Do I need a backup? Is it a long shot?

[orthomyxostudent]

Hi everyone! I am a stressed out osteopathic student who is applying to residency this upcoming year. After seeing DOs not get that many interviews, I am hesitant and nervous about doing anesthesiology. I received a 218 on step 1 and 518 on comlex 1. is it a good idea to apply to anesthesia considering COVID is going to be around? Is a back up necessary in these times? Considering my score, would I be screened out of some interviews? I can't seem understand if it is due to covid or there is alot of competition among us in this speciality. If it helps knowing, I go to top 5 DO school. I am also planning on doing two aways. Thank you and any sort of guidance/ tips would be appreciated.

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[Goro]

For starters, target those programs that have taken your school's grads in the past, and also DO-friendly programs.

 

[hungrydoc710]

Of course a sub 220 score will get you screen out somewhere, but we're talking university programs.

I'm pretty sure with a broad enough app you'd get in somewhere for gas - nothing academic - but somewhere.

 

[hallowmann]

I mean, virtually every DO should have some sort of a backup, honestly. Apply to gas and a backup and if you get a ton of gas interviews, cancel the backup interviews.

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

Yes, you definitely need a backup. I would strongly suggest it be IM because if you get lucky and there's a PGY2 anesthesia opening then you can jump ship after PGY1. If you don't mind giving up Anesthesia and doing FM or Pathology, then those are the backups

 

[HoneyBadger3]

Your DO school may have hospital associations and is well known in the area (KCU, MSU, PCOM). But given the limited # of previous AOA anesthesia programs, a DO... is a DO... There is no "top" and is not under consideration by residencies. The only time "ranking" comes into play is if u are a new DO school that hasn't graduated a class yet and obviously it's a negative thing.

You need to absolutely destroy step 2 with significant improvement and apply with backup. Anesthesia is just getting more competitive even prior to COVID. You can check NRMP charting outcomes.

Aways for a DO is a MUST!! Especially if zoom interviews are here to stay. Try to rotate and get LoRs from different geographical regions of the country so programs take a serious look at you. If I were to do it again and spots were available, I'd do 5 away rotations all the way until ERAS is submitted so I can network and get letters. Don't forget mentors and letter writers can make calls to advocate for you during interview season!