Policy on Selectives and Electives

Selectives are electives chosen from a group of approved specialty and sub-specialty rotations within Northwell Health.

Elective rotations may occur within Northwell Health or at other LCME-accredited institutions. Electives may also occur at non-LCME-accredited programs at other national and/or international locations but require special approval by a committee that includes the associate dean for clinical preparation for residency, the associate dean for student affairs, and the Office of Student Records.

Students are strongly encouraged to use at least half of their elective time in the final year of training to pursue a broad range of interests.

Any elective or selective schedule change request must be submitted formally through ZSOM’s one45 system no later than 4 weeks prior to an elective or selective start date. Changes are not guaranteed until approved by the department. If a schedule change request is submitted with less than 4 weeks to the elective or selective start date, the student will need to obtain special approval from the associate dean for clinical preparation for residency and associate dean for student affairs.

For information on advancement and graduation selective/elective requirements, please refer to the Policy on Academic Advancement and Graduation.

Policy on Extramural Electives

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on extramural electives (or “away rotations”) to Zucker School of Medicine (ZSOM) students while promoting safety in the community and an equitable residency selection process. ZSOM students have access to all applicable clinical experiences to support their clinical education, meet graduation requirements, and support their specialty application in any given field.

ZSOM students may complete any in-person or online/virtual extramural elective for credit as long as they are approved by the ZSOM.

Procedure:

ZSOM students will be permitted to begin applying for extramural in-person or virtual electives as early as January of their MS3 year, and may submit approved electives for credit through the submission of the MS4 Enrollment Request Form for Extramural Electives in one45. This form must be submitted no later than 4 weeks prior to the extramural elective start date. If the extramural elective is approved for credit by the ZSOM, the course will be added to the student’s schedule in one45.

If the Enrollment Request Form for Extramural Electives is submitted later than the 4 week deadline, the ZSOM will not grant elective credit for the extramural elective. Exceptions may only be made in the event of an extenuating circumstance, and must be approved by the associate dean for clinical preparation for residency.
 


References to Regulations and/or Related Policies:
Policy on Academic Advancement and Graduation
LCME Element 6.5: Elective Opportunities

 

Last Updated: December 2022