DIdn't match 2014. Rethinking reapplying.

Started by VooDooo327
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VooDooo327

GO LAKERS!
10+ Year Member
Hello SDN. So I was just wondering what some opinions were on reapplying. Before I begin, let me tell you that I am an osteopathic student which I know puts me at a disadvantage already. I applied to EVERY program and got 0 interviews. As of right now, I have ranked a few prelim programs in the upcoming match at reputable programs.

- STATS -
Step 1: 232; Step 2: 227 (not on CAS but updated profile on SFmatch site)
Pubs: 1 first author ophtho pub, 1 second author ophtho pub, 1 first author non-ophtho pub, 2 poster presentations at ARVO.
Class Rank: In the middle
Ophtho extra stuff: ophtho basic science research at a very reputable program during medical school, Unite for Site Global Fellow and Campus rep, some awards from my school.
Letters: One from my PI from research, one from a very very reputable ophthalmologist (used to be invloved in a highly ranked program last year but now in private practice), and one from the chief of medicine at a hospital I rotated at.

I do believe I put forth an honest effort and honestly dissapointed about the outcome. I was considering doing a preresidency research fellowship at one of the programs however, as I got ZERO interviews I am unsure if this will help me at all. I felt I was a decent candidate and was pretty distraught about not receiving any interviews. I still very much want to pursue this but I am also a realist and unsure if I would be able to at this time. Wondering if anyone has any words of advice on how I might proceed. Any words of advice would be helpful. Thanks.
 
Sorry about your experience. First off let me say that I am a believer that nothing is impossible. However, I think as you said unfortunately the DO degree does hurt. It shouldn't but I know of many programs that won't even look at applications from DO candidates no matter what else they have done. In addition your USMLE scores are average. I think the few DOs who have matched had very high scores. I am a believer that nothing is impossible but after your prelim consider picking one program that you know considers DOs then spend time there as a research fellow. If you publish a ton with them, they like you, and you get along with the other residents then they may give you a spot. I think you are the candidate that if they know you and love you, you have a shot. I am not sure pan applying again to programs that don't know you will help.
 
I did apply to the few DO programs out there. I received 5 of the 12? program interviews however, as they usually only take 1 per program it was difficult to obtain a position. Usually, you will need to rotate at them for them to even consider giving you an interview.
 
I say this with all sincerity. You were most unfortunate. There are people who have posted who did the pre-residency fellowships you are considering. We can give our 2 cents, but they are closest to the action. You should look for their posts and PM them directly about your chances. Your scores are adequate, med students routinely match with that step 1 (and your step 2 score wasn't released right ?). I'd be interested in knowing where you published, clinical report, small journal, chart review, translational vs basic science. Are we talking IOVS, Nature, or are we talking "Modern Eye Immunology". I'd also be interested in knowing your Big Wig. There are regional Big Wigs, there are national Big Wigs, and then there are BIG WIGS. As students we aren't always the best at ascertaining attendings with true BIG WIG status.... .Lastly did you apply early, "on-time" which is actually late given your scores, or late-late.

The only thing we can definitely say for sure is that if you don't do a non-clinical year, you will definitely never be an ophthalmologist. I think if you are interested and it seems like you remain interested you need to ask "how can I best parlay this pre-residency year into a PGY-2 match". You don't meet the criteria right now for a likely ophtho match and there are literally only three things you can do to improve (pre-residency fellowship, match at some amazing PGY1 IM spot and amaze everyone with your clinical skills and get accepted by the home dept, or research). Most people would just forget about it. But if you are committed and ready to outwork everyone for 1 year minimum at an established Pre-residency fellowship, and you are a decent people person you definitely have a decent shot. I probably woudn't apply this cycle though. So you would need a two year road map. Its not an easy road, but enough of us have done it. Lastly, I hesitate to tell you go search the threads for info, becuase as a DO, you are in a slightly different (potentially worse) situation. You don't have to answer this, but are you at one of the more established older DO programs or are you at one of the newer DO programs which means you face a double bias. The key for you is connecting with other DOs who trained at allopathic programs. I can think of maybe 3 that I know. They are out there. You need to really scour your network and reach out to those folk, because they have crossed, they know exactly how programs think and why specific programs took a chance with them, and you might be able to parlay that relationship into an opportunity. Its a bit left field, but you'd be surprised how many people are willing to help a honest, interested student who reminds (somewhat) them of their own struggles. It happens.
 
Vo0Dooo327: I am so sorry you didn't match. I am an M.D. grad and the same thing is happening to MD's. I've been searching around the internet to find out how many American medical grads didn't match DO or MD. It is so sad. I've been licking my wounds since match day. All the work, all the money we've borrowed and the blood, sweat and tears we put into our dream. It sucks. Not sure if you knew this or not but the AOA and the ACGME decided to merge late Feb 2014. It may take effect next year. I really don't know what to do other than begin studying for step 3.
 
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