Starting a new rotation every month feels like hitting the reset button. It’s exciting, but sometimes overwhelming. Over time, I’ve built a system that helps me show up prepared without stressing myself out. Here’s what my pre-rotation prep looks like.

The Week Before: Prep Mode Activated
About two weeks before the rotation starts, I always email the preceptor to introduce myself and ask key questions like:

• Where should I park?
• Should I wear scrubs or business casual?
• What time should I arrive, and where should we meet?
• I also ask if there are any guidelines, readings, or materials they recommend I review ahead of time. This helps me come in prepared and aligned with what they’re expecting

This simple email sets the tone and avoids Day 1 surprises. I’ve found that reaching out directly shows initiative and clears up any last-minute confusion. So far, I haven’t had any rotation disasters, but that’s probably because I prep early.

Setting Goals (Yes, Even Personal Ones)
Each rotation can get intense fast, so I like to set one personal and one professional goal for the month. For example:

• Personal: Make time for my favorite podcast or fit in regular workouts
• Professional: Speak up at least once during topic discussions or start asking more thoughtful questions

Personal goals (e.g., podcast time) keep me balanced, while professional ones (e.g., asking questions) push my career growth.

My Planning Tools
I live by my Google Calendar, it’s where I map out project deadlines, case studies, and big deliverables. For the day-to-day to-do’s and weekly updates, I still go old-school with a notebook. Google Calendar tracks big deadlines, while my notebook handles daily tasks, find what works for you!

How I Study Ahead
Tailoring prep to the rotation is key. If my preceptor sends recommended resources, I prioritize those first. Otherwise, I do a light review of topics commonly encountered in that area. For example, If I’m heading into an Infectious Diseases rotation, I’ll:

• Bookmark the Johns Hopkins ABX Guide, Sanford Guide, and IDSA Guidelines etc
• Review common topics like HAP/VAP, sepsis, C. diff and more

Knowing a few high-yield areas helps me walk in feeling prepared, not panicked.

My Rotation Bag Essentials
Here’s what’s always in my bag:

• Laptop + charger
• Pen and notebook
• Water bottle
• Snacks (e.g., protein bar, almonds, trail mix)
• Sweater (some hospitals/rotation sites are freezing)

And quick tip: wear comfortable shoes. Rounds can last hours, and the last thing you want is to be limping halfway through the morning.

These sound basic, but they’re easy to forget when you’re rushing out the door.

Post-Day 1 Reset
After the first day, I do a quick 10-minute check-in:

• Adjust my schedule based on rotation flow
• Allocate time for projects, presentations, topic discussions
• Log extra learning opportunities to ask my preceptor about. Also track small achievements, helpful feedback, and things that went well (or didn’t). It’s perfect for Midpoint evals or reflecting on your growth.

This helps me stay proactive instead of playing catch-up all month.

My Best Advice for New Rotations
If you’re about to start your first ever APPE or IPPE:

• Be open-minded. Even if the rotation doesn’t seem like your “thing,” you can learn valuable skills from every setting.
• Make genuine connections. Preceptors remember students who are present, professional, and engaged.
• Be mindful of your phone. Unless your preceptor gives the okay, keep it tucked away, and remember HIPAA always applies.
• Every rotation teaches you something, embrace it!

Things I Wish I Didn’t Stress Over
I used to overthink everything. I worried about what I should know, how I’d be perceived, and whether I was ready enough. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to know every guideline or disease state before Day 1.

What matters most is showing up curious, present, and open to learning. Your mindset makes a bigger difference than trying to memorize the perfect list of topics.

Prep helps, but perfection isn’t the goal

Check out and download my free rotation planner