Visiting Medical Students

Emergency Medicine experiences for visiting students 

The Department of Emergency Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center offers multiple experiences and courses across all years of medical school to help students learn more about the specialty of emergency medicine and acquire the knowledge and skills to manage common emergencies.

Emergency Medicine Advanced Clinical Experience (EM ACE)

The Emergency Medicine Advanced Clinical Experience is a four-week rotation in emergency medicine that will introduce students to emergency medicine and the initial management strategies for common life-threatening emergencies. 

Students will develop an approach to common undifferentiated patient complaints and a practical skill set in basic airway management, electrocardiogram interpretation, and resuscitation. During the course there are didactic sessions as well as procedure labs and high-fidelity simulations. 

Clinical shifts are spread across a variety of practice settings (adult and pediatrics) and offer a broad exposure to emergency care. On shift, students will work closely with emergency medicine faculty and residents to identify sick patients and develop differential diagnoses and management plans. Students will have the opportunity to participate in procedures and trauma resuscitations.

Rotation Objectives

  • Develop initial management strategies for common life-threatening emergencies, including a systematic approach to the priorities of resuscitation.
  • Develop a practical skill set in advanced cardiac life support, basic airway management, basic life support, electrocardiogram interpretation, and resuscitation.
  • Employ knowledge support tools such as evidence based diagnostic criteria, management guidelines, and point-of-care information resources to inform patient care.
  • Perform concise, clear patient presentations to residents, fellows, faculty and consultant physicians.
  • Integrate into the Emergency Care Team and employ flexible communication strategies with patients, families, and all members of the Emergency Care Team (physicians, nurses, paramedics, technicians, prehospital providers, etc.)  

The rotation follows the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine academic calendar, and students must be available for the duration of the rotation. 

Rotations are available June through September:   

  • June 9 to July 3, 2025
  • July 7 to Aug. 1, 2025
  • Aug. 4 to 29, 2025
  • Sept. 2 to 26, 2025

Eligibility for the EM ACE

To be eligible, students must be in good academic standing, committed to a career in emergency medicine, committed to completing the rotation at Vanderbilt, and have completed all core clerkships. 

For more information about visiting student rotations please visit the VUSM visiting medical students website.

 

How to apply to the EM ACE

Complete an application in VSLO for the Emergency Medicine Advanced Clinical Elective. Please be aware that all institutional requirements must be met (immunizations, etc.) 

Emergency medicine is an amazing specialty and due to the increasing number of residency applications, we cannot automatically guarantee you an interview for a residency position after completing an away rotation with us.

 

Where to stay in Nashville

Applying to an Emergency Medicine Residency

Below is an example of a typical timeline for applying to EM residency programs. It is presented as a guide for those considering a career in emergency medicine and is not meant to replace the guidance of a trusted advisor or mentor. It does not represent the only path to pursuing an EM residency.

1. 
Applying to Aways
 

Winter of Year 3

  •  You will need to apply to three-five rotations. Most students only need to do one away rotation.
  • You will use VSLO to apply to most rotations.
  • Resources to find rotations include the SAEM Clerkship Directory and EMRA Match.
  • You will need a CV to apply.

2. 
Emergency Medicine Coursework

Winter/Spring Year 3

  • This is a great time to take your EM coursework.
  • VUSM students can take the integrated science course and the advanced clinical experience.

3.
Letters
 

Summer of Year 4

  • You will get at least one letter of recommendation from your home EM rotation and one from your away rotation.
  • This is a good time to think about who else can write you a letter of recommendation.
  • Information about the Standard Letter of Evaluation (SLOE) used in the EM can be found here.

4. 
Residency 
Applications

Summer/Fall Year 4

This is the time to put together your ERAS application which will include at least the following: 

  • Personal statement
  • Description of professional activities, accomplishments and research