Medical Can I do Ortho?

[Mr.Smile12]

So I got my Step 1 scores back and I got a 229 which was far below my practice tests. I had scored 245s in practice tests. I had my heart set on Ortho but don't know if I could even match now.

As for my other stuff I got a $15,000 grant last year, am presenting an oral presentation at the AAMC conference this fall, and could have 2 first author papers, and maybe 4 other first author publications depending on if things work out well. That is in addition to other posters and abstracts I have done and another research project I am doing in Ortho. Service related things I am currently a Scout master.

So assuming I were to do well on my rotations and improve my step 2 score. In your opinions would I be able to match somewhere. My school hasn't decided AOA yet. Also one of the Dean's who will write my Dean's letter has gotten to know me really well and I know he will write me a really good Dean's letter. I don't really care so much top programs. I just want to know if someone in Ortho .might be interested.

Congratulations on the talk.

I'm not an expert in match selection but I do want to know what your Dean (who will write your letter) thinks about your ambition? He or she will have the best opportunity to champion you.

I met with him after I got my score and he didn't necessarily rule out Ortho but said I should have a plan B. I got an evaluation from him recently from a class I was in and he said I was one of the most hard working students he has worked with in 25 years. That sentence should show up in the Dean's letter along with other comments from rotations and the paragraph he will write at the end. He isn't Ortho though not sure if that's important.

 

[Goro]

According to this:

http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/NRMP-2018-Program-Director-Survey-for-WWW.pdf

It's not looking good. See page 89

 

[TMP-SMX]

I can give you similar advice for dermatology. It's possible especially at your home program but definitely dual apply if you are set on ortho. If there's another slightly less competitive specialty you could certainly pick that to have a better shot. I'm not sure what kind of opportunities there are for ortho for research fellowships but that's another alternative for dermatology whether taking a year off between M3/4 or after graduation and your PGY-1 year.