DO: Importance of Step in matching Fellowships

[A Mysterious Stranger]

I'm about to sit for COMLEX level 1, but I am not prepared to sit for Step 1 yet. I don't know what field I want to specialize in yet, so I'm keeping my options open. My question is, how important is taking Step 1-3 for matching fellowships? Will reasonable COMLEX scores do?

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[Anicetus]

I'm about to sit for COMLEX level 1, but I am not prepared to sit for Step 1 yet. I don't know what field I want to specialize in yet, so I'm keeping my options open. My question is, how important is taking Step 1-3 for matching fellowships? Will reasonable COMLEX scores do?

GI/cards? Step 1 and 2 are almost necessary since you will already be at a disadvantage as a DO for those ultra competitive fellowships. Just do what you need to do and get it done.

 

[IMrad]

You should take the steps. I view applicants without them with concern. My opinion is a DO applicant without step scores is not confident in their medical knowledge.

 

[Cheeni17]

It helps but not needed for all university programs especially in Midwest and south and other non coastal areas

 

[MoLarryKerlyBLine]

My real question would be Step 3. I have Step 1-2, but because I did not take CS, I am unable to sit for Step 3.

 

[gutonc]

My real question would be Step 3. I have Step 1-2, but because I did not take CS, I am unable to sit for Step 3.

Programs that will take DO's in the first place, won't care if you have a COMLEX 3 or a USMLE 3.

 

[swimchick]

My real question would be Step 3. I have Step 1-2, but because I did not take CS, I am unable to sit for Step 3.

I agree with Gutonc.

I didn't take USMLE step 3, only COMLEX level 3. I had no problem getting great fellowship interviews and matched to one of my top 3 programs.

 

[OsteopathicThirdLeg]

Board scores are important but so are Strong LORs, research and networking.
See the image from the NRMP 2016 PD Survey

Taking USMLE 1/2 will make you a stronger applicant regardless, but competitive programs typically want DO applicants to take Step 1+2 CK, pass COMLEX PE and have a strong COMLEX 3 score (600-700+)

I would ask programs specifically what they want their applicants to have. Traditional DO programs (with ACGME accreditation) or programs with several DO fellows/faculty likely will want COMLEX.

 

[Animalcules]

We do not look at DO applications without Step score. We don't typically take DOs, but not taking Steps seems a little uncommitted.

 

[Kakoy]

When I reviewed applicants for interview last year, if they didn't have a steps, I moved on since we have tons of excellent candidates any way. This was in rheum.

I don't think anyone can give you the "correct answer" since each program is different and each reviewer/interviewer is different.

 

[InternistDO]

When you say Steps, would Steps 1 and 2 CK be enough, or is Step 3 mandatory as well (vs. COMLEX Level 3)?

 

[rokshana]

When you say Steps, would Steps 1 and 2 CK be enough, or is Step 3 mandatory as well (vs. COMLEX Level 3)?

Steps 1, ck, and cs