DO student interested in applying Anesthesiology without USMLE

[microshar88]

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Hi all,
I'm a 3rd year DO student who took COMLEX level 1 and I got a 468 on it. I have an interest in Anesthesiology after spending some time with a few in my area. I did not take USMLE step 1 as I was afraid I would not even pass it (low scores on NBME exams).

I still have the option and resources at my disposal to take it. However, I am not sure how great I would do considering my demands with rotations, planning 4th year and then preparing for level 2 COMLEX which I have to take in July.

I was wondering, with this type of score, are there any ACGME programs that would entertain a COMLEX level 1 score in my range? If I were to take USMLE Step 2 would it make any difference at all?

Considering how distanced I am from year 2 material and have completed a fair amount of NBME shelf exams, I was contemplating taking USMLE step 2 in conjunction with COMLEX level 2, however I am not sure how much benefit it would have in the eyes of residency programs.

I do not foresee myself getting a very high USMLE step 1 score with my current circumstances (200ish at best). However, would taking the USMLE step 2 alone do any good for me at all. I'm trying to find out what would be the best thing to devote time to at this time in order to best improve my chances in the long run for both AOA and ACGME programs?

Thanks in advance

 

[thethethe]

You need to take USMLE step 2 and do the best you can. I met this guy (do student) earlier this year who applied to 70 anesthesia programs, no USMLE 1 or 2 and had ZERO interviews. It was early in the interview season, but he had zero when I had more than 15 already. At this point you don't need to take step 1, I also know somebody with a great step 2 score without taking step 1 and got plenty of interviews.

btw- search before you post something that has been asked before
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/do-interested-in-anesthesia-but-no-usmle.537590/

 

[microshar88]

Thanks so much for the link sorry neglected to search prior to posting. However I think I have a better idea of where I stand now and probably should invest more into Step 2 prep.

Thanks again

 

[pretender]

4th year DO student here. From what I have experienced, board scores go a longggg way in getting interviews. And I know you already know and don't want to here it, but a 468 will not cut it at most, if not all, ACGME programs. If you want any shot at ACGME programs you have to take USMLE step 2 and crush it. I am saying 240+. Even with a step 2 that high a lot of programs will still screen you out.

I am not too familiar with the AOA programs but from what I have heard they are a little more lenient on board scores if you rotate at their institution and impress them. That 468 will still stick out like a sore thumb and you have to make them believe it was a fluke and score much higher on step 2. If I was in your position I would study as much possible and crush USMLE and COMLEX step 2 , rotate at DO programs you are interested in, and apply everywhere. It only takes one program.

If you have any other questions you can pm me. Good luck.

 

[gasthrowaway]

4th year DO student here. From what I have experienced, board scores go a longggg way in getting interviews. And I know you already know and don't want to here it, but a 468 will not cut it at most, if not all, ACGME programs. If you want any shot at ACGME programs you have to take USMLE step 2 and crush it. I am saying 240+. Even with a step 2 that high a lot of programs will still screen you out.

I am not too familiar with the AOA programs but from what I have heard they are a little more lenient on board scores if you rotate at their institution and impress them. That 468 will still stick out like a sore thumb and you have to make them believe it was a fluke and score much higher on step 2. If I was in your position I would study as much possible and crush USMLE and COMLEX step 2 , rotate at DO programs you are interested in, and apply everywhere. It only takes one program.

If you have any other questions you can pm me. Good luck.

I'd agree with pretender. I think you're going to face a huge uphill battle at acgme programs. Most programs are completely unfamiliar with the comlex, and will immediately screen you out. The few that don't will know that a 468 is a bad score. Of the DOs that I talked to that matched without a usmle step one, they all had 600+ on comlex.

My advice would be to focus on the comlex and go for DO programs. Set up as many aways as possible (4+) and impress at each.

 

[scudrunner]

Apply to both DO and MD programs. You can forgo the DO match if you get a bunch of MD interviews. Put a lot of effort into step 2 prep. Do a ton of practice questions. Do away rotations at your top realistic choices. Get some good letters. That is the most you can do at this point. Good luck!