Desperate! Please Advise!!

[sid876]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey Guys,

I just found out my step 2ck score. 198/81. I know it's a horrible score but I did get a 222/95 on step 1. I was going through major family issues during my study period which I know affected my performance. So far I got 2 PM&R interviews and 2 prelim interviews. Do you think my chances of matching into PM&R are gone because of my low step 2ck score? I've got 2 LOR's in PM&R and 1 of them is a PD. My application is sent off. OH BTW I am an fmg (went to SGU) so I know that's a knock against me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[PMR 4 MSK]

You can still match, but be prepared to explain this in a way that doesn't make you look like an emotional time bomb. PM&R, in general, is more concerned with you as an individual than scores. Scores do matter, as in all of life.

 

[sid876]

Thanks for replying so quickly! That definitely makes me feel much better. Oh and I will explain what happened. But do you think I should apply to FM as a backup? I applied to about 51 PM&R programs and 79 prelim medicine programs.
Any other FMG's out there who matched recently and was in a similar position as me? I really appreciate the advice by everybody.

 

[eljefe]

Thanks for replying so quickly! That definitely makes me feel much better. Oh and I will explain what happened. But do you think I should apply to FM as a backup? I applied to about 51 PM&R programs and 79 prelim medicine programs.
Any other FMG's out there who matched recently and was in a similar position as me? I really appreciate the advice by everybody.

If you really want to do PM&R why would you apply to FM as a back-up? That makes no sense--ie. I want to be a physiatrist but if I don't match the first year I will take something else for the next 35 years...

Figure out what you want to do and go for it. Get on the phone and start calling those 51 programs and see what is going on with your application. Send some emails to program directors and try to get some more interviews lined up. Call up a physiatrist you worked with and ask them to make some calls/emails for you. Email/call PM&R residents that graduated from your school and see if they can help you out. Take control of your future and don't give up so easily.

If you really put forth some effort and do the above, I bet you end up pleasantly surprised.... If for some reason you don't match, do some things to strengthen your application and reapply.

Lastly, why on earth would you apply to 79 prelim programs?

 

[deleted185747]

you can always look for programs outside of the match...

 

[Jitter Bug]

Start rehearsing a mostly honest but brief explanation of your poor score. A lot of the interview is about you holding up under pressure. No need to elaborate beyond basics "family issues that demanded my time and attention".

But they will ask you next, "What happens when you are in residency and family issues come up? Will you fall apart and get behind on your dictations, behind on your patient care duties or miss lectures?

I don't ask this to be cruel, but to help you rehearse good answers.

PS scores are just 1 part of your application. Now you know your score is a weakness, focus on making other parts of your application strengths, and make sure you interview well. It's like acting, you need to rehearse in the mirror.

PSS agree, fleeing the specialty for a bad score is the wrong solution. Family practice wants you to be a good doctor with good board scores too.

 

[100YardDash]

I heard that a new program in Austin Texas is starting 2012-2013 and they are going outside the match and looking for PGY-2s to start the program. You should try and contact utsouthwestern Austin Texas rehab. I believe the program director is Dr. Chris Garrison. Hope this helps

 

[sid876]

Thank you all for the replies. I appreciate the advice about how to handle myself during interviews and how to confront these tough situations.

Oh and I did not know about the new program in Austin, TX. I will definitely look into that.

Thanks a lot

 

[15MD]

Are there any other programs outside of the match? What is the best way to find them?

 

[100YardDash]

Thank you all for the replies. I appreciate the advice about how to handle myself during interviews and how to confront these tough situations.

Oh and I did not know about the new program in Austin, TX. I will definitely look into that.

Thanks a lot

Well I'm not 100% about the Austin, Texas program. I just heard this from a previous thread awhile back that was posted in this forum. Something about a student talking to Dr. Garrison at a PM&R conference and that he mentioned a new program and going outside the match. Im not sure if it was for 2012 or 2013. Hope this helps

 

[cbest]

I'm pretty sure Loma Linda's program always reserves some open PGY-2 slots that get filled outside the match - may want to look into it!

 

[madcye]

Loma Linda has positions outside of the match at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitaiton Center