DO going for Ortho. Need advice

[0ncogene]

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3rd year DO student. 3 rotations away from starting my 4th year.

Status:
COMLEX level 1: 585
USMLE Step 1: 252
Classs rank: Top 10%
Research: Undergraduate biochemistry research with poster presentation.
Pre-clnical grades: All honors with 3 HPs
Clinical grades: Medicine (P, HP, H), Core surgery (H), Elective surgery (H), HP all other rotations.
LOR: Gen surgeon (Excellent letter), Fam medicine (Excellent letter), Ortho surgeon from private practice (Probably a generic letter)
Excellent extracurricular activities with emphasis in leadership and volunteerism.
Will take Level 2 and Step 2 in 4 months.

I know I am missing research in orthopedic surgery ( I don't know what to do about this. I've been inquiring for research opportunities at teaching hospitals associated with my school, but no luck yet).

Questions that I have:
1) Do I have a good shot at ortho? (I am very very scared of not matching. SOAPing into a specialty I do not enjoy or delaying a year is my greatest fear)
2) How badly does my lack of ortho research hurt my chances?
3) I am also interested in EM (but more in ortho), should I direct my focus to EM to make sure I will match?

Thank you in advance.

 

[OrthopodBella]

For AOA spots, the most important thing is to audition and audition well. Choose your locations wisely - sadly, with anything less than a 600 you are facing an uphill battle in a lot of the more competitive locations.

 

[0ncogene]

Thank you for your response @OrthopodBella . How much will a COMLEX 2 > 600 help redeem my level 1 score?

 

[OrthopodBella]

That will put you closer to the average applicant, so while it dosent harm your app it won't help it a ton. While still in your 3rd year maximize your contact with your base program and learn all you can so u audition well. I'd really recommend reaching out to upperclassmen in your school who matched ortho. Choose your aways very carefully ( try and avoid places with base students ) and you will be fine. With your step 1 score I would apply acgme ER as a back up - if you apply broadly you should have no problem matching that

 

[macbook1208]

@OrthopodBella could you elaborate on your comment about applying to programs without base students? I'm assuming you mean like PCOM would be a program with base students? I feel like most programs have a core group of students from a nearby school that rotate there for 3rd year.

I've got 4 auditions set up, and won't be able to fit in any more.

Level 1=661
Step 1=242
Class Rank 15/110
Level 2 PE=Passed
Research=bench work in undergrad but nothing to show for it, so goose egg.
Clinical grades: Straight A's so far (we don't do honors).
LORs: so far 2 from ortho surgeons not affiliated with any residency. Both are DOs though. Another letter from a obgyn. I hope to secure a 3rd orthopedic letter at some point.
Extracurriculars: leadership in clubs and SSP

Similarly to the original poster about my lack of ortho research affecting my overall application?

Thanks.

 

[0ncogene]

Thank you for your help @OrthopodBella

 

[ChiDO]

Both of you should be fine at most programs. Work hard and don't be douches.

 

[Eokpar02]

For AOA spots, the most important thing is to audition and audition well. Choose your locations wisely - sadly, with anything less than a 600 you are facing an uphill battle in a lot of the more competitive locations.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but where are the places that are the least competitive in regards to COMLEX level 1 score?

 

[ChiDO]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but where are the places that are the least competitive in regards to COMLEX level 1 score?

Toledo, Des Peres are known for only wanting "high" board scores with cutoffs. Most other programs will have low cutoffs or none at all.