We accept applications from senior medical students from any United States or Canadian medical school fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) or by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Currently, international students are NOT eligible to apply. We only accept applications from current citizens of the United States or who are permitted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to reside permanently in the United States (F1 Visas are not eligible.)
Prioritization is given to University of South Carolina School of Medicine students. Visiting medical students who request a rotation are not guaranteed a rotation. A maximum of two four-week electives may be scheduled.
USC SOM Columbia processes applications through the AAMC's Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program. The service allows students to browse and apply for electives.
The applicant applies during the third year of medical school. The elective catalog opens for viewing in early March and we begin accepting applications in early April. Application decisions will be processed in early May and no later than four weeks prior to the elective's starting date. The applicant will be notified when departmental approval has been received by the Visiting Student Coordinator.
Our electives are four weeks in duration. Not all electives are available for these rotations. Visiting students who request a rotation are not guaranteed a rotation, as prioritization is given to our students.
| Block | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | July 6, 2026 | July 31, 2026 |
| 2 | August 3, 2026 | August 28, 2026 |
| 3 | August 31, 2026 | September 25, 2026 |
| 4 | September 28, 2026 | October 23, 2026 |
| 5 | October 26, 2026 | November 20, 2026 |
| 6 | November 23, 2026 | December 18, 2026 |
| 7 | January 4, 2027 | January 29, 2027 |
| 8 | February 1, 2027 | February 26, 2027 |
| 9 | March 1, 2027 | March 26, 2027 |
- Currently enrolled and in good academic standing as a candidate for the M.D. or D.O. degree at their home school.
- All required clerkships must be completed at their home school prior to initiating elective work at USC SOM Columbia.
- Provide a criminal background report and malpractice liability insurance.
- Have your own personal health care insurance and provide current documentation of immunization status.
- Must pay a non-refundable processing fee of one hundred and seventy-five dollars ($175) per elective, after the rotation has been offered and accepted. You will receive an email more about the fee closer to the beginning of your rotation.
- There will be additional compliance and onboarding requirements when you accept an elective rotation. More information will be provided at that time by email.
- Notify us as soon as possible if unable to attend an approved elective
- Secure your own housing. Students in the past have contacted local hotels and/or have utilized Airbnb. Students may also try furnished apartments or traveling professionals.
- Emergency Medicine
- Emergency Medicine Ultrasound
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Wilderness and Environmental Medicine
- Family Medicine Preceptorship
- General Neurology Wards Acting Internship
- Consult-Liaison Psychiatry
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Acting Internship
- Ophthalmology
- Introduction to Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery
- Surgery Acting Internship
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Externship
- Pediatric Critical Care Acting Internship
- Pediatric Inpatient Wards
- Newborn Nursery