One perk of AMO rotations is that you get to learn about a new healthcare system—the U.S. healthcare system. This system is considered confusing for several reasons including the various settings where patients can receive care.
Most patients receive outpatient care. This means they do not stay overnight and are generally treated in a clinic. Outpatient care is often preventative or for minor medical cases.
Patients who have serious, even life-threatening illnesses may be required to stay overnight, see a team of diverse specialists, or receive surgery. These individuals will receive inpatient care. Inpatient care occurs at hospitals and larger medical systems.
Clinical experiences through AMO will be listed as inpatient, outpatient, or inpatient/outpatient. The first two mean you'll only be in one of the two settings for the duration of the experience. inpatient/outpatient means there is the potential for you to spend time at both the hospital and clinic.