Chances for IM

[chancesforim]

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Hey everyone,

Hoping for a realistic view on my chances for IM. I am currently finishing up an MPH degree at top-tier program in the world between my third and fourth years.

Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with dyslexia after I took my Step I. I had NO idea that I even had it.

Step I: 199
Step II: 256

Third year grades: IM: H, OB: H, Psych: H, Surgery: H, FM: HP, and Peds: H

Rest of my CV: a couple first author publications, worked for the WHO/UN, featured speaker at conferences (nationally and locally), TEDxtalk, worked with a world-renowned physician during my MPH year who is willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation, aways planned at a couple programs.

Graduating from a US MD school (top 50). I am really hoping that some program in the country will take me. My top choice is Albert Einstein's Montefiore (am I even allowed to have a choice?) At this point, I am hoping to match into a decent academic university.

Am I being realistic here? All I can say is that I have been working my tail off. During my third year, I literally woke-up at 4 AM to study everyday and studied after I left the hospital until bedtime.

At this point, I am thinking I might not even get any interviews because of my Step I score. What do you guys think? The possibility of not ever practicing medicine because of a test score is so scary because medicine/PH is what I love and I can't imagine waking up to not do what you love the most.

PS - also working on a book geared for med students

 

[sloop]

Don't know that much about IM residencies and I'm only a third year. You might get better responses in the IM forum. That said here's my (somewhat uninformed) impression:

You will probably get a bunch of interviews. Your Step 1 is not good, but you did well on Step II and rotations. You're a U.S. Allopathic grad. You didn't fail any courses as far as you've told us. You have a masters. I don't know who you're talking to that you think you might not get any interviews. It seems clear that you will get interviews.

That said, there will probably be places that won't consider you because of your Step 1. Don't you have an advisor at your school who you can talk with about what programs are realistic for you? Just make sure you apply to a bunch of realistic programs and I imagine you'd be fine.

 

[jdh71]

feel like moving this?? @gutonc

 

[Meridian32]

Your excellent Step 2 score and third year record should go a long way towards compensating for your Step 1 score. If your goal is to match at a "decent" academic IM program, I think you will get there. Good luck and enjoy fourth year!

 

[J ROD]

You will get a spot. Maybe not at the top. But def middle or better.

You have solid everything except a Step 1 that you can explain with a medical reason. No worries.

 

[chancesforim]

Nope, haven't failed any courses @sloop . I presume I should probably meet with my Deans at some point.

 

[235009]

Apply very broadly and don't hesitate to send letters of interest if you don't hear from programs. You'll find places that will be forgiving but you might fall through the cracks of some initial filters at programs that are inundated with too many highly qualified applicants (like those in nyc)

 

[chancesforim]

Apply very broadly and don't hesitate to send letters of interest if you don't hear from programs. You'll find places that will be forgiving but you might fall through the cracks of some initial filters at programs that are inundated with too many highly qualified applicants (like those in nyc)

Thank you for your input, MeatTornado. I know it will be difficult to match into Einstein, but they have a particular IM residency geared for Primary Care/Social Medicine. I guess I will just have to cross my fingers and see what happens.

 

[235009]

Thank you for your input, MeatTornado. I know it will be difficult to match into Einstein, but they have a particular IM residency geared for Primary Care/Social Medicine. I guess I will just have to cross my fingers and see what happens.

You should look into other urban programs (like BU, temple and Drexel) that likely have have similar tracks but where the residents aren't completely miserable.

 

[Donald Juan]

You sound very strong outside of your step 1. I agree with above that you should call programs you don't hear from because some might screen you out, but actually give you fair consideration on a closer look. I would consider doing an audition away or two in fourth year at programs you actually want to go to.

 

[cyanide12345678]

You'll get in for sure. Just apply broadly (*cough* 70 - 100 programs *cough*). Likely you're looking at a middle tier.

 

[chancesforim]

Good to know! This is such a dreadful experience. One test can literally separate you from your institution of choice. If I hadn't completely bombed Step I, I might have had a shot at some top tier programs. Oh well.

 

[Merely]

I would be shocked if you did not match somewhere. You have a strong app and aside from the horrible step score, which you made up for with step 2, you wont have any problems.

 

[JimmyB123]

I bet you'll match better than DOs/IMGs even with that slip on your step 1.

 

[Merely]

how does one get diagnosed with dyslexia randomly wouldnt you pick up on that when youre..idk reading a book

 

[sloop]

how does one get diagnosed with dyslexia randomly wouldnt you pick up on that when youre..idk reading a book

This really depends on how severe your dyslexia is and how good you are at compensating. Learning disorders are often evident in childhood, but it's possible for people with fairly mild learning disorders/related conditions but high IQ and adaptability to compensate well up to a fairly high attainment ceiling. Especially with dyslexia/dyscalculia, etc. the deficits can be especially pronounced on standardized testing because the time pressures involved interfere with a lot of the ways these people cope. Not everyone with dyslexia is totally illiterate.

 

[chipwhitley]

You should look into other urban programs (like BU, temple and Drexel) that likely have have similar tracks but where the residents aren't completely miserable.

I heard that BU was miserable too?

 

[235009]

I heard that BU was miserable too?

You heard wrong

 

[chipwhitley]

You heard wrong

Are you in the Boston area? Just curious.

 

[235009]

Just curious.

PM me if you have specific questions