Advising article by Oliver Marigold, MS4 at UCSD
Accessible Text Version
What Is VSAS?
VSAS is the system used by most medical schools to schedule away rotations. The site allows users to search for and apply to visiting clerkships across a variety of specialties.
How Do I Access VSAS?
You can log in to VSAS using your pre-existing AAMC account info. However, your medical school needs to provide you with a “VSAS token” first in order for you to have access. Schools typically approve VSAS access in the winter months.
How Do I Choose a Place?
Away rotations are often an interview in of themselves so it’s worth it to do an away somewhere you might envision yourself at in the future! Start thinking of places you might want to do an away rotation. Is there a particular geographic region you want to be in? Do you want a program with an academic feel, community, or a mixture? When you have a list of potential programs, visit their respective websites to find out how to apply to them. While the majority of schools operate through VSAS, some handle away applications independently.
What Do I Need to Apply?
The biggest challenge of applying to away rotations is making sure you have all the necessary requirements. These vary from school to school so it’s important to do your research ahead of time. Typically, most schools will require a CV and proof of immunizations. Others may require letters of intent, your Step 1 score, a letter of good standing, a copy of your transcript, or a copy of your ID.
Above all, the most challenging piece of the application is your immunizations. The AAMC immunization form needs to be signed by a healthcare provider (this can be your PCP or a nurse) and asks for the dates of all of your immunizations in addition to titers for some vaccines. This means that you may need to have some bloodwork drawn before completion of the form. If your titers come back low, you’ll have to get boosters done and titers redrawn before your form can be officially signed. Even if you don’t have VSAS access yet, it’s a great idea to get your immunization form in order first since it’s available online. Using winter break to get labs drawn will allow you time to get re-immunized if you need to before submitting your app. Again, it’s important to look into schools that may not participate in VSAS as they may unique immunization requirements not on the AAMC form (varicella titers, Tdap vs. Td booster, etc.)
How Do I Apply?
Once you have all the pieces together, you can begin submitting your applications. Schools will allow you to apply to multiple months and rank them in the order you prefer. If you are applying to multiple programs for the same month, it is generally good practice to accept your first offer. Make sure you are only applying to places you would love to rotate at. While some programs may screen applicants by statistics and resume, many are also first come first serve. The earlier you can get your application in, the better. You will be in very good shape if you do your research, have your immunizations in order, and apply on time. Good luck and have fun!
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[Included in our Q4 newsletter. Editor: Tiffany Fan]
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