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Average guy trying for radonc

Discussion in 'Radiation Oncology' started by douwe egberts, Aug 7, 2011.

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  1. douwe egberts

    douwe egberts

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    Hi everyone! Long time creeper, first time poster!

    I am a MS3 at average US MD school, and am very interested in radonc.

    My stats:
    -Average in my class ~50th percentile, passed every class in first two years.
    -Two previous research experiences, 1 poster presentation, both unrelated to radonc
    -Step 1: 228

    I know I am a borderline applicant (given my step 1 score) however, I intend on taking a year off after 3rd year to pursue radonc research, which I am doing because I love research and really want to learn more about this specialty.

    I guess I have two questions for you guys:

    1) After completing the year of radonc research, given my stats, what are my chances in matching radonc residency? I would be exceptionally happy matching ANYWHERE. Also, what tier programs would I be competitive at? Lower tier? Mid tier?

    2) In terms of doing the year off, would you recommend going to the highest ranked program (where you may get the most influential LOR) or going wherever the best (most publishable) project is?

    Also, if anyone has had any experience doing a year off of research, I would love to hear any advice you may have.

    Thank you so much- this forum rocks and is so helpful to people like me.
     
    #1 douwe egberts, Aug 7, 2011
  2. RadOncDoc21

    RadOncDoc21
    7+ Year Member

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    Pretty much my story. Just stay hungry and keep at it is all I can say. I almost gave up too soon and I'm so glad I didn't.

    Just work hard everyday and do the most you can and once you're in work harder!

    Good luck!

    -R
     
    #2 RadOncDoc21, Aug 7, 2011
  3. Gfunk6

    Gfunk6 And to think . . . I hesitated
    Physician PhD Faculty Moderator Emeritus Lifetime Donor Verified Expert Verified Account 10+ Year Member

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    [​IMG]
     
    #3 Gfunk6, Aug 7, 2011
  4. Brim

    Brim
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    :thumbup:
     
    #4 Brim, Aug 11, 2011
  5. OP
    OP
    douwe egberts

    douwe egberts

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    Any input as to what tier programs would I be competitive at? I'm guessing lower tier at best. What do you guys think?
     
    #5 douwe egberts, Aug 14, 2011
  6. Carotenoid

    Carotenoid
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    thank you all for the encouragement (just like the esteemed author of the initial post in this thread, I consider myself "an average guy", but feel very passionate about Rad Onc and I think I could contribute a lot).

    I hope I can do it!!!
     
    #6 Carotenoid, Aug 15, 2011
  7. AmericanMD

    AmericanMD
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    Bump. Noob 3rd year here, stats very similar to OP. What if I don't want to take a year off to research and just work my butt off between now and fourth year? Thanks to any who reply.
     
    #7 AmericanMD, Sep 7, 2011
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