chances

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hey guys I have a question..my situation is that i will be graduating from a european school...I had to take step one twice second time passing with only a 79..i have not taken step two yet..but already I am really disheartened..i was wondering if somebody could tell me if i really have a chance in pediatrics...that would really me decide..but peds is what i really want to do..but feel like i should choose fp just becuase i have a better chance of matching..please any info would be greatly appreciated..

 

[14022]

There are ALWAYS more spots available for pediatrics than applicants. If you want to do peds, I would definately go for it. There are decent programs that go unfilled every year, even some in desireable areas. Even if you do not match, it will be easy to scramble into peds or fp, as both will have spots available. Even if you want to subspecialize, there are several peds subspecialties that are begging for applicants year after year, such as pulm, rheum, and nephro. I have even heard of rheum and nephro fellowship programs offering hefty stipends to try and attract applicants into the field.

In the meantime, do whatever you can to improve your application. Study very hard for step 2 and do as well as you can. Step 2 is probably just as important as step 1 for specialties like peds and fp, since they are very clinically-oriented fields, unlike say radiology and pathology, for example.

 

[APACHE3]

I graduated from European school and start my residency in IM in July. The repeat step 1, is not great, but if you can improve on the Step 2 score, as stated above, you WILL find a spot. My board scores were good , not great, but passed all on 1st attempt. strategy, I applied to 30 programs and got 15 interviews, and even turned some interviews down. so you should at least apply to 40 or more. Its a game of numbers. Take NBME BEFORE step 2. AT least score 420+ on NBME to ensure you will pass. You need to pass on first time if possible. You wont get top academic spot, but is not necessary. GL

 

[doctalk]

hey guys thank you for the vote of confidence that really makes me feel better..i will study really hard for step two and try my best to get a decent score...this makes me really happy..once again thanks..