Another what are my chances....

[man916]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi all,

I know already.... another what are my chances. So I have been pretty much ortho the whole time through medical school with radiology in the back of my mind. Just finished ortho rotation, really enjoyed it, but not sure it's for me. Anyways, some stats....

Step 1 258
AOA
Honors all clerkships thus far
Honors Year 1 and 2
Ortho research (2 years of ortho employment w/ research before medical school and summer btw 1st and 2nd year): Including 1 publication, 1 abstract, 2 presentations (all research was radiological analysis)
Middle tier (I think...) medical school in the midwest.

What are my chances of actually matching into a good program in California like UCSF, UCSD, Stanford (originally from California, midwest only for med school)?

I hate to post this, but kind of in a bit of a pickle. Trying to decide whether to actually give up on ortho for rads this late in the game.

 

[maxxor]

You're in great shape and honestly sound a lot like me when I decided to apply for rads (even down to the pre-ortho). If you were to do a rads research project between now and ERAS deadline so you have something to talk about during interviews, you'll do well.

As far as UCSF/Stanford et al, that really comes down to connections / letters. Consider doing an away just to really demonstrate your commitment. The rest of the board may have something to say about that though.

 

[Kaputt]

Rads is a stats game. You have good stats. The only thing you're missing is radiology research, which isn't an absolute requirement if you have other research (which you do), but it is super helpful. So if you decide on rads, I'd get a rads mentor and do some research. It's definitely not too late to get your feet wet (starting a research project this summer/fall will look like application padding...but if you start something now/soon it'll look sincere).

I gotta tell you, those hyper-competitive Cali places are a crapshoot. I didn't apply there so I can't give first-hand advice...but there are plenty of displaced Cali folks fighting their way back who could give you some pointers. I doubt an away would make much of an impact, though (with all do respect to maxxor). Cali programs don't need to see a declaration of your commitment...you're from Cali originally so it's clear you're serious about them. But if you want to escape the Midwest for a month, I'd say go for it.

 

[maxxor]

Yeah, it really varies. I got interviews to Cali programs without any sort of connections to them and did not do any sort of away rotations, but I also had no burning desire to necessarily end up there either. Has anyone matched from your school to programs in Cali? They would probably be good resources.

My med school actively discourages away rotations unless the specialty "requires" them (ortho, ENT, plastics, etc).

 

[Imaging]

Agree with maxxor's school. I think aways can help but I think it's more likely to hurt than help for most people especially if you already look that great on paper. UCSF and Stanford's websites state that aways doesn't equal interview offer so if you are to do one be sure to take that into consideration. Otherwise, I agree with others you are a strong candidate. I also got the Cali interviews (all of the big 4) and didn't do any aways. I have no doubt you'll get great interviews even in Cali.