DO student taking USMLE

[Sella Turcica17]

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I'm a DO student considering MD residencies for EM, IM, or surgery in the FL, GA, SC, NC area, once I reach that point.....I know that many residency programs still want to see USMLE scores from DO students just to make it an even playing field, but I've been hearing different stories as to if I should take Step 1, Step 1 and Step 2, or just Step 2. As of latest, the rumor is just step 2.....but does anyone know why or if this is even true? And of course I'll be taking all steps of the COMLEX for my license.

 

[SOUNDMAN]

want to be competitive with MD students take the USMLE step I atleast...oh and do well.

 

[VFib911]

My approach was to crush Step I... the jury is still out on that one though as my USMLE grade will be released Monday at the earliest (three weeks out).

From what I have heard, we are behind the 8-ball when it comes to applying to allo residencies. If the program you are interested in does not take the COMLEX, they would most likey want to see Step I and you better make it good. I have also heard many people say it is a little easier to do very well on Step II if you are concerned about your potential Step I performance, but I would imagine you should expect questions as to why you did not take Step I during the interview process if your Step II is indeed good enough to get you that far.

Personally, I am hoping to ride my Step I scores into some competitive interviews that I hopefully will not botch. I'm still on the fence whether to focus on allo or osteo, but once I receive my grade I should have a better idea as to what is realistic in the allo world.

I say bang-out Step I, both osteo and allo, and see where you stand grade-wise. But then again, I have friends planning on taking USMLE Step II that did not take Step I.... So what's the best course??? I guess whichever you think you will do better on. But rest assured, most (but not all) allo programs would like to see a USMLE score to see where you stand in comparison to other applicants.

 

[IdontTakeCall]

Im a DO and i am def doing EM so ive contacted all of the places that i want to do EM residencies at, all of who are allopathic. 8 of the 9 ive contacted said that the comlex step one is all they need. they did not advise taking the usmle as a DO student because it wouldnt increase my chances over my comlex scores as they weigh them equally. furthurmore, for the EM residencies, the directors that i spoke to said that my comlex scores were the last thing they looked at. they cared far more if i rotated with them and my lettes of recommendation.
food for thought for the Em part of your question

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

I agree with the above ...

If you want to do EM or IM, no need to take the USMLE unless it's a harvard, hopkins, mayo type of thing ...

Gen Surg -- even if you take USMLE, most likely you'll end up having to go Osteopathic match anyway, but this is the only scenario where I could see having to take the USMLE may come into play ...

 

[Lamborghini1315]

Its a dangerous advise when someone tells you don't need it, listen to your gut and take the exam when you feel prepared. You don't know what you will end up doing 2 years from now and where you might want to apply has a lot of bearing on how PD's look at your application. By then it would be too late to look back and wonder, i strongly recommend having an open mind about your match process and don't jump the gun until you have taken both comlex and usmle, your scores will tell you a whole lot about your future. Just don't gamble with your future..take the beast 🙂

 

[VFib911]

Essentially I agree with everyone... kinda.

However, I am too anal to just assume my COMLEX score will potentially open all of the doors I want it to. I wish I was at a point in my education to give you some first-hand experience from the interview trail, but that's a year down the road yet. All I know is I have busted my butt to get where I am number-wise and I would be very disappointed in myself if not taking the USMLE prevented me from having a strong shot at my residency of choice.

You have to admit, having a USMLE score to directly compare us to allopathic students, at least number-wise, could be a good thing. Of course if you bomb the USMLE that theory goes straight out the door.

Also, as I do not know how much emphasis is placed on the two digit scores, I certainly do not want my 97 on the COMLEX equated to a 97 on the USMLE, as they are quite different scores. (COMLEX 2.75 SD above mean, USMLE <1 SD above the mean - ballpark)

Overall, I see it as another way of demonstrating to prospective programs your academic achievement... Again, that is if you do well. If you are cool with limiting yourself to Osteopathic programs and the Allopathic programs that accept the COMLEX, I say don't take the USMLE and save yourself the expense and stress.

BTW - I think the reason some people may say take step II only, is that the test is more clinical and less book-worm material like step I. Therefore, except for the OPP stuff, the tests should be about identical in terms of content. This is not the case with step I, though, as I think we get less embryo, biochem, and biostats to name a few.

I think you will be fine either way. I did it because I wanted as many options as possible.

Regards

 

[lala83]

I was recently talking to a 4th yr DO student who told me that within the last year the rule for reporting USMLE scores has changed...that it is now MANDATORY to report USMLE scores to DO programs if you've taken it. I'm still deciding whether I want to take the USMLE or not...can anyone verify if this is true?

 

[FutureInternist]

I was recently talking to a 4th yr DO student who told me that within the last year the rule for reporting USMLE scores has changed...that it is now MANDATORY to report USMLE scores to DO programs if you've taken it. I'm still deciding whether I want to take the USMLE or not...can anyone verify if this is true?

I thought it was that you had to report it to allopathics programs. Why would DO programs care if you took USMLE or not.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Every program is different. If you don't know exactly where you're going to apply, which you don't, then take USMLE.

I have been told this by a professor at my school, and by a program director at the hospital where I worked before med school.

 

[fozziewan]

It used to be OPTIONAL for Osteo students to report their USMLE scores when filling out their ERAS application thru AAMC. (Read: If you failed USMLE you did not have to share that info with ERAS...)

Not too long ago it became MANDATORY for Osteo students to report their
USMLE scores even if it was a failing score. Essentially, if you have ever sat down for and took any USMLE Step exams you have to report it to ERAS. Bummer eh?
I guess its good to seriously consider your chances of surviving the USMLE with a passing score.

The other thing is this year NBME has a new policy that can impede anyone who changes their mind about taking USMLE from getting a refund if the reason for canceling the exam is "b/c its not required for graduation from my Osteopathic college" Food for thought.

 

[kookaiDO]

Its a dangerous advise when someone tells you don't need it, listen to your gut and take the exam when you feel prepared. You don't know what you will end up doing 2 years from now and where you might want to apply has a lot of bearing on how PD's look at your application. By then it would be too late to look back and wonder, i strongly recommend having an open mind about your match process and don't jump the gun until you have taken both comlex and usmle, your scores will tell you a whole lot about your future. Just don't gamble with your future..take the beast 🙂

👍

On top of that, Keep in mind, the people looking through these applications are only human. If they're looking through thousands of applications, and only a few hundred or so are DO students, then they are not used to comlex scores. It might not be a conscious decision to weigh comlex scores differently, but it will be harder for them to interpret them. Make it easy for them, and they'll be more likely to look at your application more seriously.

 

[DrWBD]

If you want to play in their sandbox, you should play by their rules. Take the USMLE.

 

[thedon35]

I was told by a few IM places that are pretty big time that they accept the comlex.... but they said the USMLE was basically recommended.

 

[lala83]

This is a question for the DO students who may have talked to a few program directors or have some knowledge about what residencies are looking for:

Any idea if there's a ballpark score that would make it worth it to take the USMLE in addition to COMLEX? It doesn't seem like there's much use in taking it if I'm just going to pass, but do you think it would be worth it if I got around a 220? Or do you think taking COMLEX is good enough if I'm not going to be in the 90+ percentile anyways? (btw, as of now I don't plan on entering one of the highly competitive specialties...just wanted more options for primary care residencies)

 

[Lamont]

can someone please link me to the policy that states osteopathic students must report a USMLE score.

thanks!

 

[Lamont]

i found this...

http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/usemyeras/documents.htm

but where is the mandatory thing?

 

[FutureInternist]

http://www.aamc.org/students/eras/resources/start.htm

Download ERAS 2010 Applicant User guide (40 page pdf document)
Very top of pg 14 (grey box)

"Osteopathic applicants only: Before you certify your ERAS application, consider whether you will apply to ACGME and/or AOA-accredited programs. If you apply to ACGME-accredited programs and you have taken the USMLE, you must report that on your CAF. If you only apply to AOA-accredited programs, you do not have to report the USMLE on your CAF."