^Well, some may have this reason, but most use away rotations to increase the number of II and to have II from the desired residency places. If you really truly want to be a doc. while in med. school, then pursue AI position and/or go abroad with the medical team to some very poor region of the world. My D. did both and she was happy with both experiences. However, be prepared that in some specialties, you will not be allowed to do anything. It is just the way it is. The real clinical exposure is during residency and it starts right away. I agree that it may be different at another school, but there are certain liabilities that prevent medical students to be performing as MDs.