3rd year DO student seeks advice

[Indie4]

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Hello,
I am a 3rd year DO student interested in anesthesiology. I took both the COMLEX and USMLE step 1 but scored a bit below the average on the USMLE. If I end up pursuing gas, I am planning on applying to both DO and MD residency programs. I dont want to have to spend the money to take the USMLE step 2 if I dont have to, especially if my score comes back in the same range. In regards to the MD programs, would it be worth the risk to take step 2 with the hope of improving my USMLE or will a strong COMLEX make up where my USMLE lacks? I know people get accepted with average scores, but as a DO student my concern is that I might have more to prove. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[smgilles]

Hello,
I am a 3rd year DO student interested in anesthesiology. I took both the COMLEX and USMLE step 1. Did fairly well on the COMLEX (87%) but scored a bit below the average on the USMLE (211). I am in the top 1/3 of my class and have a 3.6 gpa. If I end up pursuing gas, I am planning on applying to both DO and MD residency programs. I dont want to have to spend the money to take the USMLE step 2 if I dont have to, especially if my score comes back in the same range. In regards to the MD programs, would it be worth the risk to take step 2 with the hope of improving my USMLE or will a strong COMLEX make up where my USMLE lacks? I know people get accepted with a 211, but as a DO student my concern is that I might have more to prove. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Take step 2 and do well. Erase any doubt of any program's mind and they can compare your 'apples to apples' with the other applicants. Your COMLEX score is excellent, but not a lot of people are going to realize that.

 

[Saki0067]

I'm also a 3rd year DO student interested in Anesthesia, but I did not take the USMLE. Do Anesthesia residencies take COMLEX???
Thanks!

 

[RickKane]

I'm also a 3rd year DO student interested in Anesthesia, but I did not take the USMLE. Do Anesthesia residencies take COMLEX???
Thanks!

DO residencies take the COMLEX ...but if you want to be competative at MD programs you should go back and take the USMLE. I know that is not what you want to hear but I had a handful of PDs tell me they don't even look at apps with only the COMLEX. I don't blame them, when you receive 1000+ apps you need an objective way to compare applicants across the board. Also more and more programs require the USMLE for DOs who want to do SubI's in gas. I ran into at least 3 programs that required it while setting up rotations.

 

[amyl]

ditto for what rick said. take the usmle.
also, revive this thread after match day. some of my DO classmates are attempting MD anesthesiology with only the comlex, i will let you know how they fare.

 

[sevogirl]

Study hard and take both steps of USMLE. I was told by multiple programs that I wouldn't have gotten my interview without taking it.

 

[DOanesthesia]

I'm also a 3rd year DO student interested in Anesthesia, but I did not take the USMLE. Do Anesthesia residencies take COMLEX???
Thanks!

I did not take the USMLE. I scored a 602 on COMLEX level 1, 583 on COMLEX level 2, and was in the top 3rd of my class. I only applied to 3 programs this year and interviewed at 2. Today the PD of my first choice called and offered me an advanced position outside of the match. The key for me was doing an away rotation and impressing them while I was there. I also was not shy in letting them know that it was my first choice. I plan on signing my contract Monday!

So, to answer your question, you don't have to take the USMLE, or have a stellar performance on the COMLEX to match in allo anesthesia. Getting noticed can have a huge impact. That being said, I would still recommend taking USMLE. Afterall, I might have been offered interviews at all 3 programs I applied to if I had taken it. It can only open doors for you to take the USMLE.

 

[fascinoma]

congrats!

 

[Indie4]

Thanks for the replies. Your comments have been very helpful.