AMG with two step 1 failures--residency prospects?

[lookthelion]

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What are one's residency prospects/options like as an AMG with two step 1 failures, assuming a pass on the third attempt, a good med school and good clinical and preclinical grades (no failures)? I know they'd be at least somewhat limited, of course, but how much?

Thanks.

 

[ijn]

As a program director you want a resident that can't reliably pass standardized exams? How on earth are you doing your clinical years without passing STEP 1?

Family medicine could always use more warm bodies.

 

[Slack3r]

I wasn't even aware you could fail it twice without being dismissed from school, so I'm assuming your prospects are going to be very limited.

 

[b-real]

Your options will be very limited. What specialties are you looking at? The most competitive specialties (rads, ophtho, ortho, derm, PRS, rad/onc, etc...) are out. Have a look at this, it shows what percentage of PDs will interview a candidate who has failed a Step component.

This is a test that 94% of AMG first-timers and 70% of retesters pass. Two failures is a huge red flag for PDs. Be wary of taking it a 3rd time w/o sufficient prep, b/c most institutions will dismiss you after three failures. In addition, most medical boards will not license you w/ 3 failures. After you pass, work your tail off third year, get honors/high pass for all rotations and prepare extremely well for Step 2. Go on away rotations and impress the hell out of them. You need everything to break your way from here on out.

 

[duckie99]

Your options will be very limited. What specialties are you looking at? The most competitive specialties (rads, ophtho, ortho, derm, PRS, rad/onc, etc...) are out. Have a look at this, it shows what percentage of PDs will interview a candidate who has failed a Step component.

This is a test that 94% of AMG first-timers and 70% of retesters pass. Two failures is a huge red flag for PDs. Be wary of taking it a 3rd time w/o sufficient prep, b/c most institutions will dismiss you after three failures. In addition, most medical boards will not license you w/ 3 failures. After you pass, work your tail off third year, get honors/high pass for all rotations and prepare extremely well for Step 2. Go on away rotations and impress the hell out of them. You need everything to break your way from here on out.

agreed. I think two failures limits you to the lowest competitive fields at the least competitive programs.

There are other options to practice medicine. You just might have to do it as a midlevel provider. For a person who cannot pass step 1 this is probably not a bad option (OP, you are obviously not there yet so study harder!!!!!). Good luck!

 

[Smokemont]

On a more positive note, I have heard of people failing twice then matching. Even then, some people take years and years to become board certified because they can't pass boards. Some people are not good test takers, doesn't mean you'll be a bad doctor.

Keep on keepin' on. Don't let the b@stards get you down.

 

[Consigliere]

Family practice. They'll take anyone with a pulse.

 

[tkim]

it would help a lot if you took step II and passed on the first try and scored high prior to residency apps.

 

[inspirationmd]

All hope is not lost for a match. I am aware of some people who this has happened to but your options are pretty much low tier FM, IM (non desirable location academic programs weakly possible or community), or Peds. Maybe Neurology, PMR if you have some compelling passion if you put in your personal statement. If you want Surgery, EM, Anesthesia, or something more competitive I think you may be SOL. Agree you need to do at least avg on Step 2. A 240 is probably not likely given your Step 1 difficulties but 225 (minimum 215) so you can sell it that you have dealt with your issues. Good luck man. It's getting harder with each subsequent match. Can you stay at your home institution where your connections are strongest?

 

[link2swim06]

You better not take step 1 again until you are easily getting 220+ on your practice tests. Otherwise you might be looking for a new career.

 

[jdh71]

FP, neuro, psych

Take step 2 both CS and CK early and pass on your first try before sending out applications

Someone will take a chance as long as you don't mess up again

 

[DrDrToBe]

I have a friend who failed twice and passed on the third time. She took time off to study for the retake and got a Masters as well. She matched in a decent med/Peds program (undesirable location).