Away Electives in More Detail

Away Electives: Electives taken at outside institutions—some via VSLO, some directly through other schools.

Finding and Applying to Away Electives

Where to Search

• VSLO (Visiting Student Learning Opportunities): Search by specialty, institution (not all medical schools and teaching hospitals use VSLO), or location.

• Program websites: For schools not in VSLO.

Getting Started with VSLO

• You’ll receive an activation email in November of your M3 year.

• You can save programs to your account and receive notifications about deadlines. Check the system regularly for updates.

• The activation expires in 30 days—search for “VSLO” in your inbox or email [e-mail] if you can't find it.

• Once activated, you can save programs, get deadline notifications, and apply when catalogs open (usually March–April).

To Search for an Elective

• Log into the application service

• Select Find Electives

• Use filters to find electives based on your search criteria

• Click Learn More to view a description, application requirements and available dates for each elective

• Click Save to save electives for future consideration

• Select Date and click Apply Now to begin application process

VSLO Application Steps

1. Log in here and complete your profile (November).

2. Review host requirements (application dates, documents, deadlines).

3. Browse electives and save options of interest.

• Can view dates, description and requirements

• Peak application time: April through June

1. Prepare documents (CV, transcript, etc.).

2. Submit applications ($15 flat fee) and track status.

• Once you submit your application it gets sent to Assistant Registrar who verifies your information and fulfills requirements, such as your transcript

• Once complete, Registrar then sends your application to your Host institution and students can track their application status

1. Put [e-mail] as your ISMMS contact.

2. Watch this VSLO video tutorial.

When to Apply

• Schools open applications as early as January, though most do so in March/April.

• For competitive specialties, apply early (e.g. January or February) and broadly (6–7 programs recommended).

• Ask your specialty mentor for tailored advice.

After Acceptance - MUST Register Away Electives for ISMMS Credit

• Register your elective at ISMMS by submitting the required Sinai form 2 weeks before the start date. ⚠️No retroactive credit is granted.

• Submit a copy of your acceptance email and elective description.

Grading

• Electives are graded Honors / Pass / Fail.

• It is your responsibility to ensure your elective is graded. A form from the host institution is acceptable.

• If your host institution does not generate an evaluation, you can use the Sinai JotForm which is sent to you at the end of your elective via an email from Juliette Wertz.

Common Questions

How Do I Access VSLO and When Will I be Able to Log In?

• The VLSO website lists elective opportunities for medical students. You can browse available electives without logging in, but you'll need to log in with your individual account to view full details and submit applications.

• You will receive your VSLO login information in November of your third year. Please note that the login link expires after 30 days if not activated, so be sure to look for the email promptly. It will come from VSLO—try searching your inbox for “VSLO.” If you can’t find your login, email [e-mail] for help.

• If you're interested in a particular school but don’t see any electives listed yet, you can save the school to your account. VSLO will then send you an alert when that school's elective catalog becomes available.

• Here is a link to VSLO Resources

How Many Away Electives Can I Do?

• No formal limit, per Coalition for Physician Accountability guidance.

How Many Away Electives Should I Apply To?

• For competitive specialties such as Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, and OB/Gyn, students are typically advised to apply to 6–7 away electives per specialty to increase their chances of securing at least one. However, this can vary based on your individual profile and the specific field. Some programs may give preference to students whose home institutions do not offer that specialty. Always consult your specialty advisor for personalized recommendations.

Should I Do an Away Elective? What Are the Benefits?

• Away electives can be especially valuable for students pursuing competitive specialties, where they often function as audition electives—a key component in the residency selection process.

• They can also be helpful if you are targeting a specific program or region (e.g., relocating to the West Coast), as they give you a chance to experience the program and demonstrate interest.

• Again, for tailored advice, you should speak directly with your specialty advisor.

What If Host Dates Don’t Match ISMMS Blocks?

• Other schools often have different block schedules, but ISMMS students do have flexibility in the fourth year. If you need to switch a required clerkship, you can complete the Clerkship Change Form - these must be done within our block dates. If you have consecutive months of elective time you can complete away electives off cycle.

What If ISMMS Doesn’t Have an Affiliation Agreement with My Host School?

• Email [e-mail] with the name of the program you wish to attend. The Registrar will coordinate with the host institution to draft an affiliation agreement, which must then be signed by our Dean’s Office.

• As this process can take time, please notify the Registrar as early as possible to avoid delays.

Required Documents and Where to Get Them

Who Should I List as My ISMMS Contact?

• Use [e-mail] as your contact on applications. This email is monitored by multiple Registrar staff who manage VSLO paperwork and uploads.

How Is My Transcript Uploaded to VSLO?

• Your transcript is uploaded by the Registrar after you submit your application in VSLO. Before your application is released to the host institution, the Registrar reviews your file and uploads any remaining required documents. For questions about document uploads, email [e-mail].

How Do I Request a Letter of Good Standing or Other Required Documents?

• For VSLO-related documents, email [e-mail]. For non-VSLO institutions, use the “Request a Document” link on the Registrar’s website (right side of the screen on desktop, bottom on mobile).

• Be sure to request the “Outside Electives Application Letter of Support”, which includes:

• Confirmation of Good Standing

• Malpractice coverage and amounts

• Verification of:

• HIPAA training

• OSHA/Infection Prevention training

• Mask-Fit testing

• Step 1 completion (without score)

• Background check at matriculation

• If you need your Mask-Fit certificate, it should have been emailed to you after you completed testing. You may contact [e-mail] for a copy.

• You can also upload any additional forms to be completed by selecting “Attached forms to be completed by Registrar and/or Associate Dean” in the request.

Where Can I Access Proof of HIPAA and OSHA Training?

• You can download your training certificates from PEAK. These trainings are required annually, and deadlines for elective applications may not align with school compliance cycles.

• Search PEAK for the following course titles:

• OSHA: MSHS Infection Prevention and Control Bloodborne Pathogens (YEAR)

• HIPAA: Information Security and Confidentiality: Annual HIPAA Education (YEAR)

• If your certificates have expired, you can complete the updated trainings directly on PEAK.

Am I Covered by Malpractice Insurance?

• Yes. ISMMS students are covered under a malpractice insurance policy with $1.3M per occurrence / $3.9M aggregate.

• This is included in the Letter of Good Standing. If you need a separate copy of the insurance certificate, email [e-mail].

Where Can I Find My BLS Certification?

• You can retrieve your BLS eCard from the AHA eCard site:

• Enter your name and the email used during training

• Complete the security check

• Click “View eCard” and then “View Full Size” to download/print

• For issues, contact Annie Jiang at [e-mail].

How Do I Request Immunization Records?

• Most schools use the AAMC Health Form, though some have their own.

• Steps:

• Complete as much of the form as possible using your vaccine records from MyChart

• Submit the form to Student Health at [e-mail]

• Allow 7–10 business days for processing

• If unsure which form to use, submit the AAMC version; Student Health can attach an addendum if needed.

I Need a Toxicology Screen. What Are My Options?

• ISMMS provides a toxicology screen only at matriculation.

• If the host school accepts an 8-panel, request a paper form from [e-mail] and visit a MedQuest lab.

• For 10-panel or 12-panel screens (which ISMMS does not offer), you’ll need to:

• Pay out of pocket, or get a prescription from your doctor and check if insurance will cover it

• Email [e-mail] for questions.

Am I Covered by Health Insurance?

• Yes. All students are required to have health insurance through either ISMMS or an outside plan.

• Before your elective, check whether your plan provides network coverage in the state you're traveling to. You’re responsible for any out-of-network expenses.

How Do I Request a Background Check?

• Request a background check here using the code: MTSINAISOMINV. Note: Many schools require a check within 12 months of your elective start date.

How Do I Upload Letters of Recommendation?

• If you’ve waived your right to view the letter, your recommender can send it to [e-mail], and the Registrar will upload it to VSLO on your behalf. However, check your host program’s instructions—some may require letters be emailed directly to them.

How Do I Upload My Board Scores?

• You can upload your USMLE score transcript directly into VSLO. If a host school requests the school to upload or verify your scores, email [e-mail] with the request.

What Do I Need to Do After I’m Accepted Into an Away Elective?

Once you’ve been accepted into an away elective, you must:

• Submit documentation, including:

• A copy of your acceptance email, and

• A brief description of the elective

• Complete the Registration for Clinical Elective at Other School or Institution form. This form will be routed to the Director of Medical Student Electives and the Registrar for review and approval.

⚠️ Important: This form must be submitted and approved before your elective begins in order to receive credit. To avoid delays, submit the form at least two weeks before your elective start date. Retroactive credit will not be granted under any circumstances.

💡 Tips for Success

• Programs on VSLO review and approve applications on a rolling basis.

• Please note that programs cannot view your application until all required documents have been submitted. Be sure to complete and submit all materials to ensure your application is considered.

• If you haven’t received an acceptance, it is often appreciated to follow up with a polite email to express your continued interest in the program after submitting your application.

• You can also save electives from specific institutions to your VSLO account to receive deadline alerts and updates. However, it's still important to check the system regularly for the most current information.