D.O. in Anesthesia Residency

[sethco]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, I am a 3rd year medical student at Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and I am thinking about going for an
anesthesia residency. I have already done one rotation in this area and
enjoyed it immensely. However, I have a couple of questions that are
bothering me. If anybody could be of any help, I would greatly
appreciate it.

1) I took the COMLEX and scored in the 96th percentile, but I did not
take the USMLE. Is this score good enough to apply to ACGME programs?
Should I take the USMLE in addition? If so, what scores do I need to be
competitive?

2) I was wondering if anybody knew of any programs that are friendly towards
DO's across the country (i.e Which programs have D.O.s in their residency program,
Have DO attendings on staff, etc.)?

3) Where are good programs across the country that I can do electives at that offer housing? Do I have a chance of getting into these programs and does it help doing an elective there?

Any additional advice that anybody could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance for your help on the matter.

Seth Cohen
MS-III
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

 

[docbond]

Hey Seth:

I'm a CA-1 at Brigham & Women's Hospital. I graduated from NYCOM and was equally bewildered about the possibiliteis for DO's in anesthesia. I had zero guidance from our "clinical advisor" who wasn't even a physician. I think he's got a PhD in Philosophy or something. That aside, you can strike IVY but the USMLE's are a must! I had a 98th percentile on the COMLEX (often referred to as the COMPLEX by ACGME PD's). Anyhow, it was my 252 USMLE Step I that garnered interest. As I was told, it validates your scores as a DO.

My recommendation is to take Step II and kick ass. There's no reason you shouldn't with your success on Part I. Gas is getting very competitive up here and you certainly need to maximize your opportunities. Feel free to write with Q's: [email protected].

DR

 

[Chillio]

I didn't score anywhere near what you guys got and I havent had trouble getting enough interviews. I heard something like 25% of the anesthesia spots are filled by FMG's so you should have plenty of options. There are many DO friendly programs. I think doing an elective where you really would like to go is a good move. You can find temporary housing in any city on www.craigslist.com

 

[sethco]

Thanks for all of the info. My preference is to not take the USMLEs. Are there any schools that are known for accepting DOs with only taking the COMLEX?