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Old 03-29-2010, 06:35 PM   #5
Winged Scapula
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bitter9881 View Post
I'm in the same situation as OP -- i'm an american allopathic student, doing prelim surg, hoping to get into an open PGY-2 spot somewhere, obviously reapplying to NRMP.

Does anyone know if there would be any utility to taking step 3 this summer before I start my internship? Is that something programs will want to see?
Maybe, maybe not.

Quote:
Can it help me if i take it and do well?
I doubt it since there are only like 5 surgery questions on the whole thing. Its simply something you need to pass.

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Will it hurt me if i haven't taken it?
Unlikely except in the case of programs that want you to pass before the end of your intern year and the fact that the farther you get from medical school (in a surgery program), the harder it will be.

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Is it possible [and i imagine it is] to study for it and do well without having spent time on the wards as a resident?
Not for surgical residents since most questions will not be surgical in nature but rather Peds, Ob, and largely FM. You will not have those rotations during residency anyway.

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Also, somewhat related, do fellowship programs put any stock in step 3 scores when we are applying to fellowships?
Nope. It is simply seen as something you must pass to be eligible for a license. I would go ahead and take the exam as soon as you can but not because it might help you with residency or fellowship.
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