chances of matching in Neurology residency?

[milliej]

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I was wondering if anyone can tell me what they think my chances are of matching in a Neurology residency. I'm a 4th year med student at a med school in the U.S and am considering Neurology. I did fairly well in my first two years of medical school (mostly A's), got a 232 on Step 1, and got mostly B's in my 3rd year. However, I did fail the shelf exam for surgery and ended up with a C in the rotation--most people got A's or B's. I am planning to take Neurology as an elective next month and am hoping to get good letters from faculty. Does anyone think that my poor grade in surgery will prohibit me from any Neurology residencies?? I've heard a few classmates say that some programs may not consider my application becuase of it.

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[Cali2007]

I am just imagining what I would think if I were the PD. I think that I would not mind much about your performance in subjects other than Neurology. However, I would like to see whether there is a consistent improvement in your grades (step 2 definitely helps) as well as your passion for Neurology. Everyone has ups and downs. In particular, most successful people have the lowest "downs" than "normal" counterparts. Take your "bad history" as your motivation for hard work and go for it!!

NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. Nothing except yourself can fail you!

 

[llogg]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me what they think my chances are of matching in a Neurology residency. I'm a 4th year med student at a med school in the U.S and am considering Neurology. I did fairly well in my first two years of medical school (mostly A's), got a 232 on Step 1, and got mostly B's in my 3rd year. However, I did fail the shelf exam for surgery and ended up with a C in the rotation--most people got A's or B's. I am planning to take Neurology as an elective next month and am hoping to get good letters from faculty. Does anyone think that my poor grade in surgery will prohibit me from any Neurology residencies?? I've heard a few classmates say that some programs may not consider my application becuase of it.

Thanks for any advice!!

I'd be surprised if any programs would eliminate you from consideration based on your grade in surgery, especially with a pretty good step 1 score. Neurology is, as I'm sure you know, not considered a terribly competitive field for residency, so I think your chances are still very good. Hopkins, UCSF, and the like may not consider you, but outside of top 5 programs you should be fine.

 

[organicmatter]

I too almost didn't pass surgery and got about the same step 1 score as you. Nobody ever brought it up at interviews. Just do your best from now on. Don't worry!

 

[milliej]

Thanks everyone! I was getting a little worried after talking with some of my classmates. I would like to try to get into a good Neurology programs and was very concerned that I wouldn't be able to because of my surgery grade.

I appreciate everyone's input.