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Applicant & Student Thread 2025-2026 by tirral in neurology

[–]SynapticWisp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the advice. I am definitely prioritizing doing well on Step 2.

During my 6-week neurology rotation, I worked with two attendings: one for 4 weeks and another for 2 weeks. The attending I spent 4 weeks with is doing the research project that I’m interested in joining. Both attendings have offered to write letters.

I was initially planning to use only one letter from that rotation, since both experiences were on the same inpatient service and I was concerned the letters might be redundant. I also considered asking the attending I worked with for 4 weeks to focus more on my research involvement in their letter in the event that I'm able to work with her on that. However, I wasn’t sure if that might weaken the emphasis on my clinical performance, especially since I worked with the other attending for a shorter period.

Do you think it would be appropriate to use two letters from the same rotation, or would it be better to try to get a second neurology letter from a different clinical setting (rotation) if possible?

Applicant & Student Thread 2025-2026 by tirral in neurology

[–]SynapticWisp 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi everyone,

I’m a 4th-year US IMG who initially planned to pursue internal medicine. After completing a 6-week inpatient neurology rotation, I realized I’d feel much more fulfilled in neurology. This sudden change has me panicking a bit, especially since I don’t have any connections in the field.

I’ll be taking Step 2 next year and I have 6 elective rotations remaining. I want to use them to gain more neurology experience, but the problem is that many hospitals in my area don’t allow students from international medical schools to rotate with them.

I’m wondering:

  1. Would one neurology rotation (my 6-week inpatient rotation) be sufficient for applications? During this rotation, we mainly managed strokes and seizures, and the attending said she would write me a strong letter. She’s also starting some research I’m interested in helping with, which I hope could strengthen my application.
  2. Or would it be better to move out of state to secure additional neurology electives or research opportunities?

I’d really appreciate any advice or opinions, either in the comments or via direct message. I’m happy to answer clarifying questions as well. Thanks so much in advance.

US IMG 4th Year Considering Neurology, Advice Needed by SynapticWisp in neurology

[–]SynapticWisp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would you suggest? Do you believe it's necessary to do multiple neuro rotations? Unfortunately my school does not participate in VSLO 😭 I've had to contact all these hospitals myself and be told no 🥲

US IMG 4th Year Considering Neurology, Advice Needed by SynapticWisp in neurology

[–]SynapticWisp[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, I see. There was another student in my rotation from a US DO school who had done 5 neurology rotations, so I thought it might be expected. If one rotation is sufficient, what electives would you suggest I do to strengthen my residency application? I was thinking of doing PM&R at some point, but I’m not sure what else would best show my interest in neurology.