The Soft Skills Needed to Succeed on an Away Rotation
Written by Krishna V. Suresh, MD
Away rotations for the upcoming 2022-2023 match cycle are back in full swing, with students being allowed to rotate at multiple, different institutions in their desired career path. Regardless of the specialty, strong performance during these rotations is paramount, as away rotations provide students an avenue through which to obtain essential connections at places outside their own medical school. Especially for competitive specialties, these connections and subsequent recommendations can make the ultimate difference on match day.
For many medical students, “strong performance” on an away rotation translates to having an advanced level of clinical knowledge that they can actively demonstrate to the faculty and residents. After all, if I’m watching a posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and able to astutely describe why the surgeon chose specific spinal levels for fusion based on curve morphology, doesn’t that demonstrate that I’m an excellent fit for that specific program?
Not so fast. The biggest misconception that medical students have is that just demonstrating clinical knowledge to evaluators constitutes superior evaluations and improved chances of receiving an interview. In fact, I make the argument that clinical knowledge as a medical student, though extremely necessary to develop a crucial understanding of WHY certain decisions are made in the operating room or on the wards, is not nearly as important as other demonstrable “soft” skills during sub-internships.
What are these “soft” skills?
1) Dealing with failure and mistakes with a resilient attitude: As surgeons/physicians, we spend years of our youth trying to gain mastery over an art. Despite, this we are still human and prone to errors. On your away rotation, you will make errors. Often multiple errors. At the end of the day, you need to demonstrate that you are not paralyzed after making an error, but rather admit your limitations, learn from your mistake, and actively avoid making the same mistake twice.
2) Dealing with criticism: To improve at something, you need a teacher who will congratulate you on your successes but also discerns specific areas for further improvement. Being humble and receptive to these criticisms is an active part of growing and improving your skills and knowledge. On your away rotation, demonstrate that you are extremely receptive to criticism and make the necessary changes based on the feedback you receive.
3) Being genuinely respectful to patients and all staff: Treating everyone with patience, professionalism, and respect can be challenging, especially when you are exhausted post-call. However, there is no excuse for losing your cool. On your away rotation, be kind to everyone you encounter, no matter how tired you are, and try to understand the situation from their perspective. Thinking and reacting calmly to stressful situations is an acquired skill that takes time to develop. Start practicing that now.
4) Being personable and a team player, not a lone wolf: Effectively functioning in a team is a core characteristic of healthcare as a whole. One person alone cannot provide effective care to a patient. Become an effective team member and anticipate the needs of your colleagues and residents. On your away rotations, work closely with your fellow rotators or residents to make the workflow more efficient. Ask your supervising resident about ways you can make rounding in the morning or setting up the operating room more efficient. Residents are your best resources for success.
Don’t get me wrong. Clinical knowledge is extremely important to function as a physician. Our patients ultimately rely on our medical judgment and expertise. However, residency is more than just learning the facts—it is also about developing into the type of physician/surgeon that inspires confidence in their patients and team even in the most stressful of situations. Your senior residents and faculty can teach you clinical knowledge over time, but it’s up to you alone to continually work on these “soft” skills so that you eventually become the physician you are destined to be.
