Back-up

[ophthowannabe1]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hello forum,

I am an M3 from a non top 50 med school. I have done alright during my first three years (ie. top 1/3, all honors or high pass clinical, 1 publication, several posters, public service, etc). However, my Step 1 score is not excellent at 227. But I am very passionate about the opportunity to be an ophthalmologist, so I am going to shoot for the stars.

My question is related to the reality of my predicament. I know that my chances of matching are marginal based upon the newest data for this class. So I need to have a back up plan. How do people normally go about applying for ophtho along with another specialty? It seems that it would be very difficult to do both applications at the same time, so I was hoping to have some guidance from those with more knowledge.

Thanks

 

[DOCnAbox]

Try to get a solid step two score and get some case reports published. Do away rotations and hope for the best. If you don't match you can do a research fellowship and have a good chance of matching the second time even with sub par step scores

 

[ophthowannabe1]

Thanks for your response! I have looked at the data for the most recent match. It says that 23 US grads matched this time around, but it doesn't state how many US grads applied. Does anyone know what the match rate is for a US grad after taking time off to do ophtho research?

I don't want to waste a year on research if my chances of matching still aren't very high, especially since that will make me less competitive for my eventual residency spot in internal medicine (since I would be applying as a US grad instead of US senior)

 

[peter2013]

I don't know what the match rate is for US grads. I also don't know how to approach applying to two specialties.

But, if you're really set on ophthalmology, a research year before you apply the first time around might be a good option. That would give you a chance to dominate Step 2, hopefully get some publications, and get some really good letters of recommendation.

 

[DOCnAbox]

I agree. It may be in your best interest to take a year off school and do research somewhere cool, then apply as a US senior.

 

[DrZeke]

Read through other threads on this topic. You're not dead in the water.

You would benefit from:

1) publication

2) a step 2 score in the 240s

A research year is something everyone recommends but you need a mentor and a plan. It's not just something you do without careful thought. It's not necessary.

I would recommend against double applying. I gave my reasons in another thread.

In the past 2 years, Ive known people who have matched with step 1 from 215 and up. Several of the people with lower scores did not take a year off, but they had published some case reports and reviews.

Good luck

 

[ophthowannabe1]

Thanks to everyone for your informative responses. I am caught at a crossroads! I am getting different information from different sources. My Dean of Students told me today that if I don't match as a US senior this year, then I have little chance of matching as a US grad.

I will work hard to get a couple publications out, but I just don't know whether I should take a year off for research, apply and hope for the best with a coinciding research year if I don't match, or double apply.

Dr. Zeke, I know you mentioned good treads from the past...I looked in the past threads, but I want to make sure I have the one you have in mind. Do you mind sending it this way, if it isn't too much trouble.

I just want to make the most educated decision possible!

 

[DrZeke]

I'm on my phone so I can't really copy paste that well...

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/ind... Basic Science vs. Clinical Research.1012149/

This post by linevasel:

Good discussing years off

And then another one by him/her:

Discussing advice for matching

And then I have a post about not applying for backup. You can find all posts by going to people's profiles and looking under "posts" and you get a pretty good idea of the topic.

 

[FuschiaGazelle]

I also have known many students in the past few years who have matched with Step 1 scores in the 220s. The caveat to this, however, is that they had otherwise outstanding applications. If you feel that you have actively participated in your community with exemplary public service, have demonstrated your commitment to the field of ophthalmology through research and case reports/publications, will have strong LORs from ophthalmologists, and are a strong interviewer, then I would not be discouraged from applying.

Board scores and grades are certainly not everything in this specialty. If they aren't your strong suit, there are other ways to demonstrate that you are well qualified and a fit for the profession.

One option to consider is only applying for Prelim Medicine or Prelim Surgery positions for your intern year. That way, if you don't match in to ophtho you could potentially parlay one of those prelim experiences into a categorical position.