Advice on applying for residency

[Dr. M]

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Hi! I am currently a MS IV and am applying for a residency in ob/gyn. I want to go ack to california, where I am from, and have secured two AIs in ob/gyn at Kaiser Oakland and Kaiser Santa Clara. Now, the programs that I am applying to in california are a mix of university (UCDAVIS, Stanford, and UCSF..) univers/comm(Cedar-sinai...)and community (Kaiser and santa clara valley). I got a pass on my ob/gyn clerkship, but I did get an excellent evaluation from the ob/gyn director at the hospital I worke at, and he is writing me a LOR. I also did well in surgery and received a LOR from the chairman of surgery as well as the chairman of ob/gyn. I haven't honored anything in the medical school career and I got a 204 on my step 1. I have heard that ob programs want to see a step 2 score and I have scheduled my step2 ck early november. I am shooting for at least a 230. I have also heard that applying early (like sept 15) is good to secure some interviews.

What, if any, advice do you guys have? I was told y a few people that i shouldn't even bother applying to university programs because my step 1 is low, but i have also been told that I should apply to university programs because my application is strong in community service, leadership, and research. I am confused....

 

[CaliOBGynee]

It sounds like you're getting some great letters of recommendation. Definitely apply to ANY program you're interested in going to. What do you have to lose?? You might be pleasantly surprised by the programs you get interviews at. If you don't apply to them, you might always wonder.

I think you have a good goal for your score on Step 2. Many programs in California will definitely want to see something higher than your Step 1 but don't lose hope. If the rest of your application is strong it will help.

The best thing you can do for yourself is really impress them on your AI's at the Kaisers. If you work hard and they enjoy working with you, you'll have a tremendous advantage.

Even though you really want to come back to California, don't limit your options. Check out our neighboring states too!

 

[CognacMonnet]

hey Dr. M., Was curious if you've been hearing back from your top-rated OB/GYN programs? How do you like your AI's?

 

[Dr. M]

Sorry that I haven't written back, the whole studying for my step 2 ck turned me into a hermit crab. I actually like one of my AIs and it is my #1 choice. I felt the residents ACTUALLY were interested in me. I felt like all the attendings wanted to know more about me and I have kept in touch with the residents and the program director through email. My other AI was from hell. Pretty much the residents walked two steps in front of me, I was yelled out repeatedly for things that I didn't even know I was supposed to do. None of the attendings knew I was an AI. It was bad. I interviewed at that program my last day, but had I had to come back for an interview, I would have not gone.

I applied to 30 schools and have gotten 20 interviews to some places that I had chosen just on a whim...but i am happy and excited. We just have to wait and see.

good luck to you and your interviews!