Michael A. Becker, DO ’87, MS, FACOFP, senior associate dean of clinical education, PCOM, has spent the last seven years guiding students through clinical rotations during medical school. Drawing from his extensive medical education experience, he shared key insights into the purpose of rotations, their role in shaping medical careers and practical tips for maximizing these experiences.
Rotations, or clerkships, typically begin in the third year of medical school, marking the transition from classroom pre-clinical learning to hands-on clinical education. Students gain real-world experience in specialties like family medicine, internal medicine, OB/GYN, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry under the supervision of physicians.
“Rotations are where students integrate everything they've previously learned in the classroom with the practical, often unpredictable, nature of health care,” Becker explains. Through this process, students develop essential clinical skills and a deeper understanding of patient care.
While students may not always choose their rotations directly, understanding the available options is crucial. At PCOM, placements are determined through a lottery system, and students should consider the geographic location and the types of specialties they’ll encounter.
“The location can have a huge impact,” Becker notes, emphasizing the differences between large urban hospitals and smaller community clinics.
Becker advises students to start thinking about rotations midway through their second year. PCOM holds information sessions to guide students through the process, and lotteries are typically conducted around December or January. Early planning helps students prepare for the logistics and demands of their third-year rotations.
Rotations expose students to a wide range of specialties, helping them decide on their future career paths. For those unsure of their direction, these varied experiences offer valuable insight into different fields.
“The variety of rotations helps students solidify what they want to do,” says Becker. By the end of the third year, most students have a clearer sense of their career trajectory, and their elective rotations in the fourth year allow for more focused exploration.
Success during rotations comes from a proactive approach. “Show up early, stay engaged, and take every opportunity to learn from both the larger healthcare team and the patients,” Becker advises. He also stresses the importance of balancing clinical experience with academic study and building strong relationships with mentors, fellow residents, and attending physicians. “Your rotation experience is not only about mastering patient care but also about developing the professional skills that will carry you through your career,” he says.
Rotations are where you start to become the doctor you’ll be. Make the most of them.
Michael Becker, DO ’87, MS, FACOFP
The shift from classroom learning to the fast-paced clinical environment can be overwhelming. Longer hours and overnight shifts may present challenges, but most students adapt after a few rotations. “It takes time to adjust,” Becker explains. “By the third or fourth rotation, most students start to feel more comfortable.” He encourages students to stay flexible and seek support from peers and mentors.
Different specialties offer distinct experiences. Surgical rotations might demand early mornings and long hours, while family medicine rotations tend to have more predictable schedules. Psychiatry rotations challenge students to develop strong emotional resilience and communication skills.
Medical school rotations provide hands-on clinical experience, helping students explore specialties and build essential skills for residencies and future practice. These rotations reinforce foundational knowledge from the first two years, while electives offer opportunities to focus on specific medical interests.
“Rotations are where you start to become the doctor you’ll be,” Becker says. “Make the most of them.”
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