Competitiveness of Southwest residencies

[chromuffin]

I'm an MS2 prepping for step. I've heard mixed reviews about the future competitiveness of DR programs, and I'm curious about where I should aim for step 1 in order to get into residency programs in the southwest, specifically Arizona and Texas?

I'd love to attend UTSW or Mayo (Phoenix) based on various factors, but I'm not sure if I need a 230 or a 250 to be competitive. Of course, I know a 250 is going to be competitive regardless... Just need help setting a goal for step 1.

Any help would be appreciated.

Oh, and I'm also interested in other programs within/around these states so information on other programs would be greatly appreciated.

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[Derv]

The lower end of your range got me interviews in Arizona and New Mexico. I didn't apply to Texas programs.

 

[PersonOfInterest]

Aim for 270+. During my interviews, someone cited a nice aphorism that I'll use: In darts, you always aim above the target so that you end up hitting the target.

 

[clutch21]

You will be fine for getting interviews in either state even with a 230 if your application is otherwise solid. DR isn't super competitive as a whole but can get quite competitive towards the top. Your state residency and perceived ties will also affect this. If you aren't a Texas resident, It would be difficult to get an interview at UTSW with a step score in the 230s.

Definitely keep your mind open to which programs you are interested in. You won't really know what you want/what to look for in a program until you start going on interviews. You might be pleasantly surprised by a program you didn't even really consider prior. Phoenix has two other solid programs (Maricopa and St. Joseph's) and Tucson has the Univ of Arizona. Texas is even more fertile with at least 7-8 good programs.

This is conjecture, but I would think even with a step score in the 230s, you'd have a very high chance at matching somewhere in either state. Like person of interest said though, aim as high as you can. You don't want to close any doors with a low step score if you can help it.

 

[redoitall]

I'd say that UTSW is quite competitive (likely the most competitive of the region) and a step 1 as high as you can will only help, 230 seems a bit too low (but who knows). Without turning this into a program review, I'd say that other Texas programs are easier to land with step score closer to the bottom of the range you gave. As for Arizona here is what my opinion is:
Mayo phoenix, the program started 3 years ago. I liked their philosophy and the staff involved. I also loved the location. Currently probably not seen as a "top program", but I think it is a solid one. The staff seems quite invested. The current first residents (R3s I think) are two ladies who originally were surgery residents (one in Ortho and the other general I think) who transferred out of the surgery residency within Mayo. I recall them saying that they received a lot of help/support from all parties involved including the directors they were leaving. All that to say that there is some support that would not necessarily find elsewhere. It certainly doesn't attract the same type of students than UTSW or academic institution. They are still casting a "wide net": on my interview day there was 1 (or 2 perhaps) students for the Caribbeans, so they remain open and I would assume that most with a decent step 1 who would be interested could potentially have a least an interview.
U of Arizona: this program is really underrated I think. The level of research and the stuff that comes out of there is quite cool and I see them on the up trend. While technically not a top program now, I think they may well become one at some point. Again, it turns out that there was a caribbean's student among interviewees so they too remain open to good students showing interest. This program is definitely an excellent alternative, particularly if your step 1 falls under the cutoff of the top programs, and if you are more interested by an academic/research setting.

All in all you are still an MS2. While I do think Radiology is the best specialty in the world, give yourself some time and remain open to other possibilities. I have known many students who changed their mind (I almost did as well). Just try to enjoy your education and see as much as I can while you can. As for looking at programs it is really a shot in the dark at your stage. Just get the best grades and step you can. Then you will have a choice.

 

[rads22222]

This year I think 240 was the number to open the most doors and 250 was needed to get to some, but not all, of the "top tier" programs.

 

[chromuffin]

Thank you all for the honest feedback. I'm not looking for a "top tier" program, but a place to start a family with my wife and a place that will let me get a lot of experience. That's particularly why I think a program like Mayo has been appealing. I'm shocked to hear that UTSW is competitive (as compared to the likes of Houston residencies). I know a current resident and she spoke about "slightly above average" step 1 scores; however, she had a stellar application.

 

[it's going to be okay]

I'm a longtime lurker, but I felt compelled to post my experiences for future applicants:

My step 1 score was 230 flat, and I received an interview at UTSW. Step scores are obviously a huge part of your application, but programs do look at the whole picture. Going into the application process, I assumed my scores would preclude me from getting interviews at the top programs, but I was surprised when several offered me interviews. I definitely didn't receive as many as people who got 250+s, but don't count yourself out too early. You never know what programs are looking for!

 

[clutch21]

Thank you all for the honest feedback. I'm not looking for a "top tier" program, but a place to start a family with my wife and a place that will let me get a lot of experience. That's particularly why I think a program like Mayo has been appealing. I'm shocked to hear that UTSW is competitive (as compared to the likes of Houston residencies). I know a current resident and she spoke about "slightly above average" step 1 scores; however, she had a stellar application.

Of course UTSW is competitive. It's a top 20 program and arguably the top program in the south not named Duke.

If your main objective is a place to start a family, it's hard to look past Temple Scott and White in Texas. It's not a sexy name but it's a really underrated program and is literally dirt cheap. I'm talking brand new constructions in the 140s.

 

[Derv]

Thank you all for the honest feedback. I'm not looking for a "top tier" program, but a place to start a family with my wife and a place that will let me get a lot of experience. That's particularly why I think a program like Mayo has been appealing. I'm shocked to hear that UTSW is competitive (as compared to the likes of Houston residencies). I know a current resident and she spoke about "slightly above average" step 1 scores; however, she had a stellar application.

Sounds like New Mexico might be somewhere you would be really interested in. They are a smaller program, but they get a ton of hands-on experience. Limited number of fellows, lots of volume, and they see everything from a pretty interesting area of the country. The program leadership is all very approachable, and the residents seemed happy and nice. One of the most laid back interview days that I went on. Their residents also land top-level fellowships if they choose to. Albuquerque is a cheap place to live, and definitely has some nice parts (and not nice parts).

 

[redoitall]

Sounds like New Mexico might be somewhere you would be really interested in.

I totally agree with that. I fell in love with the place and UNM was really nice. In fact it is one of the only programs that has interviews everyday to accommodate schedules of applicants. The mountains are so nice and cost of living quite low which makes it very attractive for a family. Unfortunately there other reasons as to why I cannot place it at the very top of my list (more like #2) but I can say for sure that I would love living there.

 

[ortholegoo]

Anybody mind chiming on what University of Utah. Never hear much about this program. Is it good?

 

[Derv]

Anybody mind chiming on what University of Utah. Never hear much about this program. Is it good?

Its an awesome program. One of my top choices this year. Pretty much everyone I interviewed with that day said "yea this is my #1. Large breadth and depth of cases seen. Well known faculty throughout the department, especially strong in Neuro it seemed. The hospital is beautiful. You can walk out back and go trail running or mountain biking. You can get in the car and be on world class ski slopes in 30-45 minutes. Relatively cheap cost of living, and SLC is coming along from being a lot more than just a Mormon dominated city.

 

[cdc1991]

Anybody go to Methodist in Houston? I'm wondering where I should rank it. I like the location and the hospital is good but I'm not sure given its a brand new program.

 

[radapp6113]

Thank you all for the honest feedback. I'm not looking for a "top tier" program, but a place to start a family with my wife and a place that will let me get a lot of experience. That's particularly why I think a program like Mayo has been appealing. I'm shocked to hear that UTSW is competitive (as compared to the likes of Houston residencies). I know a current resident and she spoke about "slightly above average" step 1 scores; however, she had a stellar application.

I second the person who said to check out Scott and White in Temple. I was impressed by the program, and the residents and faculty are fantastic. It seemed like a really supportive environment. Cost of living/childcare is low which is a big plus if you have a family.

 

[javi1]

Wondering what the chances would be for an applicant wanting the programs being talked about in this thread, coming from an unranked, out of region US MD school?

Lets assume step 1 >250, honors in core rotations, litte in the way of research.

 

[Derv]

Wondering what the chances would be for an applicant wanting the programs being talked about in this thread, coming from an unranked, out of region US MD school?

Lets assume step 1 >250, honors in core rotations, litte in the way of research.

You'd get interviews. Radiology really isn't that competitive. These aren't Stanford/UCSF/Harvard.

 

[leadhead]

Wondering what the chances would be for an applicant wanting the programs being talked about in this thread, coming from an unranked, out of region US MD school?

Lets assume step 1 >250, honors in core rotations, litte in the way of research.

I had a very similar application to what you described and I got an invite to Mayo-AZ but not at UTSW. I think it's a bit of a crapshoot when you are from out of the region as there were a handful of other programs I expected to get an interview at that I didn't probably because of regional bias.

 

[chromuffin]

I had a very similar application to what you described and I got an invite to Mayo-AZ but not at UTSW. I think it's a bit of a crapshoot when you are from out of the region as there were a handful of other programs I expected to get an interview at that I didn't probably because of regional bias.

Did you do any away rotations in the region?

 

[javi1]

I had a very similar application to what you described and I got an invite to Mayo-AZ but not at UTSW. I think it's a bit of a crapshoot when you are from out of the region as there were a handful of other programs I expected to get an interview at that I didn't probably because of regional bias.

That's more or less what I thought. Thanks for sharing your experience. If you don't mind me asking, what programs were you expecting to hear from but ultimately didn't? I'm trying to come up with a reasonable list of programs to apply to.

 

[leadhead]

Did you do any away rotations in the region?

No, I decided not to do any aways.

 

[RadsFTW123]

Anybody go to Methodist in Houston? I'm wondering where I should rank it. I like the location and the hospital is good but I'm not sure given its a brand new program.

I'd rank this place low. Given the job market, its unconsciable to open new programs. Shame on this program and their PD!

 

[tco]

I'd rank this place low. Given the job market, its unconsciable to open new programs. Shame on this program and their PD!

I'm very puzzled by this opening up in Houston. They don't even have a *real* ER (level 1 trauma, I mean). However, I'm wondering if their residents will split time between Ben Taub and Hermann. I know residents from other programs rotate at Methodist (UT Houston Anesthesia, I'm certain rotates there).