As a DO, is it necessary to take the USMLE for the following specialities....

[k1]

EM
Radiology

I'm curious if it is necessary to take the USMLE if you plan on practicing in the NYC area, where there is a high concentration of DO's. Thanks.

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[gasrx]

yes

 

[MSafur]

No, it is not necessary to take the USMLE for residency in these fields. There are AOA approved programs in these specialties in NYC as well as ACGME programs that accept the COMLEX. However, I would recommend taking it to increase your chances at "better" hospitals. Don't limit yourself, but be prepared to study a bit more for the USMLE (so I have been told by professors and students who took both).

Personally, I'm taking both since I want to come back home to NYC.

 

[acurarte]

Take the USMLE!!!!!!!! If you end up wanting an ACGME program you will need them!!!! I assure you that DO students who have taken USMLE have a much greater chance of getting a slot than those who did not.. I had multiple program directors in general surgery tell me exactly that.... It is not even a question in my book.

 

[migraineboy]

If you want an ACGME residency spot, take the USMLE regardless of what specialty you are looking into. It helps to level the playing field between you and the allopathic candidates.

 

[Mr. happy clown guy]

Take the USMLE step 1, DO NOT TAKE STEP 2. Nail the COMLEX 1 and 2.

 

[doughboy]

Don't leave any doors closed or regret not taking the USMLE. Worse case scenario is that you can cancel the test if you feel like you bombed. I too, had many program directors tell me that it was to my advantage to take the USMLE. Plus, during my interviews, most MD programs commented on my USMLE score and kind of just passed over my COMLEX. I even got a lot of early interviews because ERAS sends your USMLE score and not your COMLEX which is what the school sends out with your dean's letter.

 

[k1]

what subjects should I focus on to supplement my COMLEX studying? genetics? cell bio? thanks again.

 

[Mr. happy clown guy]

For step one, I wouldn't focus on anything different than you would for COMLEX. Just take MANY practice tests and study First Aid like the back of your hand.

 

[Dr Redcross]

Hey Mr Happy Clown Guy,
Why do you say NOT to take Step 2 of the USMLE for DO students?? I was curious about that because I have not taken the USMLE step 1 but planned on taking Step 2 right after taking COMLEX step 2..since the USMLE allows people to take the Steps 1 and 2 in EITHER order. My thinking was that many programs look at the Step 2 more heavily then the step one. By the way, i plan on applying for a ACGME surgery residency this up coming year. Thanks for your insight

 

[NurseyK]

Worst fears:

1) Kicking on COMLEX...doing "so-so" on USMLE
2) Having USMLE chock-full of "stats" and "research" <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />
3) Knowing that the allo EM Residency programs I'm looking at really don't mind, and DO know and understand COMLEX -- ie: "DO friendly" Residencies -- and still taking USMLE anyway when it doesn't "matter" (this according to the Residents that I've spoken to that are in the programs that I'm interested in)
4) Taking USMLE "FSAG" -- can I NOT report the scores if they are crap -- ie: bury the bad scores?

Any deep thoughts from the audience??

Thanks!

Kat

 

[jdaasbo]

just a remark about Doughboy's comment:

CCOM sends out our comlex scores as part of our ERAS package. I can't believe that CCOM is the only school to do this, moreover I cannot believe that DO schools that don't would be opposed to starting to do this.