Chances of Matching with gap in CV?

[SimonSez]

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I am an IMG (graduated 2007) who completed Steps one and two and am hoping to apply for the 2011 match.
After graduating in 2007 I completed one year internship and then then worked for 7 months as a resident in internal medicine (during which I did my Step 2).
However, I resigned my post in order to study for Step 1 (I would have liked to have studied for it while working but my work hours were crazy and I hadn't covered basic sciences stuff for about 3 years...so I felt I needed time off work to study).
As a result I would have a 6 month gap in my CV when applying for US residency.
My question is how strongly would this gap effect my chances of matching into a good program?

 

[SimonSez]

Any input would be greatly appreciated

 

[Doctor Grim]

I am an IMG (graduated 2007) who completed Steps one and two and am hoping to apply for the 2011 match.
After graduating in 2007 I completed one year internship and then then worked for 7 months as a resident in internal medicine (during which I did my Step 2).
However, I resigned my post in order to study for Step 1 (I would have liked to have studied for it while working but my work hours were crazy and I hadn't covered basic sciences stuff for about 3 years...so I felt I needed time off work to study).
As a result I would have a 6 month gap in my CV when applying for US residency.
My question is how strongly would this gap effect my chances of matching into a good program?

It depends on what residency you're looking at and how competitive the residency is. Medical students/doctors should be able to get good scores on their steps if they study for it full time. So even if you score high in the 90s full time, it doesn't really give you an edge because of the gap on your CV (this is from my experience after serving on the resident selection committee as a chief resident). If I were you, I would not step away from medicine completely. Perhaps you would want to volunteer in some doctor's office or hospital on a part-time basis so that you don't have a gap on your CV.

You will have to explain any gaps on your CV to the medical boards.

Just my 0.02.

 

[SimonSez]

It depends on what residency you're looking at and how competitive the residency is. Medical students/doctors should be able to get good scores on their steps if they study for it full time. So even if you score high in the 90s full time, it doesn't really give you an edge because of the gap on your CV (this is from my experience after serving on the resident selection committee as a chief resident). If I were you, I would not step away from medicine completely. Perhaps you would want to volunteer in some doctor's office or hospital on a part-time basis so that you don't have a gap on your CV.

You will have to explain any gaps on your CV to the medical boards.

Just my 0.02.

Thanks for the reply.
I did Step 2 while working (done Jan 2009). I resigned to prepare for Step 1 (left work last week in March 2009; took Step 1 on July 7th 2009 and plan to resume work by mid September 2009).
During this time though, in addition to studying for the Step 1, I was also involved in a research project with the last Consultant I worked with. The project is still ongoing and hopefully will be published.Would this help my chances any?
I would like to match into an Internal Medicine program.

My USMLE scores are as follows:
Step 1 : 255/99
Step 2 : 262/99

 

[JMK2005]

Are you talking taking time off for step 3??

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Honestly, a 6 month gap on your CV is not going to be a deal breaker for most, and it sounds like you were doing some research then anyway. I would not worry about this. Besides, there isn't anything you can do about it now.

 

[SimonSez]

Are you talking taking time off for step 3??

I wasn't planning on doing Step 3 before applying for residency. When I am ready to write it I won't be taking time off though (probably wouldn't be able to take time off even if I wanted to!). I did my Step 2 while working. The only reason I took time off to get ready for Step 1 was because I hadn't done much preclinical stuff in over 3 years and felt I needed the extra time to re-introduce myself to the material.
In retrospect I should have gritted my teeth and studied while working anyway. Too late to do anything about that now though.

 

[SimonSez]

Honestly, a 6 month gap on your CV is not going to be a deal breaker for most, and it sounds like you were doing some research then anyway. I would not worry about this. Besides, there isn't anything you can do about it now.

Thanks for the reply. I'll hope for the best and see how things work out.

 

[hyperspaces]

Stuff happens. Life happens. So do layoffs, new babies, sick relatives, and a host of other occurrences that can result in a significant gap in your resume. Also, many times, employees who are "in-between" jobs take contract or consulting assignments. List that experience in the Professional Experience section of your resume.