Visiting Medical Student Subinternship
Visiting Medical Students
We strongly encourage outside rotators to visit/rotate for the months of August 2023 – January 2024. While on service, subinterns participate in every aspect of the program, including morning rounds, sign in rounds, conferences, assisting in the O.R., and taking call in tandem with a Neurosurgery resident to learn about the assessment and care of acutely ill patients. At the beginning of the rotation, subinterns are oriented to the service and to important learning objectives by the Chief Resident and Program Director. At the end of the rotation, subinterns are expected to participate in conference through a short presentation on a topic of Neurosurgical interest.
A strong point of our subinternship is the opportunity to focus your activities on patient assessment and acquisition of surgical experience in the operating room.
Below are several questions and answers that may be helpful to the student interested in our program.
How do I apply for my subinternship at the University of Rochester?
All students interested in applying for a subinternship at the University of Rochester Department of Neurosurgery will need to apply directly to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Applications are accepted through the Visiting Student Application Service, VSAS. To apply to our school, please complete and send us a VSAS application for your preferred electives and dates.
For more information on VSAS, please visit The AAMC website or contact VSAS at vsas@aamc.org or (202) 478-9878.
For more information on our visiting student electives, please contact Monique Williams, Assistant Registrar or go to the visiting students website
Once you have registered for the Neurosurgery elective, you may contact our Residency Coordinator, Melanie Zandvoort at 585- 276-5655
How long are rotations at the University of Rochester?
Rotations are for 2-4 weeks.
What are the costs to me to do a subinternship at the University of Rochester?
There is a University of Rochester application fee of $100 plus an additional registration fee for VSAS. The school of medicine registrar’s office has a list of housing opportunities for visiting students that will be much, much cheaper than a hotel. If you bring a car, the registrar’s office can help with parking passes, but there will be a nominal parking fee. You should bring a little spending money to cover all your meals and enjoy the city of Rochester.
What is the day like for a University of Rochester neurosurgery subintern?
While on service, subinterns participate in every aspect of the program, including morning rounds, sign in rounds, conferences, assisting in the O.R., and taking call in tandem with a Neurosurgery resident to learn about the assessment and care of acutely ill patients. At the beginning of the rotation, subinterns are oriented to the service and to important learning objectives by the Chief Resident and Program Director. At the end of the rotation, subinterns are expected to participate in conference through a short presentation on a topic of Neurosurgical interest.
Can subinterns give talks at the University of Rochester neurosurgery conferences?
Absolutely. There is ample opportunity. You may present a topic of your choice (30 minute talk) at the Friday morning Neurosurgery Academic Conference. This can be research you have previously done, literature review of a current patient encounter, or review of an important neurosurgical topic relevant to your subinternship experience (Recommend 1 presentation toward end of rotation). You can also work with a Neurosurgery Attending to help mentor you for your presentation.
Can I visit for just a few days and simply OBSERVE and not sign up for formal subinternship?
Absolutely. We encourage any exposure you can get to help you choose your career. If you would like to simply observe for a few days and interact with faculty and residents, then email our Residency Coordinator, Melanie Zandvoort (585- 276-5655), melanie_zandvoort@urmc.rochester.edu to arrange. She will help you get an ID badge and sign "visitor and confidentiality agreements" for observing cases in the OR. You can round with residents and faculty, observe in outpatient clinics, and attend operative cases.
Additional Questions
If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us! Feel free to call or email our Residency Coordinator, Melanie Zandvoort at 585- 276-5655 or melanie_zandvoort@urmc.rochester.edu.