234 Step 1 score what are my chances in radiology?

[XxSynapsexX]

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I am also US MD, grades arent too bad, have some volunteer experience and going to start rads research.

 

[Blunt Dissection]

I think it'll depend on the rest of your package including LORs and performance during clinicals. According to the NRMP, the mean last year was 240 for Rads which puts you below it, but the mean for unmatched was a 221. Considering it was an n = 652 for matched vs n = 9 for unmatched, the unmatched mean isn't exceptionally reliable, but I would assume that you'll be ok as long as the rest looks good.

 

[Warderino92]

I am also US MD, grades arent too bad, have some volunteer experience and going to start rads research.

Take a look at charting the match, you'll be fine to match. Just throw in some community programs with your academic ones.

 

[neoevolution]

I think it'll depend on the rest of your package including LORs and performance during clinicals. According to the NRMP, the mean last year was 240 for Rads which puts you below it, but the mean for unmatched was a 221. Considering it was an n = 652 for matched vs n = 9 for unmatched, the unmatched mean isn't exceptionally reliable, but I would assume that you'll be ok as long as the rest looks good.

Radiology has the weirdest stats in Charting Outcomes IMO. The median Step 1 for radiology is 240, which is well above the US MD senior mean of low 230s, but the "acceptance rate vs Step 1 score" curve is almost flat. The only other specialties with 240+ median Step 1 scores have steeper curves, because it's basically surgical subs and derm. But even a 200 Step 1 gives you pretty high match % for radiology.

 

[IslandStyle808]

One of those fields where if you are a US MD you pretty much need a pulse to match. Well, it won't be like this for long.

 

[bannie22]

its getting less and less popular a field. so no problems at all. easy.

 

[W19]

One of those fields where if you are a US MD you pretty much need a pulse to match. Well, it won't be like this for long.

It's crazy rad and gas have become this way while salary (or compensation) for both is still high...

 

[FindMeOnTheLinks]

It's crazy rad and gas have become this way while salary (or compensation) for both is still high...

they're working much harder to make the same amount of money

 

[neoevolution]

It's crazy rad and gas have become this way while salary (or compensation) for both is still high...

they're working much harder to make the same amount of money

There's also job market concerns like CRNAs, radiology AI, too many rads spots, and mega groups which might be scaring away more med students. Reimbursement also seems really hard to predict, and a current M4 is 7 years way from being a radiology attending w/ fellowship.

 

[neoevolution]

One of those fields where if you are a US MD you pretty much need a pulse to match. Well, it won't be like this for long.

Do you think we'll start to see more med student interest or spots closing down?

 

[Gadofosveset]

You're definitely in contention. Build some connections with your local rads department, read JACR every now and then to get some buzzwords and idea of what para-radiology stuff rads are interested in, and don't be a goober in your interview.

Take the constantly recycled doom around here with a grain of salt. The field is always in flux, which scares off some people and energizes others.

 

[IslandStyle808]

Do you think we'll start to see more med student interest or spots closing down?

Based on what the residents have been stating about the improving job market, I believe it will be more med student interest. However, as to spots closing down, your guess is as good as mine.

 

[XxSynapsexX]

Yeah I always see people on sdn and reddit discussing the job market and I also see private practice radiologists making 500k+.

Ultimately, this is what I want to do and whether I am making 200k or 350k, rather do it then any other specialties.
I like the work, I love anatomy and knowing the human body, I prefer working in a dark room and hammering through cases then dealing with all the extra BS in other specialties. Talking to patients just wears my introverted energyless self down. I have no problem talking to colleagues.

Thanks for the reassurance, I was really bummed about my step score mostly because I have been scoring 240+ on practice exams and to see a 234 really was a killer.I probably couldve scored that with half the studying I did but messing up on test day and not being disciplined with answering and eliminating choices probably costed me.

I do wonder if this is because of the exam changes in May. I have had ALOT of classmates get 230s when they were also expecting 240 even 250s. So many kids were pissed off in my class the next day about it.

 

[XxSynapsexX]

One of those fields where if you are a US MD you pretty much need a pulse to match. Well, it won't be like this for long.

Why do you say it wont be like this for long??

 

[IslandStyle808]

Why do you say it wont be like this for long??

Because the job market is picking up again.

 

[XxSynapsexX]

ahh okay thats good well im applying next year so hopefully I get in right before it gets competitive again.

Are you a radiology resident? If so what are some things you would recommend MS3-MS4. Ill do my best to honor my classes and get involved in research and do well on step 2k, anything else for an edge?

 

[IslandStyle808]

ahh okay thats good well im applying next year so hopefully I get in right before it gets competitive again.

Are you a radiology resident? If so what are some things you would recommend MS3-MS4. Ill do my best to honor my classes and get involved in research and do well on step 2k, anything else for an edge?

Nope, just a medical student. A few of the residents and attending on here have stated the job market is getting better. It will just be some time before the medical student population as a whole will realize this.