Indiana University School of Medicine participates in the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities Program. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery guest student elective offers the visiting student an opportunity to learn from faculty, residents and fellows in two of the three following locations: Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital Level I Trauma Center, Riley Children's Health and Eskenazi Health.
As part of this elective, students prepare and give a brief presentation on an orthopaedic topic of their choice during their time of study. This gives the student an opportunity to showcase their abilities in self-directed learning, teaching and presentation skills in front of the department faculty.
Universal Offer Days
In alignment with the AOA/CORD recommendations, we will be participating in universal offer days.
Universal away rotation offer days will occur in three cycles, permitting three opportunities for students to apply for away rotations. Offer days will be as follows:
- First cycle: Monday, April 13, 2026, 12 p.m. EST — offer day for July and August rotations (+/- two weeks)
- Second cycle: Monday, May 4, 2026, 12 p.m. EST — offer day for September and October rotations (+/- two weeks) or any unfilled first cycle spots.
- After Thursday, May 7, 2026, all admissions are rolling for any unfilled spots.
The away rotation course 93LA770 will open for applications in VLSO on Monday, March 9th.
- All applications for the first cycle should be submitted no later than March 16, 2026.
- All applications for the second cycle should be submitted no later than April 6, 2026.
Applications for all open slots for July and August rotations will be considered during the second cycle if there are spaces available.
We are unable to accept student rotators outside of the VSLO program. The university is not accepting foreign-trained students at this time.
Pathway to Indiana Visiting Elective Program
Visiting students who have been accepted into the elective may apply to the Pathway to Indiana Visiting Elective program.
The program provides financial support to offset the cost of an away rotation at IU School of Medicine. Applicants and participating programs are encouraged to review the following steps.
Application Information
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Applicants must submit the VSLO application prior to applying for funding. A personal statement, one letter of recommendation, curriculum vitae and an official medical school transcript are required. VSLO application fees apply. Visit the VSLO website for application and additional information.
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Applicants are also encouraged to visit the IU School of Medicine guest student page to view the rotation calendar. Course rotation dates are determined by the IU School of Medicine and are not flexible.
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Once an applicant receives confirmation of acceptance from the department, they must complete a separate Pathway to Indiana Visiting Elective application to apply for funding.
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Applicants accepted in the Pathway to Indiana Visiting Elective program will receive $2,000 for out-of-state travel, which will be paid upon the successful completion of the four week rotation.
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Funding is awarded and dispensed on a rolling basis. Recipients will be made aware of funding as soon as it becomes available.