Chances at an unopposed FM with decent Step1, mediocre grades, no research

[verren]

Hey! First time poster here with a question that I've jumbled my head thinking over for a bit.

I'm a MS3, Step 1 of 239, all pass in preclinical years. I've only just started rotations, but given my own honest assessment of myself, I don't anticipate many Honors-- pass and some high-pass, *maybe* one or two honors, is a fair prediction. I have no research (besides basic science work in undergrad--hated it and really hope to get through the rest of my life without touching research) and my only significant extracurricular was a free clinic which I was heavily involved with in MS1/2 (hoping to get involved a bit in MS3/4, but a bit difficult when I'm not in the city during rotations).

I'm really interested in full-scope FM, but I've been dealing with some conflicting info about how easy it is/isn't to match into a FM residency, especially an unopposed one (preferably in Cali/West Coast, which is an additional obstacle because I'm East Coast born and bred). My school is a private 'specialist-producer' and the common answer to my question is "You passed Step? You'll have your pick of FM"--which I know is blatantly and utterly untrue. I know my score is decent, but I'm not sure if it makes up for the lackluster portions of my CV.

So what are my odds of getting into a good full-scope-ish unopposed FM program? (and how much do I need to crush clerkships/step 2 to become a competitive candidate?)

As examples, I'm thinking of programs like the much-mentioned Ventura, Contra Costa, unopposed Kaiser sites, Santa Rosa, Modesto. Basically unopposed full scope sites within the vicinity of the Bay area. (You know what I mean--relative vicinity)

Sorry for the long post (hence bolding the main points lol). Hoping for some insight from those who know more!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[hallowmann]

Hey! First time poster here with a question that I've jumbled my head thinking over for a bit.

I'm a MS3, Step 1 of 239, all pass in preclinical years. I've only just started rotations, but given my own honest assessment of myself, I don't anticipate many Honors-- pass and some high-pass, *maybe* one or two honors, is a fair prediction. I have no research (besides basic science work in undergrad--hated it and really hope to get through the rest of my life without touching research) and my only significant extracurricular was a free clinic which I was heavily involved with in MS1/2 (hoping to get involved a bit in MS3/4, but a bit difficult when I'm not in the city during rotations).

I'm really interested in full-scope FM, but I've been dealing with some conflicting info about how easy it is/isn't to match into a FM residency, especially an unopposed one (preferably in Cali/West Coast, which is an additional obstacle because I'm East Coast born and bred). My school is a private 'specialist-producer' and the common answer to my question is "You passed Step? You'll have your pick of FM"--which I know is blatantly and utterly untrue. I know my score is decent, but I'm not sure if it makes up for the lackluster portions of my CV.

So what are my odds of getting into a good full-scope-ish unopposed FM program? (and how much do I need to crush clerkships/step 2 to become a competitive candidate?)

As examples, I'm thinking of programs like the much-mentioned Ventura, Contra Costa, unopposed Kaiser sites, Santa Rosa, Modesto. Basically unopposed full scope sites within the vicinity of the Bay area. (You know what I mean--relative vicinity)

Sorry for the long post (hence bolding the main points lol). Hoping for some insight from those who know more!

I would work hard to get in the extra curriculars that really demonstrate a devotion to FM. I'd also go to AAFP at some point, especially if you're an East coast applicant with interest in the west, but basically no other way to get fast time.

You're step and grades aren't going to hold you back from anywhere, and you should be able to find plenty of unopposed full spectrum programs that want you.

The real issue is how competitive the west coast is. I honestly don't know (on the spectrum of FM they're pretty competitive), but I would try my best to do a SubI at Ventura, Contra Costa, Sutter Santa Rosa, etc. if that's your goal. If you like the program and they like you, that would be huge.

There's a few residents on this forum from Ventura and I think Natividad, and a few other CA programs though, so maybe they can give you some insight.

 

[verren]

I would work hard to get in the extra curriculars that really demonstrate a devotion to FM. I'd also go to AAFP at some point, especially if you're an East coast applicant with interest in the west, but basically no other way to get fast time.

You're step and grades aren't going to hold you back from anywhere, and you should be able to find plenty of unopposed full spectrum programs that want you.

The real issue is how competitive the west coast is. I honestly don't know (on the spectrum of FM they're pretty competitive), but I would try my best to do a SubI at Ventura, Contra Costa, Sutter Santa Rosa, etc. if that's your goal. If you like the program and they like you, that would be huge.

There's a few residents on this forum from Ventura and I think Natividad, and a few other CA programs though, so maybe they can give you some insight.

thanks for the advice! sorry for the late reply, discovered that my dorm's internet blocks forum sites lol.

 

[tapatio4life]

Hey! First time poster here with a question that I've jumbled my head thinking over for a bit.

I'm a MS3, Step 1 of 239, all pass in preclinical years. I've only just started rotations, but given my own honest assessment of myself, I don't anticipate many Honors-- pass and some high-pass, *maybe* one or two honors, is a fair prediction. I have no research (besides basic science work in undergrad--hated it and really hope to get through the rest of my life without touching research) and my only significant extracurricular was a free clinic which I was heavily involved with in MS1/2 (hoping to get involved a bit in MS3/4, but a bit difficult when I'm not in the city during rotations).

I'm really interested in full-scope FM, but I've been dealing with some conflicting info about how easy it is/isn't to match into a FM residency, especially an unopposed one (preferably in Cali/West Coast, which is an additional obstacle because I'm East Coast born and bred). My school is a private 'specialist-producer' and the common answer to my question is "You passed Step? You'll have your pick of FM"--which I know is blatantly and utterly untrue. I know my score is decent, but I'm not sure if it makes up for the lackluster portions of my CV.

So what are my odds of getting into a good full-scope-ish unopposed FM program? (and how much do I need to crush clerkships/step 2 to become a competitive candidate?)

As examples, I'm thinking of programs like the much-mentioned Ventura, Contra Costa, unopposed Kaiser sites, Santa Rosa, Modesto. Basically unopposed full scope sites within the vicinity of the Bay area. (You know what I mean--relative vicinity)

Sorry for the long post (hence bolding the main points lol). Hoping for some insight from those who know more!

If your going for west coast unopposed programs like Santa Rosa all you need to do is check the biographies for current residents:
1. Be female
2. Be passionate about serving the poor and minorities
3. Come from a top school; I'd imagine most of these students have good grade/score backgrounds
4. Know spanish (lot of latino/mexican populations in northern california