application

[anawannabe]

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I just decided on anesthesiology, after having decided against my previous 1st choice. I have no idea how competitive anesthesia is. Can someone give me feedback on how stong my app might be?

D.O. Student
Step I: 231 (94)
COMLEX Step I: 692 (99th percentile)
Class Rank: 29/207 (top 14%)
Research: Should be 1st author on 2-3 papers in another field, 1 abstact accepted at a national conference. Some research undergrad and post undergrad (no pubs from these)
Rotations: Probably will only have 1 solid rotation month in anesthesia (any suggestions where? prefer somewhere south west), and have 2 additional weeks at a private group.
Letters: Probably 1 from a major place, 1 from a smaller place, and some other outstanding ones, but geared towards another highly competitive field.

How does this app fair? Any suggestions on places that are open to D.O.'s? Thanks for the help as I really am clueless on this process in this field.

 

[UTSouthwestern]

You will be very competitive and should get interviews to most programs you apply to. I am not aware of any programs that would NOT accept DO's (someone correct me if I'm mistaken). Use your one month to work at a place you have a strong interest in attending, but apply quickly as most programs only take a set number of medical student rotators each month and many have already filled their spots.

Good luck.

 

[VentdependenT]

You're set. Enjoy interview season.

 

[Idiopathic]

Im in a similar position, although I decided on anesthesia back in March, so I had time to set up 2 aways. I have heard nothing but positive feedback and we are in similar positions (DO, good board scores, published, etc.). You should be okay, but just make sure that you have an explanation for "why anesthesia?" and "why the late switch?" But being able to answer these questions positively could really help your application anyway...sort of like you "saw the light" and all. Good luck.

 

[Sugar72]

Maybe I can PM you the list of programs I am applying to this year so you could NOT apply to them since I don't want to compete against you!!!

 

[anawannabe]

Maybe I made my application sound better than it is. At interview time I will have NO anesthesia rotations or letters. I have strong letters but they are all geared to another highly competitive field.

At interview time I will have no publications. They will not be "publications" for about another 6 mo -1 year, give or take.

I dont feel that strong about my app under those circumstances

Maybe I can PM you the list of programs I am applying to this year so you could NOT apply to them since I don't want to compete against you!!!

 

[UTSouthwestern]

Maybe I made my application sound better than it is. At interview time I will have NO anesthesia rotations or letters. I have strong letters but they are all geared to another highly competitive field.

At interview time I will have no publications. They will not be "publications" for about another 6 mo -1 year, give or take.

I dont feel that strong about my app under those circumstances

Doesn't matter. Strong letters are still strong letters. If they are coming from another highly competitive field, it can only enhance your standing.

 

[gentamicin]

hi,

i too am in a similar situation:

1. DO
2. 236/95 on USMLE step 1, comlex 50%ile
3. exact class rank unknown but somewhere around the 50%ile,
4. did not publish
5. one good LOR from anesth and the rest are good too, but from another competitive field that I've decided against
6. good clinical grades overall but received a B in anesthesia since I didn't think I was going to apply for anesthesia at the time and therefore, didn't work as hard.

1. so what are my chances of matching?
2. what are my chances of matching at a program in west coast?
3. should i do another sub-i in anesth and get another letter, and if so is october too late?
4. would AMA programs look at my average comlex score? and, can I not report it?

Please advise!

Thanks