DO in MD peds program

[idkmyname]

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[NCpeds]

Just take COMLEX II if you don't plan on applying to big allopathic peds programs. If you're more of a hands on learner and you're doing well in your rotations, you're going to do better on step 2. Don't sell yourself short when applying to peds programs. If you really really like a program, apply! You never know . . .
If you like some of the higher tier programs, think about doing a rotating internship year (one that gives you a good amount of away electives) and try to rotate there during an elective. If you do well and they like you, you'll get an interview and will get in.

 

[Giic]

If you do well and they like you, you'll get an interview and will get in.

LOL, if only it was that easy....

I suggest doing USMLE, only because it would open a lot more doors for you (assuming you do well).

 

[ketamine]

...

Long time lurker in dire need of advice. My spirits are really low at the moment as I do my third year rotations. I recently learned my scores for both of my exams. I was able to score a 437 on COMLEX I and unfortunately failed USMLE Step I.

I was wondering what I can do from this point on? Do I have a shot at fields like PM&R, Neuro, or Psych?
I don't think I'll have time to take Step I again. Does it at all make sense to take Step II at all with a failed Step I?
Should I forget the Allopathic match all together & just go with the AOA Match?
Is it safe to assume that if I apply for Allopathic programs, I'd automatically be out the moment they see my failed Step I, because you have to release your Step I score to Allopathic programs?
I know I screwed up immensely and have been very upset about it. Any advice would be appreciated!

Thank you so much

You passed the COMLEX step I, Don’t take the USMLE unless you know you will get a good score.

 

[Vita]

Do you want to go to a DO program at all? They would probably be okay with that score. I have heard of many people with Step 1s in the 400s (like mid-high 400) that haven't gotten interviews at many allopathic programs. Most seem to have around a 500 cut-off, based purely on speaking with others interviewing this year.

If geography isn't a problem, just apply to lots of programs and broadly.

 

[ECoast]

I didn't do well on step 1 (COMLEX in the upper 400s but failed USMLE). I didn't retake USMLE because of lack of time to prepare for it again. I did better on step 2 (COMLEX >500 and USMLE >220). I was very hesitant about taking USMLE step 2 but I was doing better on UWorld and the NBME practice tests. I know that I am much stronger clinically than with basic sciences. I applied to about 30 peds programs this year and got over 15 interviews at MD programs (mid- to lower-tier). I applied to both east and west coast programs, as I am open to relocating. The great majority of my interviews were on the east coast. Hope that helps!

 

[kristing]

Can you take USMLE 2 without USMLE 1? That would be new to me.

ANYWAY. Here's my 2 cents. If you fail USMLE it will make you look badly, regardless of your COMLEX scores. Some MD places will not look at you without USMLE scores. Personally, I am a DO. I want there to be recognition that I am a DO and my DO tests are ok. I didn't want to go into a program that did not respect that. Hence, no USMLE for me, and it weeded out 2 programs. Fair enough. I still got several interviews and was fine. Peds is not very competitive, on the grand scheme. If you really have your heart set on a specific MD program and it's not really DO friendly, then you may want to take the USMLE to prove yourself. If you are more like me, don't take it.

 

[Vita]

Can you take USMLE 2 without USMLE 1? That would be new to me.

ANYWAY. Here's my 2 cents. If you fail USMLE it will make you look badly, regardless of your COMLEX scores. Some MD places will not look at you without USMLE scores. Personally, I am a DO. I want there to be recognition that I am a DO and my DO tests are ok. I didn't want to go into a program that did not respect that. Hence, no USMLE for me, and it weeded out 2 programs. Fair enough. I still got several interviews and was fine. Peds is not very competitive, on the grand scheme. If you really have your heart set on a specific MD program and it's not really DO friendly, then you may want to take the USMLE to prove yourself. If you are more like me, don't take it.

I have heard some people say you can take Step 2 without Step 1, but it seems like most programs put more emphasis on Step 1 anyway.