For those of you who love acronyms and enjoyed the prior post on deciphering medical education acronyms, great! This post is for you!
A friendly reminder: An acronym is a condensed version of the name of a service, organization, phrase, or other item that is created by using the first letters of each word in the name to create a catchy and easy identifier.
*Note that the challenge with acronyms, however, is that one acronym can stand for more than one entity. Hence, it is important to be careful when using acronyms, especially as relates to patient care, to ensure that the appropriate intent (and content) is relayed. An example of an acronym with multiple meanings is the acronym, AOA. AOA can be used to refer to three distinct entities: the American Osteopathic Association, Alpha Omega Alpha,or the American Optometric Association.
Now, as promised, here is a "primer" outlining a few more salient medical education acronyms and terminology.
Medical School Rotation Related
Audition rotations: Audition rotations are those that allow a medical student to "audition" at a residency program, be it within the home institution or at another institution.
Away rotations: Away rotations are those that are completed at an outside institution and may be completed for the purpose of "auditioning" for a program.
Subinternships (SubIs): SubIs are more demanding rotations in which students "act as interns" and carry increased responsibilities compared to other rotations.
Specialty rotations: Specialty rotations are rotations in a general specialty (e.g. Obstetrics and Gynecology (ObGyn - another acronym!), Internal Medicine, Pediatrics).
Subspecialty rotations: Subspecialty rotations are rotations in a specific subspecialty (e.g. Rheumatology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Surgical Oncology).
VSLO or the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (previously referred to as VSAS): VSLO facilitates the process of setting up "away rotations" for medical students.
Residency Types
PY or Preliminary Year: Preliminary Year training begins in the PGY1 year and can be 1-2 years in duration. Though usually either in internal medicine or general surgery, it is also available in a few other specialties. A PY precedes advanced (A) program training.
TY or Transitional Year (*categorized under PY by ERAS/NRMP): Transitional Year training is PGY1 year training but is broader in specialty scope than a PY (some equate it to the 3rd year of medical school in allowing greater breadth of exposure). A TY precedes advanced (A) program training.
C or Categorical: Categorical positions provide the trainee with the complete course of training (i.e. including the internship year[s]) that then allows for specific specialty board certification.
A or Advanced: Advanced positions provide the trainee with a partial course of training following the internship year[s] and require the completion of a separate internship or prior training.
M or Primary Care Categorical: Primary Care Categorical positions are categorical positions focused on training for the practice of primary care.
R or Physician Reserved: Physician Reserved Program positions are advanced positions that begin in the same year of the Match application and are only for those who have completed prior residency training.
Medical School and Residency Training Year Designations
M/MS/OMS: Year of medical school for MD or DO medical students; M1, MS1 or OMS1 indicates either first year MD (M, MS) or first year osteopathic medical student (OMS)
PGY: Postgraduate year (i.e. after medical school)
PGY1: Internship year/first year of training
PGY2: Second year of training (depending on the specialty, could be still called part of internship)
PGY3 and more: Specific years post graduation from medical school
As you know, there are many additional acronyms in medicine, but I will save them for another day (stay tuned for maybe a Part 3!). In the meantime, by having clarity and understanding regarding the pathway through medical training and how to best navigate through the process, hopefully trainees will be reassured that they are on the right path :).
Finally, a gentle reminder (to both you and me!) to focus on one's own joy...spending at least a few moments a day doing whatever brings you peace and happiness. Small acts of self-care can be life-changing (e.g. taking a leisurely stroll outside, savoring your favorite food, pumping iron, connecting with a loved one, or simply looking outside your window and appreciating nature). Gratitude can change your perspective and approach to life, hopefully making it better :).
Feel free to reach out to me if you would like any help with your planning for medical school/residency/practice success. I would be humbled and honored to be part of your journey.
Wishing you all the best, always,
With joy and gratitude :),
Dr. Vora
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