Comlex/usmle

[docman85]

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So I know similar questions have been asked but not exactly to the point that I was wanting to know.

I am contemplating whether or not to take the USMLE (even though I am still a first year I have started to give this some thought.) My thought process is this....

For the time being I would like to get into a ACGME EM residency somewhere in the south. By taking and doing well on COMLEX I would stand a chance at many places correct? But if I failed/did poorly on the USMLE then that would degrade my existing stellar score on COMLEX thus closing doors to nearly all ACGME programs

Based on this would this be the smarter move to try and ace COMLEX (obviously try to ace any test you take) and then don't take USMLE, or try to risk it all by adding the additional test?!?!?

 

[hackinmage]

The only problem with this, and i've heard this from residency directors, is that if it's a MD residency (and you lucky DO's get to apply to those and not vice versa) they have no reference range so it might put you at a disadvantage. BUT they also said they wouldn't hold it against you soooo take it with a grain of salt?

 

[daveyjwin]

As a DO who only took the COMLEX and got a good EM residency... take the USMLE too. I wish I had, and while it's a pain in the ass and a fair amount of money, it opens doors to a whole new world of residencies, especially if you do well. Not to mention that if you get into a three year MD residency vs a four year DO residency, you save a whole year's worth of attending salary.

 

[docman85]

thanks guys, my only hold up would be doing decent on COMLEX and horrible on USMLE. What if someone skipped USMLE step 1 but took step 2 later, would this open those "closed doors" so to speak?

 

[MountainEM]

are not going to get a straight answer on this. It is a gray area.

If you are testing well on pre-tests and question banks then take USMLE 1. If not, double think it. Study for the USMLE and then sprinkle a little OMM on for the comlex. I took both and did great on both. I also know someone that did not pass USMLE 1 and so he shot himself in the foot. It is totally specific to you and where you want to go. Lots of people do skip USMLE 1 and take USMLE 2 to show the residencies that they do fine on an ACGME test but this makes little since to me since they seem to use step 1 more in interview screening.

Evaluate your test taking skills and go from there. I took both and am glad I did but MANY allo residencies will take comlex...

 

[EM2BE]

Are you now forced to report the USMLE scores? I know this year we didn't have to report them in our applications.

 

[Medic813]

I only took COMLEX. I got a 3 yr allo EM residency, but beware that the southeast wants USMLE. I got lots of interviews from the North and Midwest. Since you go to VCOM you need to do rotations at 3 EM programs in the Southeast during the elective months of your fourth year (Do them during August, September, October) Make sure to ask the directors if they will write you a favorable letter of rec. You also have to have at least 2 CORD letters filled out from resd program directors. Those rotations will open up interviews for you from the Southern programs. That way you can avoid the USMLE, bc if you do poorly you are required to tell those programs during your interviews (You will be asked). Also get involved with SAEM or other EM memberships now. Not just ACOEP at VCOM. Make sure to apply for those electives during Jan-Feb of your 3rd year (Do not wait any longer, those early months will all be gone!)

 

[allendo]

I'm a D.O. in a southern allopathic program and I would advise you to take the test.

 

[tsdesai]

I am a D.O. who took both tests and agree with most of you about taking usmle. You really dont want to sit and wonder later what you missed out on by not taking it; unless you want to use that as your excuse in the future for lack of interviews, which i'm sure you dont. As much of a pain as it is, it is definitely worth it.