A Questions regarding Allopathic Residencies and DO students

[dmitrinyr]

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I am currently applying for the entering class of fall 2004 and have a few questions.

Correct me if I am wrong, please:

To be considered for an allopathic residency program while coming from an osteopathic medical school, an applicant has to take the USMLE Step 1 and 2 examinations as well as complete the rest of his/her medical school courses during the 4 years of a medical school education.

In order to get a degree of an Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a student must pass the COMPLEX Step 1-3 or just 1 and 2? Assuming that this student passes all of the required classes necessary for graduation.

How common is it for osteopathic medical students to try to pursue an allopathic residency?

What exactly is the difference between an allopathic and osteopathic residency programs?

I would appreciate any and all responces. Thanks

dmitri

 

[DireWolf]

Originally posted by dmitrinyr
I am currently applying for the entering class of fall 2004 and have a few questions.

Correct me if I am wrong, please:

To be considered for an allopathic residency program while coming from an osteopathic medical school, an applicant has to take the USMLE Step 1 and 2 examinations as well as complete the rest of his/her medical school courses during the 4 years of a medical school education.

In order to get a degree of an Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a student must pass the COMPLEX Step 1-3 or just 1 and 2? Assuming that this student passes all of the required classes necessary for graduation.

How common is it for osteopathic medical students to try to pursue an allopathic residency?

What exactly is the difference between an allopathic and osteopathic residency programs?

I would appreciate any and all responces. Thanksdmitri

1. Don't have to take USMLE to get an allopathic residency spot.

2. Just need to pass COMLEX Step 1 at most schools to get your D.O. degree.

3. Used to be about 1/3 of D.O. students applied for allopathic spots. It's probably getting closer to 1/2 now.

 

[RuralMedicine]

Originally posted by dmitrinyr
To be considered for an allopathic residency program while coming from an osteopathic medical school, an applicant has to take the USMLE Step 1 and 2 examinations as well as complete the rest of his/her medical school courses during the 4 years of a medical school education.

It may be easier to get an interview at a competitive allopathic program if you have taken the USMLE. Program directors find it easier to compare apples to apples. That said, many osteopathic students take only the COMLEX and match into allopathic programs without difficulty. I did take both as I was planning on applying to programs that had not traditionally taken DOs in the past and I felt would be less familiar with the COMLEX. This worked well for me.

Originally posted by dmitrinyr
In order to get a degree of an Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a student must pass the COMPLEX Step 1-3 or just 1 and 2? Assuming that this student passes all of the required classes necessary for graduation.

Graduation requirements vary from school to school. I think all schools require that you pass Step 1. Some also require passing Step 2 and some require sitting for Step 2 and some may only require passing Step1. You should inquire about the relevant policies and procedures at the medical school you attend.

 

[VentdependenT]

1. You apply for residency 1/3 way through your 4th year of medical school. Therefore you don't finish 4th year of medical school and then apply for residency your first time around.

You should take USMLE STEP I if you want to be a truly competitive applicant for an allopathic residency. Do well on this test = lots of interviews. If you goof up on STEP I then take and do well on STEP II EARLY in your 4th year (befo' your residency apps are due). Otherwise you should be fine with just USMLE step I. Do not half ass it and only take the COMLEX.

2. At AZCOM pass COMLEX I & sit for COMLEX II = get degree. However to practice medicine you need to pass all three steps of your COMLEX. I am planning on taking all three steps of the USMLE as well, however I can offer NO good explination why (if someone can lemme know).

3. Varies from school to school. At AZCOM we push eachother to take the USMLE and persue allopathic residencies (about 80% of us go allo). Those that persue osteo residencies are usually after the very competitive ones: Ortho, Neurosurg, Uro, Rads, Optho, Derm, Ent. I think that its a great opportunity to use your D.O. degree to land spots in those fields.

4. Whats the difference? Allo > Osteo in size, exposure and funding. Not 100% true but its the norm. Folks from our school also went military match and hit Rads and Ortho that way. Others in my class this year have matched at Uro, Neuro, Ent, and Derm at osteopathic places. It all depends on personal preference.

Best o' luck and take the USMLE

 

[kristing]

Originally posted by VentdependenT

3. Varies from school to school. At AZCOM we push eachother to take the USMLE and persue allopathic residencies (about 80% of us go allo). Those that persue osteo residencies are usually after the very competitive ones: Ortho, Neurosurg, Uro, Rads, Optho, Derm, Ent. I think that its a great opportunity to use your D.O. degree to land spots in those fields.


Best o' luck and take the USMLE

Don't know about this year's fourth year class, but past classes have actually been 2/3 allo and 1/3 osteo.

kristing
MSIII
AZCOM

 

[Dr JPH]

Personally, I think the USMLE is a waste of time and money unless you plan on applying to a program that is not familair with DOs. Many programs may not completely be familair with the COMLEX scoring system, but they certainly know what a percentile rank is.

 

[VentdependenT]

Allo programs don't get your percentile rank on the COMLEX. They get a three digit number and a worthless arbitrary 2 digit conversion which IS NOT YOUR PERCENTILE. My 2 digit said 87, while my percentage was 96. The PD said "wow, you did much better on your USMLE than on your COMLEX." Wrong. You will experience this first hand when you interview at allo places. Once they saw my USMLE scores (and places I rotated at) it was a done deal. I could be compared equally to my allo peers.

Forget that awful perpetuated isolationist ideal of needing to have a program be familiar with the COMLEX. That is pure arrogance. One would sincerely jeopardize their career potential by avoiding this test (which they have already studied for). If you are complacent about your career and are too miserly to drop an additional 500 bucks (in comparison to the $150,000) then be my guest.

Just don't be pissed off at your buddy who took the USMLE, did well, and is at an upper tier, well funded, well respected allo residency.

 

[rad_one]

Agree w/ above. Maximize your chances to obtain the residency you desire. You will do only one residency. Give yourself every chance to succeed.

 

[drsmash]

I agree with Vent as well.
There is no doubt about it. Taking the USMLE helped me get the residency that I wanted. Just put yourself in the PD's shoes...just because you don't know what the COMLEX is doesn't mean you hate DO's. If you take the USMLE, they can compare you to other applicants, it's as simple as that.

One other thing...
COMLEX I and the USMLE are two different tests. If you study FOR the COMLEX, take it and then go, "what the heck, I might as well take the USMLE too," you won't do as well as you should. In fact, some of you who do that, will not pass. So, study accordingly.

One last thing...
That idea that if the residency program doesn't take the COMLEX, then they'll discriminate against you so why bother taking the USMLE, is ridiculously stupid. Perform well in the wards, and perform well on your boards. You'll get what you want (most likely). 😉

There are some places that won't like you no matter what--such is life. The fact is, there are plenty of other places that will like you, IF you are good.

 

[LovelyRita]

Originally posted by drsmash
I agree with Vent as well.
There is no doubt about it. Taking the USMLE helped me get the residency that I wanted. Just put yourself in the PD's shoes...just because you don't know what the COMLEX is doesn't mean you hate DO's. If you take the USMLE, they can compare you to other applicants, it's as simple as that.

One other thing...
COMLEX I and the USMLE are two different tests. If you study FOR the COMLEX, take it and then go, "what the heck, I might as well take the USMLE too," you won't do as well as you should. In fact, some of you who do that, will not pass. So, study accordingly.

One last thing...
That idea that if the residency program doesn't take the COMLEX, then they'll discriminate against you so why bother taking the USMLE, is ridiculously stupid. Perform well in the wards, and perform well on your boards. You'll get what you want (most likely). 😉

There are some places that won't like you no matter what--such is life. The fact is, there are plenty of other places that will like you, IF you are good.

😍 I like you!

 

[bobo]

Personally, I think the USMLE is a waste of time and money

That is because you are a clueless not-senior medical student and have not been thru the process of interviewing at competitive places in competitive fields. Take it from those of us who have been told directly by a PD or chair that taking the USMLE is the best thing we ever did.

Till then shut your cake-hole.

 

[Dr JPH]

Originally posted by bobo
That is because you are a clueless not-senior medical student and have not been thru the process of interviewing at competitive places in competitive fields. Take it from those of us who have been told directly by a PD or chair that taking the USMLE is the best thing we ever did.

Till then shut your cake-hole.

You don't act like a senior medical student.

 

[VentdependenT]

Originally posted by Boomer
Damn, for a crack head, you sound pretty smart.....and everyone seems to agree with you.

Good thing they don't know who you are........

Little do they know that I can clear a 30 foot beer bong 1n 20 seconds flat!

I also walk sideways. Boomer, you know I switch from crack to crystal meth a while ago man. Why you trippen?

 

[alimarie81]

For those of you who took both the COMLEX and the USMLE, I have a few questions: 1) Are these tests offered at the same time of the year (meaning you have to study for both simultaneously)? 2)how do you suggest studying for both? How did you separate your study habits specific to each test? 3) When during 1st and 2nd year did you start studying for these exams?

 

[VentdependenT]

Originally posted by alimarie81
For those of you who took both the COMLEX and the USMLE, I have a few questions: 1) Are these tests offered at the same time of the year (meaning you have to study for both simultaneously)? 2)how do you suggest studying for both? How did you separate your study habits specific to each test? 3) When during 1st and 2nd year did you start studying for these exams?

1) You may take the USMLE at any time after your second year. I suggest studying for both simultaneously. That means you study for the USMLE then spend a total of 1-2 days slamming in savarese OMM review. Those 1-2 days are the extra requirement for the COMLEX. Know autonomics (70-100 questions) and Gram+/Gram- flow charts in First Aid (30 questions). That along should let you pass that test...not bad eh?

2) See answer #1. Take 3-4 days off after your COMLEX then take the USMLE. First 2 days relax. Last couple cram in some path pics and biostats (see 1st aid and HYeild BehavSci).

3) I started filling in parts of my review books 1/2 way through second year. Possibly a little earlier. Took my notes in BRS Path, Pharm Recall, Micro made simple, and First Aid. That way I was familiar with the books before I had to cram them into my head. Doing this = less test anxiety. Started studying hard with 5-6 weeks to go until COMLEX/USMLE. Thats what I did and it got me where I wanted to go...at least I think so. 96%COMLEX, 227/92 USMLE. Maybe not enough for radiology, but certainly enough for gas.