The University of New Mexico School of Medicine welcomes final-year visiting medical students to participate in four-week elective clerkships for credit. Clerkships are coordinated through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program by the Office of Medical Student Affairs.
ALL visiting applicants must apply through the AAMC web-based VSLO application system. No exceptions can be made. If you are unsure whether or not your home institution participates in VSLO, please contact your home student affairs office.
The School of Medicine requires all visiting students to meet the same standards expected of our own students. Per the Student Guidelines outlined in the UNM VSLO Course Catalog, visiting students may not seek clerkship “pre-approval” from any UNM department.
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING VISITING STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Only final-year medical students may apply.
Applications are open only to institutions within the VSLO system. Course availability varies by department.
All visiting students must apply for UNM electives and be eligible in VSLO. Please do not contact faculty or department administration directly to attempt to arrange rotations for credit.
Observerships, shadowing opportunities, research electives, or pre-clinical experiences are not offered.
Please note that UNM student schedules are not finalized until the end of May, and departments must place these students before filling any remaining seats from the VSLO applicant pool.
Students attending LCME-accredited allopathic (MD), and COCA-accredited osteopathic (DO) schools located in the United States and Territories may apply for rotations.
All dates are approximate and subject to change. Inquiries cannot be answered regarding specific catalog offerings.
| 1 | 06/23/2025 - 07/20/2025 |
| 2 | 07/21/2025 - 08/17/2025 |
| 3 | 08/18/2025 - 09/14/2025 |
| 4 | 09/15/2025 - 10/12/2025 |
| 5 | 10/13/2025 - 11/09/2025 |
| 6 | 11/10/2025 - 12/07/2025 |
| 7 | 12/08/2025 - 01/04/2026 (limited) |
| 8 | 01/05/2026 - 02/01/2026 |
| 9 | 02/02/2026 - 03/01/2026 |
| 10 | 03/02/2026 - 03/29/2026 |
| 11 | 03/30/2026 - 04/26/2026 |
All catalog viewing and application dates are approximate and subject to change. Inquiries cannot be answered by this office regarding specific catalog offerings.
| 2 | 07/21/2025 - 08/17/2025 |
| 3 | 08/18/2025 - 09/14/2025 |
| 4 | 09/15/2025 - 10/12/2025 |
| 5 | 10/13/2025 - 11/09/2025 |
| 6 | 11/10/2025 - 12/07/2025 |
| 7 | 12/08/2025 - 01/04/2026 (limited) |
| 8 | 01/05/2026 - 02/01/2026 |
| 9 | 02/02/2026 - 03/01/2026 |
| 10 | 03/02/2026 - 03/29/2026 |
| 11 | 03/30/2026 - 04/26/2026 |
Q: Where do I Begin?
A: Please refer to the current UNM VSLO Course Catalog for information on current requirements, policies, and offerings. All applications must be submitted through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program.
Q: Are there any audition/rotation spots available with my desired department?
A: We ask departments to notify us once a block becomes full so we can remove it from VSLO. If you are able to apply, that means they are still considering applicants for the month.
Q: Can I apply for a visiting rotation with UNM without my Step 1 score?
A: No, USMLE Step 1 (or COMLEX for DO applicants) is a firm requirement that cannot be waived. Students must submit a copy of their score report in order to be eligible for consideration.
Q: I am an International Medical School Graduate interested in an observership with the UNM School of Medicine. Are there any opportunities available?
A: No. We are only able to accommodate final-year medical students for elective rotations for credit.
Q: My school does not participate in VSLO, how can I apply?
A: We are unable to accept applicants outside of VSLO. All visiting students (domestic and international) wishing to rotate at UNM SOM must apply using the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) website.
Q: Could I complete a two-week rotation?
A: All rotations must be 4 weeks in order to meet the UNM minimum requirements for credit eligibility. Requests for shorter rotations must be arranged and approved with the department. Students must follow their Home School's guidelines for credit.
Q: Will I be required to understand Spanish (language)?
A: No. The majority of our courses do not require Spanish. If Spanish is required for a course, it will be noted in the course catalog.
Q: How soon will I know if I have been accepted into a rotation?
A: Processing times vary by department. Offers must be made no later than 45 days before the start of a rotation.
Q: I want to apply for an elective, but the available dates in VSLO do not align with my schedule. Is there any availability during my desired timeframe?
A: Please reference the VSLO listing for available block times and if off-cycle requests can be made. If you are unable to apply for your desired dates, that means that the course does not accept off-cycle dates and students should plan around the date ranges provided.
Q: Am I required to have a COVID vaccination? (Update Pending)
A: Yes. The University of New Mexico has mandated COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for all faculty, staff, and students. Proof of vaccination will be required if you are accepted into a rotation with us.
Q: What are UNM's COVID guidelines regarding quarantine? (Update Pending)
A: As of now, quarantine is not generally required, though it may be recommended in very specific cases. Visiting students will be required to obtain clearance before arriving on campus. Instructions will be included in your welcome packet.
Q: What materials will I receive from your office?
A: Approximately 3 weeks before the start of your elective, you will receive a Welcome Packet with additional details on how to get cleared for arrival on campus, as well as how to obtain your badge, scrubs, and access to UNM systems. Students will also be required to complete online training before arrival. Please be sure to complete all requirements - including payment of the fees (as outlined in your original offer notification email from through VSLO ). Department-specific information (reporting time, daily schedules, etc.) will be sent to you directly by the department clerkship coordinator.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Parking can be the most convenient - but the availability of passes can prove challenging. We recommend contacting your visiting department and our Parking and Transportation Office (PATS) to inquire about availability and additional transportation options.
Q: Is public transportation available?
A: Public transportation is available around the city, however, most students prefer to locate housing nearer to UNMH. If you do need to utilize public transit, the hospital is centrally located and easily accessible. Visit the City of Albuquerque Transit Department for more information.
Q: Is UNM hospital the only location students will be assigned to
A: UNMH should be the only location you will be assigned to, we typically do not assign visiting students to outside clinics.
Q: Will I have access to a gym on campus?
A: Unfortunately, visiting students do not have access to the HSC gym or other amenities that are supported by UNM student tuition.
Q: Is housing available?
A: The UNM School of Medicine and the Office of Medical Student Affairs do not coordinate housing arrangements. Individual departments may reach out regarding housing options.
The following sites show private listings and are not affiliated with UNM:
GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING VISITING STUDENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Only final-year medical students may apply.
Applications are open only to institutions within the VSLO system. Course availability varies by department.
All visiting students must apply for UNM electives and be eligible in VSLO. Please do not contact faculty or department administration directly to attempt to arrange rotations for credit.
Observerships, shadowing opportunities, research electives, or pre-clinical experiences are not offered.
Please note that UNM student schedules are not finalized until the end of May, and departments must place these students before filling any remaining seats from the VSLO applicant pool.
Students attending LCME-accredited allopathic (MD), and COCA-accredited osteopathic (DO) schools located in the United States and Territories may apply for rotations.
All dates are approximate and subject to change. Inquiries cannot be answered regarding specific catalog offerings.
| 1 | 06/23/2025 - 07/20/2025 |
| 2 | 07/21/2025 - 08/17/2025 |
| 3 | 08/18/2025 - 09/14/2025 |
| 4 | 09/15/2025 - 10/12/2025 |
| 5 | 10/13/2025 - 11/09/2025 |
| 6 | 11/10/2025 - 12/07/2025 |
| 7 | 12/08/2025 - 01/04/2026 (limited) |
| 8 | 01/05/2026 - 02/01/2026 |
| 9 | 02/02/2026 - 03/01/2026 |
| 10 | 03/02/2026 - 03/29/2026 |
| 11 | 03/30/2026 - 04/26/2026 |
All catalog viewing and application dates are approximate and subject to change. Inquiries cannot be answered by this office regarding specific catalog offerings.
| 2 | 07/21/2025 - 08/17/2025 |
| 3 | 08/18/2025 - 09/14/2025 |
| 4 | 09/15/2025 - 10/12/2025 |
| 5 | 10/13/2025 - 11/09/2025 |
| 6 | 11/10/2025 - 12/07/2025 |
| 7 | 12/08/2025 - 01/04/2026 (limited) |
| 8 | 01/05/2026 - 02/01/2026 |
| 9 | 02/02/2026 - 03/01/2026 |
| 10 | 03/02/2026 - 03/29/2026 |
| 11 | 03/30/2026 - 04/26/2026 |
Q: Where do I Begin?
A: Please refer to the current UNM VSLO Course Catalog for information on current requirements, policies, and offerings. All applications must be submitted through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program.
Q: Are there any audition/rotation spots available with my desired department?
A: We ask departments to notify us once a block becomes full so we can remove it from VSLO. If you are able to apply, that means they are still considering applicants for the month.
Q: Can I apply for a visiting rotation with UNM without my Step 1 score?
A: No, USMLE Step 1 (or COMLEX for DO applicants) is a firm requirement that cannot be waived. Students must submit a copy of their score report in order to be eligible for consideration.
Q: I am an International Medical School Graduate interested in an observership with the UNM School of Medicine. Are there any opportunities available?
A: No. We are only able to accommodate final-year medical students for elective rotations for credit.
Q: My school does not participate in VSLO, how can I apply?
A: We are unable to accept applicants outside of VSLO. All visiting students (domestic and international) wishing to rotate at UNM SOM must apply using the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) website.
Q: Could I complete a two-week rotation?
A: All rotations must be 4 weeks in order to meet the UNM minimum requirements for credit eligibility. Requests for shorter rotations must be arranged and approved with the department. Students must follow their Home School's guidelines for credit.
Q: Will I be required to understand Spanish (language)?
A: No. The majority of our courses do not require Spanish. If Spanish is required for a course, it will be noted in the course catalog.
Q: How soon will I know if I have been accepted into a rotation?
A: Processing times vary by department. Offers must be made no later than 45 days before the start of a rotation.
Q: I want to apply for an elective, but the available dates in VSLO do not align with my schedule. Is there any availability during my desired timeframe?
A: Please reference the VSLO listing for available block times and if off-cycle requests can be made. If you are unable to apply for your desired dates, that means that the course does not accept off-cycle dates and students should plan around the date ranges provided.
Q: Am I required to have a COVID vaccination? (Update Pending)
A: Yes. The University of New Mexico has mandated COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for all faculty, staff, and students. Proof of vaccination will be required if you are accepted into a rotation with us.
Q: What are UNM's COVID guidelines regarding quarantine? (Update Pending)
A: As of now, quarantine is not generally required, though it may be recommended in very specific cases. Visiting students will be required to obtain clearance before arriving on campus. Instructions will be included in your welcome packet.
Q: What materials will I receive from your office?
A: Approximately 3 weeks before the start of your elective, you will receive a Welcome Packet with additional details on how to get cleared for arrival on campus, as well as how to obtain your badge, scrubs, and access to UNM systems. Students will also be required to complete online training before arrival. Please be sure to complete all requirements - including payment of the fees (as outlined in your original offer notification email from through VSLO ). Department-specific information (reporting time, daily schedules, etc.) will be sent to you directly by the department clerkship coordinator.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Parking can be the most convenient - but the availability of passes can prove challenging. We recommend contacting your visiting department and our Parking and Transportation Office (PATS) to inquire about availability and additional transportation options.
Q: Is public transportation available?
A: Public transportation is available around the city, however, most students prefer to locate housing nearer to UNMH. If you do need to utilize public transit, the hospital is centrally located and easily accessible. Visit the City of Albuquerque Transit Department for more information.
Q: Is UNM hospital the only location students will be assigned to
A: UNMH should be the only location you will be assigned to, we typically do not assign visiting students to outside clinics.
Q: Will I have access to a gym on campus?
A: Unfortunately, visiting students do not have access to the HSC gym or other amenities that are supported by UNM student tuition.
Q: Is housing available?
A: The UNM School of Medicine and the Office of Medical Student Affairs do not coordinate housing arrangements. Individual departments may reach out regarding housing options.
The following sites show private listings and are not affiliated with UNM:
Physical Address
Fitz Hall room 107
Mailing Address
UNM SOM Office of Medical Student Affairs
MSC 08 4700, 1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Email Address
Phone
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
(Mountain Standard Time)
We are closed on holidays and during SOM events.
