Visiting Student Learning Opportunities
Learning Opportunities For Medical Students
The VSLO program helps medical and public health students connect with institutions offering short-term elective opportunities that can enhance their medical education. These elective opportunities include observerships, summer research programs, clinical opportunities, away rotations, away electives, clinical rotations and visiting opportunities.
Offered by participating host institutions in the U.S. and around the world, elective opportunities are available in teaching hospitals, community clinics, and urban or rural sites and are open to preclinical, clinical, or final-year students, as determined by the host institution.
For Students
For Institutions
The VSLO program includes:
- The VSLO Application Service (sometimes referred to as VSAS), which enables students to browse and apply to electives offered by host institutions.
- A collaborative network of US and international institutions.
- Telephone and email support to students and institutions.
VSLO Program Updates
We are committed to providing regular VSLO program updates through the VSLO listserve, email and on the website. Please visit the page regularly to learn what’s happening with the VSLO program. If you have questions, please contact the VSLO team at: visitingstudents@aamc.org.
VSLO Training for Participating Institutions
The Visiting Student team provides comprehensive training on the application service, to ensure a smooth transition for our participating institutions. Please visit the page to learn about the trainings we offer for the management of both the U.S. and Global networks.
Additional Opportunities for Medical Students
In addition to the educational opportunities available through the VSLO program, the AAMC encourages students to consider other opportunities as well.
Summer Makeup Courses
The summer between your first and second year is a valuable time to explore specialties or bolster your research experience in a specialty you’re already considering. Then, carve out some time during your second year to participate in specialty interest groups and physician panels organized by your school.
Clinical and Research Opportunities Database
Looking for ways to enrich your medical school experience? Search for fellowships, internships, summer programs, scholarships, and grants currently available in the United States and abroad.
Public Health Pathways for Medical Students
Many medical schools and graduate schools offer courses related to public health or population health, but students may want additional training or experiences to enhance their ability to address the health needs of populations as well as individuals.