check**

**UMSOM does not keep record of the student’s initial background check conducted. Student responsible for additional costs. Please note, requirements vary by state.

 

What kinds of documents can OSA assist me with? 

(Use Away Rotation Document Request Form) to request the following documents:

  • 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
  • Final Evaluation Form
  • Official Transcript
  • Affiliation Agreements

 

What is an Affiliation Agreement?

  • Training Affiliation Agreement (TAA) is a required formal contract between academic institutions.
  • Outlines terms for students or trainees to participate in clinical experiences.
  • Defines responsibilities, compliance requirements, liability, and supervision to ensure a safe, accredited educational experience without financial compensation.
  • Process completed by OSA staff, can take several weeks and sometimes months—initiate early after acceptance.
  • Questions about Affiliation Agreements? Contact: Bailey Jenkins

 

What are the requirements for Letters of Recommendation?

  • Best Practices for LOR writers
  • Letter writers must email LoRs to Bailey Jenkins: Bailey Jenkins
  • Upon receipt, OSA will upload them to the VSLO document section. Please note, students will not be able to view the letters

 

How do I receive an Evaluation from my host institution?

  • 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.   

 

How do I receive Graduation credit for my away rotation?

  • 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 elective rotations (excluding those taken for Ambulatory Credit) if scheduling conflicts arise between institutions.
  • Two‑week rotations do not count toward graduation and cannot be combined for credit.
  • 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.  

 

USMLE Step 2

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 31, 2025, 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