DO and USMLE

[rgerwin]

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I've asked versions of this question before and am still not seeing a clear answer. Originally not cocooning myself to one area but that has changed. Have a respectable COMLEX step 1, but never took USMLE. My question is do I need a USMLE score for NYC success, and if so, can it be step 2?

Thanks!

 

[POWP]

Columbia will not take a DO app. unfortunately.

My educated GUESS is that you would have slim chances at Mt. Sinai, NYU, Cornell without a USMLE. I think even with a good USMLE, those places with the exception of NYU, might be out of reach.

You might have a chance at other lesser known hospitals in NYC without a USMLE. I have only researched the residents that have matched at NYU, Mt.Sinai, Cornell, and Columbia....and overall these hospitals are not very DO friendly unfortunately.

 

[rgerwin]

just curious, what did you research exactly?

 

[POWP]

first, i just went on the websites to see the residents of those programs for the past few years and current residents as well. second, you can look at the application section and see whether or not they mention anything about osteopathic transcripts/COMLEX scores. third, you can email the PDs or assistants to see what they think....

 

[rgerwin]

Funny, I have done all of those things too. What I've found is that even if they do take comlex, they often don't post it. However, I've written alot of programs and there are a few I've had trouble getting a response from. What places have written you back?

 

[POWP]

Mt. Sinai - was told a DO has never interviewed there.

NYU- no response. Though I haven't seen any DO residents on the website, people here say that they give DOs consideration.

Columbia-no response. Website says only LCME applications only however.

Cornell- no response.

Overall though, I really didn't see any DOs matching at these places according to the websites. While some may disagree, I take that as a sign that it's harder for DOs to match there.

Oh and while its not NYC...

MGH- PD seemed very supportive of DO education, and advised me to do a rotation there in the future, but also mentioned how competitive the program is.

I know none of this info addresses your concerns about Step I, but honestly if you want a shot at the top places...you're really gonna need a Step I. How else are you going to prove that you're just as capable as the many other top allopathic applicants? If you're OK with settling, keep your COMLEX score.

I would just contact as many programs to see what they think of a COMLEX only app. See what your options are, then evaluate whether you think it's worth going for the homerun or not (taking the USMLE). Good Luck.

 

[rgerwin]

So,I my favorite programs are a little more low-key. I am definitely interested in NYU, but my favorites also include St. Luke's and AECOM, among some others. Just to offer my info:
St. Lukes: accepts COMLEX >80
Mt. Sinai Elmhurst: COMLEX, no min
Maimonides, accepts, not sure of min score.
AECOM: accepts, not sure of min score yet.
And I know at some point NYU has entertained DO's. Other places I haven't gotten a response.

As far as USMLE goes, step 1 is pretty out of the question at this point. WE are given barely enough time in our schedule for Step 2, much less both. So, that's what I am going to do. My clinical grades, so far atleast, are great, and I will have good letters, as well. And I'm not going to kill myself taking step 1 just to have a shot at programs that won't take me anyway. I don't see the point. Thanks for your input, though!

 

[POWP]

OK well then it seems like you will have some opportunities to match in NYC with your Comlex. I just wasn't sure if you were aiming for those ivory tower places.

I personally wouldn't even bother with the Step II if some of your favorites are OK with a Comlex. But I would also bounce the idea of a Step II off those programs to see if they believe it will enhance your application. Go straight to the horse's mouth! I'm sure you will match somewhere that fits you 🙂.

 

[Sharpie1]

does anybody have any more information about DO's matching in NYC? thanks