Anyone interested in tabulating residencies from most toughet to most easy?

[Bill_252001]

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Hey All
I was just wondering if any of you good people have an idea about various specialities and which one is the most toughest to get in and which one is the most easy to get in. I know dermatology is somewhere on the top of the list but any idea regarding other specialities?????

 

[It'sElectric]

Hey All
I was just wondering if any of you good people have an idea about various specialities and which one is the most toughest to get in and which one is the most easy to get in. I know dermatology is somewhere on the top of the list but any idea regarding other specialities?????

Toughest and easiest.

 

[DoctorMom78]

All I know is that I am going into family medicine and that is one of the least competitive. Sorry.🙂

 

[MahlerROCKS]

Most competitive: Derm, plastics, urology
Very competitive: Othropedics, radiology
Competitive: EM, path
Not competitive: Family medicine, IM, OB/GYN, pediatrics

Of course, it is important to note that IM fellowships are also very competitive, with GI and cardiology being the standouts as the most competitive

Granted there are other specialties that I did not mention, but they fall into these catagories accordingly; hope this helps

 

[DoctorMom78]

Most competitive: Derm, plastics, urology
Very competitive: Othropedics, radiology
Competitive: EM, path
Not competitive: Family medicine, IM, OB/GYN, pediatrics

LOL! See, I told you! How come no ones wants to do rural family medicine with me?!?!😕 😀

 

[It'sElectric]

Most competitive: Derm, plastics, urology
Very competitive: Othropedics, radiology
Competitive: EM, path
Not competitive: Family medicine, IM, OB/GYN, pediatrics

Of course, it is important to note that IM fellowships are also very competitive, with GI and cardiology being the standouts as the most competitive

Granted there are other specialties that I did not mention, but they fall into these catagories accordingly; hope this helps

I'd throw ophthalmology in there as well as being incredibly competitive.

 

[arsenewenger]

Most competitive: Derm, plastics, urology
Very competitive: Orthopedics, radiology
Competitive: EM, path
Not competitive: Family medicine, IM, OB/GYN, pediatrics

Of course, it is important to note that IM fellowships are also very competitive, with GI and cardiology being the standouts as the most competitive

Granted there are other specialties that I did not mention, but they fall into these catagories accordingly; hope this helps

Why is Derm to competitive?

 

[sunnyjohn]

Why is Derm to competitive?

Haven't you heard of the ROAD to happiness for young doctors?

 

[JadedSurgeon]

Good God people, go to NRMP.com or .org and read the statistics about how many people apply to different specialties, how many get in, the average USMLE scores, average number of published papers etc

Get the real facts and don't rely on hearsay.

 

[st.exupery]

i think that derm is so competitive bc people say the lifestyle is more relaxed, supposedly there are less "emergencies" (although I worked at a derm office for three years and it seems like everyone had an emergency according to them. It scares me a little to think that this is supposed to be a field with minimal emergencies).

Also, you make a lot of money for the time spent working, especially with botox, etc. I heard somewhere that in just the past few years, derm resident applicants have risen by over 1000%. Pretty competitive!

BTW, anyone know about rheumatology competitiveness?

 

[Andromeda]

DO students take the COMLEX...USMLE is taken only for MD residencies. I didn't check the site, but you said USMLE so I am not sure which it refers to. Just wanted to clarify.

 

[DoctorMom78]

This may be helpful.🙂
http://www.nrmp.org/matchoutcomes.pdf

 

[clement]

Most competitive: Derm, plastics, urology
Very competitive: Othropedics, radiology
Competitive: EM, path
Not competitive: Family medicine, IM, OB/GYN, pediatrics

Of course, it is important to note that IM fellowships are also very competitive, with GI and cardiology being the standouts as the most competitive

Granted there are other specialties that I did not mention, but they fall into these catagories accordingly; hope this helps

My understanding is that psych is not that competitive either...Although sub-specialties within psych MIGHT be? (i.e. adolescent, geriatric, forensic psych, transgender, etc)

 

[MCATTT]

DO students take the COMLEX...USMLE is taken only for MD residencies. I didn't check the site, but you said USMLE so I am not sure which it refers to. Just wanted to clarify.

DO students only need COMPLEX to apply to most MD redensies. Am I correct?

 

[MahlerROCKS]

As other people have noted, my little list does not include all specialties, and everything I posted is just my two cents--if you want the real data visit the nrmp website

http://www.nrmp.org/res_match/tables/table5_06.pdf

I can't find the website that has the USMLE score ranges by residency

 

[thanecyan]

I'm confused. The chart doesn't show all the positions filled. What gives?

 

[SamaraMorgan]

.

 

[SamaraMorgan]

.

 

[AustinFinklea]

DO students only need COMPLEX to apply to most MD redensies. Am I correct?

A DO can apply allopathic with only the COMLEX, however, the next DO standing right next to him applying for the same spot, with same score, but took the USMLE, would probably get into the residency first, at many competative specialties. ALot of residencies DO NOT accept the COMLEX

 

[noshie]

One of the Docs I work for told me that I should always remember that the toughest residencies to get into are:

DEAR 3o

Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Anesthesiology
Radiology

Opthamology
Otolaryngology
Orthopedics

I think it is probably pretty true from what I have seen and heard.

 

[Entgegen]

One of the Docs I work for told me that I should always remember that the toughest residencies to get into are:

DEAR 3o

Dermatology
Emergency Medicine
Anesthesiology
Radiology

Opthamology
Otolaryngology
Orthopedics

I think it is probably pretty true from what I have seen and heard.

I haven't really heard of EM being really tough to get in to...at least not when compared to derm, rad, optho, etc.

 

[billydoc]

We can throw PM&R in the mix. Though many ppl apply simply b/c to them it stands for Plenty of Money & Relaxation. Not so in real life, but D.O's pretty much are loved across the board by this specialty 😀

 

[the alchemist]

DO students only need COMPLEX to apply to most MD redensies. Am I correct?

its COMLEX not COMPLEX. and it deps on the MD residencies whether they accept COMLEX only or also want USMLE, so it varies

 

[MCATTT]

A DO can apply allopathic with only the COMLEX, however, the next DO standing right next to him applying for the same spot, with same score, but took the USMLE, would probably get into the residency first, at many competative specialties. ALot of residencies DO NOT accept the COMLEX

Then it sucks. 👎
So, we will be taking USMLE I and COMLEX I the same time. That means, we have about 6 tests instead of 3? .

 

[DrMom]

Then it sucks. 👎
So, we will be taking USMLE I and COMLEX I the same time. That means, we have about 6 tests instead of 3? .

there is no good reason to take all 3 steps of the USMLE as a DO student. (also note that even though there are 3 steps on each exam series, there actually are 4 exams in each)

You can do 1 of 3 things to help yourself out with applying to MD residencies:

1) Take only step 1 of USMLE.
2) Take steps 1 & 2 of USMLE.
3) Take only step 2 of USMLE. (as things are right now, DOs do not have to take the USMLEs in order, so you can do this)


From what I've seen from the experiences of others (I personally stuck with the DO route, but have many friends who went to MD residencies), I'd lean towards choice 3. USMLE step 2 and COMLEX step 2 are very similar (whereas there are significant differences in the two versions of step 1). If you take USMLE step 2 in summer of MS4, you can have a score back in time for interviews. This'll still give residency directors a score that they're used to interpreting & can use to compare your application to those of others. Only 1 extra test involved and no need to mess with the differences in emphasis on the two step 1s.

 

[MCATTT]

there is no good reason to take all 3 steps of the USMLE as a DO student. (also note that even though there are 3 steps on each exam series, there actually are 4 exams in each)

You can do 1 of 3 things to help yourself out with applying to MD residencies:

1) Take only step 1 of USMLE.
2) Take steps 1 & 2 of USMLE.
3) Take only step 2 of USMLE. (as things are right now, DOs do not have to take the USMLEs in order, so you can do this)


From what I've seen from the experiences of others (I personally stuck with the DO route, but have many friends who went to MD residencies), I'd lean towards choice 3. USMLE step 2 and COMLEX step 2 are very similar (whereas there are significant differences in the two versions of step 1). If you take USMLE step 2 in summer of MS4, you can have a score back in time for interviews. This'll still give residency directors a score that they're used to interpreting & can use to compare your application to those of others. Only 1 extra test involved and no need to mess with the differences in emphasis on the two step 1s.

Thanks for the clarification. It's good to know what to expect.
Option 3 seems to be the best option since it will be similar.

 

[noshie]

I haven't really heard of EM being really tough to get in to...at least not when compared to derm, rad, optho, etc.

From what I have heard (from ER docs I work with) you have to be in the top 15-20% of your class to get into an EM residency or probably from a great school. It makes sence to me because all of the doc I work for went to Baylor, UT Southwestern and other top schools out of Texas that I can not think of right now. And actually the doc I work with tonight just told me that when he was in residency (about 8 years ago) it was one of the top 3 residencies to get in to. Like they say, in EM you know a little about everything but alot about nothing.

 

[thanecyan]

Simple, not all the positions get filled.

Well, this doesn't really explain it. If residencies like derm are so competitive, how is it that there are still slots unused?

 

[ben_medicine]

Derm is one of those family thing i know 2 generations of derm docs with the 3rd in school now. Derm is hard b/c once someone gets in it becomes family buisness. And if your not family you are not getting in. ER is not as difficult to break into but it is one of the hardest to stay in b/c of burn out rate

 

[AustinFinklea]

Derm is one of those family thing i know 2 generations of derm docs with the 3rd in school now. Derm is hard b/c once someone gets in it becomes family buisness. And if your not family you are not getting in. ER is not as difficult to break into but it is one of the hardest to stay in b/c of burn out rate

Not really, what makes Derm so tough to get into is the fact that there arent near as many residency programs as most other sought after specialties. Also, Derms make a ton of money and have a relatively great life and family life.......that is why Derm is tough to get into. Medical specialties may pay some attention to family members, but I guarantee that family members being derms has NOTHING to do with other young doctors not being able to place into good Derm residencies; there are more applicants per position available which is why it is competative...

 

[MahlerROCKS]

Well, this doesn't really explain it. If residencies like derm are so competitive, how is it that there are still slots unused?

It varies from year to year; my guess (it is only a guess) is not that these spots weren't filled, but instead that these spots weren't filled through the match. When students who do not match are told about their unmatched status (its a few days or weeks before match day), they have to scramble at the last minute to find a program. I'm suspecting that these spots were later filled by this method, just not by the match in the first place.

On another not, if I remember correctly there are 3 or 4 osteopathic derm residencies. Also, I remember reading in a post a few weeks ago that 10% of all EM residency spots in the country are osteopathic, consequently, DO's have a better chance at getting an EM residency than allopathic doctors

 

[Taus]

Then it sucks. 👎
So, we will be taking USMLE I and COMLEX I the same time. That means, we have about 6 tests instead of 3? .

Seriously its not that bad.....as per Dr. Moms advice its only 1 extra test (taking more then one of the usmle steps is relatively foolish/useless in my opinion). That being said...if you want the extra options that taking the USMLE will afford you then you will have to do some extra work for it (ie taking their step1 or 2). For step one all you really need to do is add in some extra biochem and molecular..which just entails knowing the biochem in First Aid + HY Cell and Molecular. Its not that we don't learn those adaquately....just that our boards don't test it as in depth as theirs.

It is what it is...you want those extra options for residency = you do extra work.

 

[toothless rufus]

I'm confused; isn't USMLE Step 1 more important/wanted than Step 2 when applying?

 

[Protease]

I'm confused; isn't USMLE Step 1 more important/wanted than Step 2 when applying?

For MD ppl, the residency match looks at Step I and if you did poorely on step II, you do not have to report the step II scores. So your residency placement will be based on Step I only, which tells me Step I > Step II. But all this info Im getting from a MS I in a MD school, so he may be wrong.

I'm confused about Urology, there seems to be only 50 spots, give or take a dozen, for the whole country? Isn't that a bit too low, that means theoretically 1 urologist per state, which is absurd. Also, when it says Urology do they mean its Surgical or non Surgical, b/c I thought there are 2 distinct urologist occupations or are you a surgeon by default?

 

[DrMom]

I'm confused; isn't USMLE Step 1 more important/wanted than Step 2 when applying?

They usually just want #s that they are familiar with from a test that they are familiar with. MD residency program directors are definitely familiar with USMLE 2.

I've not run across anyone yet having trouble applying with only a USMLE step 2 + COMLEX step 1. In fact I know someone who had interviews trickling in based on COMLEX (excellent score), but once they transmitted a USMLE 2 they got a bunch more in a relatively short time.

Yes, it is all anecdotal, but that's pretty much all you're going to have to go on. While some programs are very clear in stating they only take USMLE, not all programs publicize that. There are others that list USMLE as required on their websites, but then people email/call & find out that COMLEX is still okay. Gather the information that you can and decide for yourself how you want to approach it.

 

[toothless rufus]

They usually just want #s that they are familiar with from a test that they are familiar with. MD residency program directors are definitely familiar with USMLE 2.

I've not run across anyone yet having trouble applying with only a USMLE step 2 + COMLEX step 1. In fact I know someone who had interviews trickling in based on COMLEX (excellent score), but once they transmitted a USMLE 2 they got a bunch more in a relatively short time.

Yes, it is all anecdotal, but that's pretty much all you're going to have to go on. While some programs are very clear in stating they only take USMLE, not all programs publicize that. There are others that list USMLE as required on their websites, but then people email/call & find out that COMLEX is still okay. Gather the information that you can and decide for yourself how you want to approach it.

Ok, thanks!

 

[Unknown3234]

LOL! See, I told you! How come no ones wants to do rural family medicine with me?!?!😕 😀

Acually I am also looking into that. I just love the strange looks I get when I tell people that I want to do family medicine!! Or the comment "oh your going to be a poor doctor"

 

[Lamborghini1315]

Most competitive: Derm, plastics, urology
Very competitive: Othropedics, radiology
Competitive: EM, path
Not competitive: Family medicine, IM, OB/GYN, pediatrics

Of course, it is important to note that IM fellowships are also very competitive, with GI and cardiology being the standouts as the most competitive

Granted there are other specialties that I did not mention, but they fall into these catagories accordingly; hope this helps

I would add ENT to most competitive and Anesthesiology to very competitive.

 

[Dr.Inviz]

Acually I am also looking into that. I just love the strange looks I get when I tell people that I want to do family medicine!! Or the comment "oh your going to be a poor doctor"

poor doctor

eh, its how you manage the $ more than anything. you still get a 6 figure salary unless you work in some very rural area.

 

[DoctorMom78]

Acually I am also looking into that. I just love the strange looks I get when I tell people that I want to do family medicine!! Or the comment "oh your going to be a poor doctor"

LOL! I always get the... "Oh, well, that's...nice...🙄 "

But I have heard you may be paid in chickens and other livestock....

 

[BMW19]

Without getting too in depth as I know that there are other threads for this:

What are the top 3 differences btwn. COMLEX AND USMLE Step 1?

BMW-

They usually just want #s that they are familiar with from a test that they are familiar with. MD residency program directors are definitely familiar with USMLE 2.

I've not run across anyone yet having trouble applying with only a USMLE step 2 + COMLEX step 1. In fact I know someone who had interviews trickling in based on COMLEX (excellent score), but once they transmitted a USMLE 2 they got a bunch more in a relatively short time.

Yes, it is all anecdotal, but that's pretty much all you're going to have to go on. While some programs are very clear in stating they only take USMLE, not all programs publicize that. There are others that list USMLE as required on their websites, but then people email/call & find out that COMLEX is still okay. Gather the information that you can and decide for yourself how you want to approach it.

 

[mshheaddoc]

there is no good reason to take all 3 steps of the USMLE as a DO student. (also note that even though there are 3 steps on each exam series, there actually are 4 exams in each)

You can do 1 of 3 things to help yourself out with applying to MD residencies:

1) Take only step 1 of USMLE.
2) Take steps 1 & 2 of USMLE.
3) Take only step 2 of USMLE. (as things are right now, DOs do not have to take the USMLEs in order, so you can do this)


From what I've seen from the experiences of others (I personally stuck with the DO route, but have many friends who went to MD residencies), I'd lean towards choice 3. USMLE step 2 and COMLEX step 2 are very similar (whereas there are significant differences in the two versions of step 1). If you take USMLE step 2 in summer of MS4, you can have a score back in time for interviews. This'll still give residency directors a score that they're used to interpreting & can use to compare your application to those of others. Only 1 extra test involved and no need to mess with the differences in emphasis on the two step 1s.

I've got a question with this because if you go MD residency and you want allo boarding, don't you have to take USMLE step 3, of which you can't take step 3 without step 1 and step 2 (per their website)?

 

[DrMom]

I've got a question with this because if you go MD residency and you want allo boarding, don't you have to take USMLE step 3, of which you can't take step 3 without step 1 and step 2 (per their website)?

Allo board certification is based on your residency and your board specialty certification exam. USMLE 3 is not part of that. The COMLEX and USMLE exam series are soley for licensure to practice.

 

[mshheaddoc]

So it doesn't matter which ever one that someone does unless they are practicing in a state that requires it? (Just saw this post)

 

[DrMom]

So it doesn't matter which ever one that someone does unless they are practicing in a state that requires it? (Just saw this post)

right. I believe that all of the states that have a separate Osteopathic licensure board have this requirement, but people need to check out the states they're interested in.

 

[DOEYEGUY]

Don't discount Family Medicine and Family Doctors. I have some of the greatest respect and admiration for these guys. They have to know a great deal about everything. Furthermore, the potential for income is incredible. If you learn and become comfortable with certain procedures, you can do very well. The three wealthiest doctors I've met in my life are Family Practitioners. Look into it.

 

[DoctorMom78]

Don't discount Family Medicine and Family Doctors. I have some of the greatest respect and admiration for these guys. They have to know a great deal about everything. Furthermore, the potential for income is incredible. If you learn and become comfortable with certain procedures, you can do very well. The three wealthiest doctors I've met in my life are Family Practitioners. Look into it.

Shhh...don't tell everyone that. Then everyone will want to do FM. LOL! Just kidding, it is not about the money at all. I am going into rural FM because I think it is the best way to help the most people. I also think it will be challenging because you do have to know so much. 🙂

 

[Toohotinvegas33]

On another not, if I remember correctly there are 3 or 4 osteopathic derm residencies. Also, I remember reading in a post a few weeks ago that 10% of all EM residency spots in the country are osteopathic, consequently, DO's have a better chance at getting an EM residency than allopathic doctors

there is actually 19 DO derm residencies,also 40 EM, 39 Surg, 11 Anes, 30 ortho, 18 ENT.....just to name a few.
http://opportunities.osteopathic.org/search/search.cfm

 

[DOEYEGUY]

Shhh...don't tell everyone that. Then everyone will want to do FM. LOL! Just kidding, it is not about the money at all. I am going into rural FM because I think it is the best way to help the most people. I also think it will be challenging because you do have to know so much. 🙂

Hey, I give you a ton of credit, If I wasn't such a horrific multitasker, I'd be all for FP... Not rural though... I'm a city boy at heart.

 

[DOEYEGUY]

there is actually 19 DO derm residencies,also 40 EM, 39 Surg, 11 Anes, 30 ortho, 18 ENT.....just to name a few.
http://opportunities.osteopathic.org/search/search.cfm

Don't forget the Eleven Ophthalmology residencies...😀