As a DO student applying to IM, should I take USMLE Step 2?

[Inquiringmind24]

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So here's the deal. I'm a 3rd year DO student and I decided that I want to apply to allopathic IM programs with plans to pursue a fellowship (not sure in what yet). Along with COMLEX, I took USLME Step 1 and scored a 230. Being that my step 1 score wasn't too bad, would it be worth my while to take USMLE Step 2 when applying to allopathic IM programs? Or should I just plan on calling program directors and asking them? Any advice would be appreciated since I'm not thrilled about spending another $500 on another exam. Thanks.

 

[DreamJob]

So here's the deal. I'm a 3rd year DO student and I decided that I want to apply to allopathic IM programs with plans to pursue a fellowship (not sure in what yet). Along with COMLEX, I took USLME Step 1 and scored a 230. Being that my step 1 score wasn't too bad, would it be worth my while to take USMLE Step 2 when applying to allopathic IM programs? Or should I just plan on calling program directors and asking them? Any advice would be appreciated since I'm not thrilled about spending another $500 on another exam. Thanks.

Congrats on the good step 1. No need to take step 2 unless you want to go to a highly competitive IM program. Your score will land you a very good university program aslong as you don't have any red flags. You could always take step 2 after sept. 1st and if your score improves re-send your applications.

Best of luck.

 

[Terpskins99]

So here's the deal. I'm a 3rd year DO student and I decided that I want to apply to allopathic IM programs with plans to pursue a fellowship (not sure in what yet). Along with COMLEX, I took USLME Step 1 and scored a 230. Being that my step 1 score wasn't too bad, would it be worth my while to take USMLE Step 2 when applying to allopathic IM programs? Or should I just plan on calling program directors and asking them? Any advice would be appreciated since I'm not thrilled about spending another $500 on another exam. Thanks.

Also a 3rd year here, but figured I'd answer since nobody else is.

Personally, I don't think you need to. What would be the point? Step I 230 is a high enough score to match at most allopathic IM programs. As for prestigious sites like Hopkins or Mass Gen? Well, being a DO you'd probably already have needed a ridiculous Step I score to even be considered (this goes for allopathic grads at lesser known programs trying to match here too)... a perfect Step II CK score isn't going to make a difference.

 

[predodoc]

Good info guys. I have almost the exact situation with simular scores. Ive narrowed it down to IM and FM unless I find something I fall in love with before summer.

So you would recommend taking comlex 2 after sept.? Ive been hearing mixed opinions from my school and SDN. I really would like to match at a good program like emory or vandy but I dont want to shoot myself in the foot with a below avg score on comlex

 

[Terpskins99]

Good info guys. I have almost the exact situation with simular scores. Ive narrowed it down to IM and FM unless I find something I fall in love with before summer.

So you would recommend taking comlex 2 after sept.? Ive been hearing mixed opinions from my school and SDN. I really would like to match at a good program like emory or vandy but I dont want to shoot myself in the foot with a below avg score on comlex

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I just checked Emory and Vandy's internal medicine program. I didn't see a single DO among their residents.

 

[predodoc]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I just checked Emory and Vandy's internal medicine program. I didn't see a single DO among their residents.

Well, I wasnt sure about IM but I know they have some DO's in FM(Emory). I really didnt know how competitive they are but I think I have a decent shot if I did a rotation with them. Unless they were super-Anti DO of course. Someone please let me know if they are.

 

[Terpskins99]

Well, I wasnt sure about IM but I know they have some DO's in FM(Emory). I really didnt know how competitive they are but I think I have a decent shot if I did a rotation with them. Unless they were super-Anti DO of course. Someone please let me know if they are.

Emory and Vanderbilt are both old school with regard to medicine. You'll have a difficult time finding flexible-minded programs of their stature in the Southeast.