Okay, so before I ask for opinions, let me give you all a bit of information about what the next couple years look like for me. I'm now in my third year of school out here in Waterloo. I have two normal semesters of school left (and that's it, finally!) Starting from next May until the following April, I will be on three consecutive externships/internships (4 months at each). One of these is a specialty rotation at UW, rotating through all the different clinics present at the school. One of the other ones is a PC (Primary Care) term. This term is split into two 2 month blocks - and for these, I am responsible for finding my own placements for. We can go basically anywhere we want, and right now, I'm hoping to go to Australia for two months, and spend the other two months at a different place in Canada (I'm thinking maybe Victoria right now). The last one is called my OD-1 externship, where the focus is primarily on ocular health, and using pharmaceuticals. These sites are all working primarily with ophthalmologists. We aren't able to go just anywhere for this placement - there is a list of about 19 different sites that we submit our preferences for, and then are assigned where we go, and during what term.
Now, here's where I would like some opinions. Most of these sites are in the States. There are 5 sites in Canada (2 in AB, 2 in ON, and 1 in MB). Out of the Canadian sites, the one I would primarily be interested in is the one in Manitoba. It takes me closer to home for a couple months - but even more importantly, looks like a decent site where I would learn a lot, and get a lot of experience. But, part of me wants to go to some of the other sites where I would never have an opportunity to go to, just to try something new.
So, if you were in my position (or giving me advice), what would you do? Would you take the placement closer to home, or go off for 4 months to some new place in the States?
I have to submit my preferences by this Monday (October 1st), and by Friday (5th), I should have a solid idea of where I'm going (unless switches are made). I'll let you know what happens with it all.
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1 comment:
I am glad that it is you, and not me, making the choice. I can see the positive in both options. Of course, I would love you close to home if you choose that, but I would also love to see you explore a new place, if that is what you choose to do. I am not much help, am I? Prayers will be with you as you make your choice.
mom xo
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