Bombed Step 1/Level 1, do I have a shot?

[AdmiralChz]

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I think it's getting more competitive at the top but less competitive in general because there are too many spots. The people I met on the interview trail all had ridiculous resumes and would have had their choice of program in any field.

Absolutely right, there are a ton of spots which means ample opportunities for students across the board.

Interestingly, Many programs have been apparently satisfied with not filling during match and taking some high score SOAP'ers who didn't match Ortho/ENT/etc...

 

[BLADEMDA]

Absolutely right, there are a ton of spots which means ample opportunities for students across the board.

Interestingly, Many programs have been apparently satisfied with not filling during match and taking some high score SOAP'ers who didn't match Ortho/ENT/etc...

There is a big dichotomy between the upper tier and bottom tier programs. A top 10 program may have a median Step 1 score of 245 or more while a bottom 10 program could be just above passing for the median (step 1 of 200). That's quite a spread for the specialty. I imagine Internal Medicine is the same way these days.

 

[aimedicine]

OR he just doesnt quite know how to study for huge test yet, I like how people reduce you to ****** level because of one test that anyone can have a bad day on.

he scored 193...and followed it up with a 423 on the comlex...that's more than just having a bad day...that is lack of knowledge (which is usually linked to work ethic). I like how people talk about test taking strategy as if it's some code in the matrix that needs to be figured it out, its not that complicating man...gather the material, sit your butt down for 8-12hrs a day and read until you puke, reread, memorize, master, understand...rinse/repeat. seriously medicine is not that complicating to understand (it's not physics or rocket science..), it's just the volume of information that makes it overwhelming but that's easily address with giving yourself enough time to master the information.

 

[zero0]

There is a big dichotomy between the upper tier and bottom tier programs. A top 10 program may have a median Step 1 score of 245 or more while a bottom 10 program could be just above passing for the median (step 1 of 200). That's quite a spread for the specialty. I imagine Internal Medicine is the same way these days.

That's kind of reassuring, I guess. It seems like if you want anesthesia it'll happen. Still, I'm betting those bottom of the barrel programs are the kind to dump inordinate amounts of work on you, treat you like a slave, maybe even give you the axe for trivial reasons, and all in all make training miserable for 4 years. That's what I hear anyway. There's a reason no one wants to train there.

 

[BLADEMDA]

Some just have to take what they can get

 

[AdmiralChz]

As someone going through job applications now, I can say that where you train matters. That being said there are far more than 10 "solid" or "great" programs all over the country.

I think a very low tier (honestly I am not sure how to define or identify such programs - community based?) program could hurt in terms of lack of recognition and exposure. Then again there are so many open AMC positions, geographical flexibility will likely guarantee a job as long as you are pleasant.

 

[sugarx]

it's been done. this is what you do:

1. don't b a weirdo
2. audition at home, and at ****ty midwest programs
a. there's not much you can do in auditions. just have to show that you're trainable and you work hard.
3. apply to every program.
a. honestly you'll have better luck with small, ****ty, ACGME programs over the 13 (maybe now 14?) AOA programs. apply to all.
4. offer sacrifices to the match gods
5. have a back up family medicine program director on speed dial - ensure that he has a spot for you in case you don't match.

also know that there are A LOT of standardized exams in anesthesia. have excuses ready for why you did so poorly when they ask you on interviews. DO NOT use my excuse ("Wait, you mean i just have to PASS? Don't worry, PD of my #1 choice, I always get the P." hello second choice.)

also try positive affirmations.