Are Electives in the USA Worth Pursuing?

Abstract

Considering both the limited pre-CaRMS elective time students are allocated and the drive for students applying to competitive medical specialities to maximize their elective time across the country within these specialities, there seems to be little incentive for the applicant to peruse electives in the United States when they don't participate in the US match.

Herein, we explore the utility of such electives by documenting two first hand reports of medical students completing pre-CaRMS electives in the US, both whom ultimately applied to competitive CaRMS entry position in Canada (Plastic Surgery and Ophthalmology).