The Department of Neurosurgery at Rush University Medical Center is dedicated to excellence in neurosurgical education. Through our nationally recognized team of subspecialized neurosurgical faculty and administrative and research staff, we offer a comprehensive external rotation to medical students and student observers. Below are directions on how to apply for an external rotation, as well as information to apply as an observer.

Applying for an External Rotation

VSAS log-in

To apply for a rotation, your medical school must issue you authorization before you may log into VSAS. You will be notified of this authorization by email. If you have not received this email, please contact your medical school with this authorization request. Please note that Rush accepts applications from visiting students from LCME-accredited medical schools only.

Visiting Student Application

Rush Medical College uses the Association of American Medical Colleges VSAS to receive and process visiting student applications. Neurosurgery is offered as an elective and can be either two or four weeks long. Once you have created a log in, you can search and apply for this elective rotation.

Under the “Search Electives” tab:

• Keyword: Neurosurgery — Please note that Neurosurgery is listed as an elective through General Surgery
• Institution: Rush Medical College
• Follow prompts to apply

External rotations are managed by the Rush College of Medicine; we ask that you please contact Gloria Watkins RMC_Visitingstudents@rush.edu with any questions. Student rotators are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; we encourage students to apply up to six months prior to their preferred start date.

To view the start and end date schedule for the upcoming year please follow the links:

1. Two-week rotation
2. Four-week rotation