Chances at surgery without SubI or Audition rotations in time for interviews

[MarsDominus]

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[anon6134]

As a DO probably not great. Continue to apply for GS subI's via VSAS. I don't know how many apps you have out but last year I switched into a different specialty late and had >60 applications out for a month before I secured a spot. Reach out to everyone, get on waitlists, express your interest. That said grab those two letters as well as a third so your ERAS app is atleast ready to go

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

It's hard to say. Sub-Is are most definitely beneficial for a DO applying GS but if your app is otherwise solid you would probably still get some interviews if you applied broadly enough, especially if you are applying only community. I'm talking like 100ish apps to community/low tier programs that have DOs currently on the roster.

I agree with the above poster that you need to continue to do whatever you can to secure sub-is at some of these programs as they can help get your foot in the door.

Edit: One thing that didn't get mentioned is you essentially NEED 3 letters from surgeons. One letter from a preceptor isn't going to cut it. Preferably you should get one from a PD/Chair/someone connected to a residency program.

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

Thanks for the response. With regards to letters, would a letter from my school general surgery chair count?

From my understanding yes.

 

[afib123]

from a Md school all you need is a sub-i for general surgery and avg step 1 score to have a decent match.
For DO not sure. See if there are any threads for gen surg DO students

 

[mrbreakfast]

You don't have enough letters which is an issue. Try to get in another surgery rotation before ERAS.

 

[mrbreakfast]

I will have two letters as stated above and one from my schools General Surgery chair. Will that be good enough?

I did read your post and counted your letters.

-Ideal (for any specialty): chair letter + 3 letters from people in specialty
-you have: chair letter, 1 letter from person in specialty, 1 from somewhat related specialty

You're going to have to ask a surgeon but I'm pretty sure subspecialty letters aren't great for GS. Someone might think you're dual applying and got lazy with your backup letters. Everyone I know who applied/is applying to GS, even dual applying, used exclusively GS letters.

Regardless, you at least need a fourth letter.

 

[differentiating]

I did read your post and counted your letters.

-Ideal (for any specialty): chair letter + 3 letters from people in specialty
-you have: chair letter, 1 letter from person in specialty, 1 from somewhat related specialty

You're going to have to ask a surgeon but I'm pretty sure subspecialty letters aren't great for GS. Someone might think you're dual applying and got lazy with your backup letters. Everyone I know who applied/is applying to GS, even dual applying, used exclusively GS letters.

Regardless, you at least need a fourth letter.

To be clear: for most specialties, having 1-2 letters from that specialty in particular is plenty, and you’re better off going with strong letters past that even if they’re less relevant. Gen surg sounds like the exception to the rule.

That being said, OP, I’d think having at least one sub-I in the field you’re applying into is crucial. You’re competing against people who do 2-3 sub-Is and have strong, gen surg-focused apps.

 

[StormRising]

Thanks for the input. My understanding is that audition rotations should be where you want to go for residency. With regards to Sub-Is, can it be at a place where there is no residency program?

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[differentiating]

Thanks for the input. My understanding is that audition rotations should be where you want to go for residency. With regards to Sub-Is, can it be at a place where there is no residency program?

A sub-I is functioning as an intern, so it’s technically possible to do one at a place without a program, but I doubt it will be valued as highly. I’d think it’s better than nothing if it’s your only option, but obviously sub-Is are better with a residency attached. Can you talk to your school/home program to see if they can help you find a spot?