Do DO psychiatrists need to take the USMLE?

[Doc driven]

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I appreciate advice. I was thinking of taking it in case I change and want to go into anethesiology, but right now, I'm thinking psych.
Thanks,
Doc driven

 

[Thewonderer]

I believe that if you do osteopathic residencies, you don't need USMLE. But you are looking for allopathic psych residencies, then you need USMLE. I would say, why not? take it while the materials are still fresh in your mind.

Anesthesiology is very different from psych. I cannot imagine myself in any field other than psych.

sorry, can't be of more help.

 

[futuredo32]

Being that there are so few DO psych residencies, it'd probably be a good idea to take the USMLE, just in case. Some MD residency programs will accept Comlex scores instead of the USMLE, but I've heard that it makes it easier for program directors to compare scores when they are all USMLE scores instead of wondering how a Comlex score compares to USMLE scores.

 

[jay dub]

It all depends on where you are looking to go... I only took COMLEX and had no problems (only applied to and interviewed at allopathic residencies). For the field of psychiatry COMLEX is generally sufficient, but for ultra competitive programs or more competitive specialties many opt to also take USMLE.

 

[Doc driven]

Sounds like you don't have to take it, but take it to be safe. I'll just take it.
Doc driven

 

[PeeWee137]

i took both step 1's even though i know the program i'd like to end up at accepts the comlex.

all i would say is make sure you prepare for it. the usmle and the comlex are very different animals.