Duke Visiting Student Electives
Durham, North Carolina · Visiting Student (MD/DO)
Always confirm details on the official institution page before applying. Requirements, fees, and deadlines can change.
About this program
Duke University School of Medicine participates in AAMC VSLO as a host institution and posted its 2026-2027 elective book on February 11, 2026. Each department sets its own deadline within the overall window closing April 10, 2026. For example, Urology accepts applications through April 11, Orthopaedic Surgery through March 16, and Dermatology stops review after March 13. Rotations run four weeks and are open only to fourth-year students in good academic standing progressing toward an MD or DO degree at accredited institutions. Applicants must have passed USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 and completed core clerkships. Duke also runs several targeted visiting programs including the Visiting Elective Scholarship Program for students interested in surgical oncology from underrepresented backgrounds. Decisions are rolling.
AAMC VSLO platform
Applications submitted through your home medical school's Dean's office.
Quick highlights
Strong points
- Verified direct sourceAudited URL — no platform middleman, no scraped data
- Multi-specialty (6+)Placement available across multiple clinical departments
- INTL physicians eligibleOpen to international medical graduates
- Certificate of completionIssued on successful program completion
Watch for
- VSLO platform requiredYour home medical school must participate in AAMC VSLO
- USMLE Step requiredStep 1 or COMLEX Level 1 pass
Fees, duration & what it costs
What's included
- 4 weeks (department-dependent) of structured clinical experience
- Placement in your chosen specialty across 6 departments
- Direct supervision by attending faculty
- Rounds, case discussions, and bedside teaching participation
- Certificate of completion at end of program
Required clerkships completed
How to apply
- Confirm eligibility with your home Dean's office.Verify your school participates in VSLO and that you have completed any required core clerkships.
- Open the program's official Visiting Students page.Review the current elective catalog, available specialties, and any program-specific forms.
- Submit your application through the AAMC VSLO platform.Your home Dean's office handles the submission. Include the Dean's letter of permission and any required documentation.
- Wait for the program to assign your rotation.Lead time varies by demand. Programs review on a rolling or cohort schedule (see Lead time tile above).
- Complete pre-arrival onboarding.Health clearance, malpractice attestation, immunization documentation, and orientation are coordinated by the program before your start date.
Available specialties
Eligibility requirements
M4 in good standing at LCME/COCA school; core clerkships complete; Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 pass; affiliation agreement.
USMLE / COMLEX: Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 pass
Graduation year: Class of 2027
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