When it comes to gaining clinical experience in the medical field, there are several options available to medical students and graduates. Three common types of clinical rotations are externships, observerships, and electives. While these may sound similar, they differ in several key ways. In this blog, we'll explore the differences between these types of clinical rotations to help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
What is an externship?
An externship is a clinical rotation where a medical student or graduate works under the supervision of a licensed physician. Externs have the opportunity to work directly with patients, participate in procedures, and develop hands-on clinical skills. Externships can be paid or unpaid, and they may last anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
What is an observership?
An observership is a clinical rotation where a medical student or graduate observes a licensed physician and the medical team working with patients. Observers do not participate in patient care and do not have direct patient contact. Observerships are usually unpaid, and they may last for a few days or weeks.
What is an elective?
An elective is a clinical rotation that is chosen by the medical student or graduate. Electives are designed to allow students to gain experience in a specific area of medicine that interests them. Students can choose from a variety of electives, including specialties like cardiology, dermatology, and emergency medicine. Electives can be paid or unpaid, and they may last for several weeks or months.
Key Differences between Externships, Observerships, and Electives:
1. Patient Contact: Externships provide hands-on experience working directly with patients, while observerships do not allow for patient contact. Electives may or may not include direct patient contact, depending on the specific elective.
2. Level of Participation: Externs participate in patient care under the supervision of a licensed physician. Observers do not participate in patient care but observe the physician and medical team. Electives may include a variety of levels of participation, from observing to participating in procedures and patient care.
3. Duration: Externships and electives are usually longer than observerships. Externships and electives can last several weeks to months, while observerships may only last a few days to weeks.
4. Compensation: Externs and electives may be paid or unpaid, depending on the program. Observerships are usually unpaid.
Which type of rotation is right for you?
The type of clinical rotation that is right for you depends on your individual goals and needs. If you are seeking hands-on experience working directly with patients, an externship is likely the best choice. If you are interested in observing a specific area of medicine or a particular physician, an observership may be a good option. If you want to gain experience in a specific area of medicine, an elective may be the best choice.
It is important to note that some medical schools may have specific requirements or guidelines for clinical rotations. It is important to check with your medical school before pursuing any clinical rotation to ensure that it meets the school's requirements and will be accepted for credit towards graduation.
Conclusion:
Externships, observerships, and electives all provide valuable clinical experience for medical students and graduates. By understanding the differences between these types of clinical rotations, you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you. Regardless of which type of rotation you choose, these experiences can help prepare you for a successful medical career.