4th year advice

[NeuroAP86]

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Hey guys,

I am a prospective applicant for neurology[DO student] for this coming years match and had some questions as to how I can increase my chances of matching at my desired location/program.

USMLE step 1 = 225
USMLE step 2 = taking in next couple weeks

No failed classes and passed all 3rd year rotations with honors except peds and psych, also have 2 IM and 2 surgery letters.

I have done a neurology rotation at my core site and my attending wrote me a very good letter. I have 4 months of electives coming up, one at UChicago - neurology Sub-I. I also got offered another month at UChicago for neuro ICU and UIC peoria for neuro-opthamology. I have two other months in PMR set up in the Chicago area as well since I haven't officially ruled it out yet. Should I do all these neuro rotations or should I be fine with just doing the Sub-I and the neuro-opthamology rotation? Commuting to these places since I am living at my parents place will be annoying not to mention the 6 days/week schedule. What do you guys think? I hope that last part didn't sound like I'm lazy lol

 

[Raggaman]

Now that I have seen the other side of things, I can say that its very important to rotate through your 1st and 2nd choice programs. Work hard, study hard, make the resident's lives easier w/o being annoying or making them look bad. The plan is too stand out as being a hardworking, smart individual who gets the job done and plays well with everyone. Contrary too popular belief, asking questions 24-7 doesn't make you look interested, just lazy. The best students I have worked with knew the NIH stroke scale and basic work ups on their first day. Also, please don't jabber incessantly. Good luck

 

[DD214]

You might want to consider another specialty. Neurology is on its way to becoming the new Pediatrics in terms of reimbursement. Our EMGs were slashed by Medicare by 40-70% this year which is straining practices across the country. Rumor is that EEGs are next up for slashening. We were left out of increased reimbursement for cognitive services by Medicare since neuro isn't boarded by ABIM. Medicare and private insurance don't care one bit about neurology shortages and will continue to drive down reimbursement for your services to unsustainable levels in the near future. This is in addition to ObamaCare, which obviously applies to all specialties.

 

[NeuroAP86]

Thanks for the advice! I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else for the rest of my life so I'm pretty set on Neurology.