DO student wanting to do anesthesia

[Snafuiil]

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I’m currently a 3rd year medical student in an anesthesia rotation and I am loving it.

The problem is that my comlex performance was very poor <450. I feel kind of lost and am wondering if anesthesia is even possible at this point.
My score seems fine low even for some away rotation cutoffs

I haven’t taken usmle yet either but I have 2 weeks of spring break coming up that I could study for it on.

Just looking for some insight.

 

[UnoMas]

I’m currently a 3rd year medical student in an anesthesia rotation and I am loving it.

The problem is that my comlex performance was very poor <450. I feel kind of lost and am wondering if anesthesia is even possible at this point.
My score seems fine low even for some away rotation cutoffs

I haven’t taken usmle yet either but I have 2 weeks of spring break coming up that I could study for it on.

Just looking for some insight.

4th year here just matched Anesthesia this morning.

You still have a shot. Take Step 1, do well and your COMLEX won't be an issue. I would recommend at least solid 3 weeks of prep for Step 1, use your 3rd or 4th year vacation.

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Want to throw some caution here- based on what I have seen if someone gets a score that low on comlex, the chances of them scoring well on the USMLE are pretty low, normally people do worse on the USMLE. Make sure you research which NBME's/uworld practice exams you can take that would be predictive of how you would do on the real thing, and use that as a guide (especially if you are failing the practice exams!).

I apologize if you feel im being overly negative, I mean I am not saying you don't have a shot, you do...but its a long one.

 

[UnoMas]

Yep, concur with the above. Take all the NBME practice, Pathoma, Sketchy, UWorld. Won't be easy but since you don't have a Step 1 score yet, there is still a chance.

Hopefully you haven't been slacking off on your 3rd year studying and shelf exams either because your 3rd year knowledge is your best friend when sitting for Step 1

 

[camng11]

4th year here just matched Anesthesia this morning.

You still have a shot. Take Step 1, do well and your COMLEX won't be an issue. I would recommend at least solid 3 weeks of prep for Step 1, use your 3rd or 4th year vacation.

Can't imagine anyone doing well or even passing step 1 as a third year with only 3 weeks of solid prep. Thats just insane. Unless you have already been prepping for a long time or a genius. Shelf exams and step 1 two totally different exams. Step 1 requires random small detailed stuff like path and thousands of practice q's worth of prep.

 

[UnoMas]

Can't imagine anyone doing well or even passing step 1 as a third year with only 3 weeks of solid prep. Thats just insane. Unless you have already been prepping for a long time or a genius. Shelf exams and step 1 two totally different exams. Step 1 requires random small detailed stuff like path and thousands of practice q's worth of prep.

<--- 🙂 3 weeks of prep at the end of 3rd year. Scored 250+. Granted I have good basic science background and did really well 3rd year.

Step 1 is becoming a very clinically oriented exam. I understand your skepticism but trust me, after 6 shelf exams the clinical vignettes on Step 1 are very very easy and quick to get through on the real exam. You know exactly which numbers to look for in the labs they provide. Reproductive is way too simple compared to OBGYN shelf. Same for Psych. The pathophys, common pharm stuff you see on the wards everyday is pretty high yield for Step 1. Biostats? During 3rd year, I went through my review sheets for Biostats at least once before each shelf exam, it was freebies on the real thing. Same with ethics, the ethics on the shelf exams and Step 2 are top tier monsters compared to Step 1. Congenital disease and inborn errors, well Peds shelf will prep you well for these nuisance

And I am not speaking for myself only, at least 2 other classmates did the same thing and, all did well and shared the same sentiment

Relearning the fine details of Immuno, Micro, Genetics and Biochemistry was painful though

I think many MD schools are transitioning to letting their students taking Step 1 at the end of 3rd year for the above reasons

 

[camng11]

<--- 🙂 3 weeks of prep at the end of 3rd year. Scored 250+. Granted I have good basic science background and did really well 3rd year.

Step 1 is becoming a very clinically oriented exam. I understand your skepticism but trust me, after 6 shelf exams the clinical vignettes on Step 1 are very very easy and quick to get through on the real exam. You know exactly which numbers to look for in the labs they provide. Reproductive is way too simple compared to OBGYN shelf. Same for Psych. The pathophys, common pharm stuff you see on the wards everyday is pretty high yield for Step 1. Biostats? During 3rd year, I went through my review sheets for Biostats at least once before each shelf exam, it was freebies on the real thing. Same with ethics, the ethics on the shelf exams and Step 2 are top tier monsters compared to Step 1. Congenital disease and inborn errors, well Peds shelf will prep you well for these nuisance

And I am not speaking for myself only, at least 2 other classmates did the same thing and, all did well and shared the same sentiment

Relearning the fine details of Immuno, Micro, Genetics and Biochemistry was painful though

I think many MD schools are transitioning to letting their students taking Step 1 at the end of 3rd year for the above reasons

That's amazing. I believe you must be very smart and studied a lot for this exam if you even break 250. I too am nearing my third year and I'm studying for step 1 still, yet I'm still struggling remembering the small details that step 1 has. Shelf exams help diagnosing for sure, but I just forgot so many of the small details.

 

[UnoMas]

That's amazing. I believe you must be very smart and studied a lot for this exam if you even break 250. I too am nearing my third year and I'm studying for step 1 still, yet I'm still struggling remembering the small details that step 1 has. Shelf exams help diagnosing for sure, but I just forgot so many of the small details.

I swear by the 1st 4 chapters of Pathoma. Go through them carefully at least once. Those are the most high yield chapters for not only the foundation but also the nitpicky stuff that routinely show up on Step 1
Don't get too bogged down with the small details. Take NBME practice exams and let them guide your study. PM me if you need more details

You should focus on doing well on your 3rd year stuff though

 

[Sardonix]

<--- 🙂 3 weeks of prep at the end of 3rd year. Scored 250+. Granted I have good basic science background and did really well 3rd year.

Step 1 is becoming a very clinically oriented exam. I understand your skepticism but trust me, after 6 shelf exams the clinical vignettes on Step 1 are very very easy and quick to get through on the real exam. You know exactly which numbers to look for in the labs they provide. Reproductive is way too simple compared to OBGYN shelf. Same for Psych. The pathophys, common pharm stuff you see on the wards everyday is pretty high yield for Step 1. Biostats? During 3rd year, I went through my review sheets for Biostats at least once before each shelf exam, it was freebies on the real thing. Same with ethics, the ethics on the shelf exams and Step 2 are top tier monsters compared to Step 1. Congenital disease and inborn errors, well Peds shelf will prep you well for these nuisance

And I am not speaking for myself only, at least 2 other classmates did the same thing and, all did well and shared the same sentiment

Relearning the fine details of Immuno, Micro, Genetics and Biochemistry was painful though

I think many MD schools are transitioning to letting their students taking Step 1 at the end of 3rd year for the above reasons

I mean good for you, but I really don't think this case is applicable to most people. One of my best friends scored a 260+ on Step 1, but that was after months of prep and top quartile of the class etc. He probably would have done okay after only 3weeks, but it would not have been the same score.

If I had done that I would have gotten my proverbial face kicked in.

 

[JustPass]

I mean good for you, but I really don't think this case is applicable to most people. One of my best friends scored a 260+ on Step 1, but that was after months of prep and top quartile of the class etc. He probably would have done okay after only 3weeks, but it would not have been the same score.

If I had done that I would have gotten my proverbial face kicked in.

What he said is almost like bill gates saying “I didn’t graduate college but became a billionaire, so why can’t you losers?”

 

[UnoMas]

I mean good for you, but I really don't think this case is applicable to most people. One of my best friends scored a 260+ on Step 1, but that was after months of prep and top quartile of the class etc. He probably would have done okay after only 3weeks, but it would not have been the same score.

If I had done that I would have gotten my proverbial face kicked in.

Well, I am not saying you'll get above 80th percentile by just doing what I do. This has been done many times before- DO students took Step 1 during or at the end of 3rd year and did well. My main point is Step 1 is easier after you have 3rd year clinical knowledge under your belt. A few people in class did this, myself included all scored above the average.

 

[Angus Avagadro]

If you score 220 to 230 on step 1, have nice LORs, and are in top half of your class you should be ok. My students with stats like that have matched. Students with better stats have matched in top programs. Of note, the ones interviewing at top programs were not getting interviews until later, like December. I'm not sure what to think of this, maybe because they are DOs.

 

[JustPass]

Well, I am not saying you'll get above 80th percentile by just doing what I do. This has been done many times before- DO students took Step 1 during or at the end of 3rd year and did well. My main point is Step 1 is easier after you have 3rd year clinical knowledge under your belt. A few people in class did this, myself included all scored above the average.

Exactly, in your experience. I'm sure there are those who failed after taking it at the end of 3rd year also.

 

[UnoMas]

Exactly, in your experience. I'm sure there are those who failed after taking it at the end of 3rd year also.

Sure there's some survivor bias but the OP is a 3rd year with a subpar COMLEX score and wants Anesthesia. Anesthesia with a bad COMLEX score only is a no go. This is his only way and I am telling him it's been done many times before and the exam definitely feels easier after 3rd year. Usually the left-field, obscure questions that got the 2nd years are the ones that super clinical and shelf-material. In fact, I would even go so far and say this is definitely one of the unfair advantage that DO students have over MD students but rarely taken.

I mean going in with that kind of defeatist attitude ain't going to help. There are 8 practice exams out there NBMEs + USWAs, 9 if you count the Free 120 questions. If you get into your target range on the practice tests, take it. If not, don't. Pretty simple

 

[JustPass]

Sure there's some survivor bias but the OP is a 3rd year with a subpar COMLEX score and wants Anesthesia. Anesthesia with a bad COMLEX score only is a no go. This is his only way and I am telling him it's been done many times before and the exam definitely feels easier after 3rd year. In fact, I would even go so far and say this is definitely one of the unfair advantage that DO students have over MD students but rarely taken.

I mean going in with that kind of defeatist attitude ain't going to help. There are 8 practice exams out there NBMEs + USWAs, 9 if you count the Free 120 questions. If you get into your target range on the practice tests, take it. If not, don't. Pretty simple

I'm not saying I'm against taking Step 1. I actually advocate for it.
My problem with you is your self boasting attitude thinking just because you did it in 3 weeks, OP can do it and etc.
It's about the wording, not the message.

And good for you. I envy your scores, but I matched to the field I wanted so don't really care anymore. Now, where I end up is a whole different story.

 

[UnoMas]

I'm not saying I'm against taking Step 1. I actually advocate for it.
My problem with you is your self boasting attitude thinking just because you did it in 3 weeks, OP can do it and etc.
It's about the wording, not the message.

And good for you. I envy your scores, but I matched to the field I wanted so don't really care anymore. Now, where I end up is a whole different story.

That wasn't self-boasting. Someone said it can't be done, I use my n=3 examples to tell them that it's definitely been done before and the outcome can be very positive. OP doesn't know until he tried, he could end up with a 260 or a 210. Out of everyone who commented I am the only one that actually DID take Step 1 after 3rd year and know what I am talking about so

 

[Snafuiil]

Thank you all for the responses.
My only other hurdle is setting up away rotations. Is it necessary for anesthesia?
Im also unsure if anyone will take me with my current comlex score so should I wait till after USMLE?

 

[UnoMas]

Thank you all for the responses.
My only other hurdle is setting up away rotations. Is it necessary for anesthesia?
Im also unsure if anyone will take me with my current comlex score so should I wait till after USMLE?

Away rotations are helpful to break into regions and for borderline stats. With that COMLEX score it would be hard to secure some aways at this time, your best bet is whichever residencies at hospitals affiliated with your school, their requirements might be more lenient for internal applicants. Focus on USMLE right now, without a score, aways dont matter.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

I’m currently a 3rd year medical student in an anesthesia rotation and I am loving it.

The problem is that my comlex performance was very poor <450. I feel kind of lost and am wondering if anesthesia is even possible at this point.
My score seems fine low even for some away rotation cutoffs

I haven’t taken usmle yet either but I have 2 weeks of spring break coming up that I could study for it on.

Just looking for some insight.

You need USMLE, you won't match Anesthesia with a <450 level 1 IMO.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Thank you all for the responses.
My only other hurdle is setting up away rotations. Is it necessary for anesthesia?
Im also unsure if anyone will take me with my current comlex score so should I wait till after USMLE?

Focus on the Step more than aways. I would take your vacation month in the summer and go for broke on Step 1, it will make a much larger difference than doing aways IMO.

 

[cgk]

You need USMLE, you won't match Anesthesia with a <450 level 1 IMO.

How about 450 Comlex and 210 USMLE Step 1? what are chances of matching Anesthesia?

 

[RadGod1]

I know SEVERAL DO's who matched at University programs in Anesthesia (usually their first choice) with those scores. They also had somewhat middling personalities, minimal extracurricular activities, and did not rotate at any programs. Don't let anyone tell you not to do something because of your scores. This type of mentality is what convinces students to not pursue their dream specialty and is propagated way too frequently on these forums...

 

[libertyyne]

This is obviously only from the ACGME match, and who knows if these folks actually took STEP 1.
The chances of matching Anasthesia with a comlex of less than 450 is close to that of a coin toss. 13 people applied and were accepted 53%~

 

[Spectreman]

How about 450 Comlex and 210 USMLE Step 1? what are chances of matching Anesthesia?

@QueenJames go into GAS my friend! You deserve good things!

 

[QueenJames]

@QueenJames go into GAS my friend! You deserve good things!

No gas spots near where I want to live.

Due to family obligations and changes in my family structure with certain deaths that have occurred recently and me being one of the oldest in the fam, I've had to make some vows to family to stay in the area for residency.

Maybe in another life. 🙁

 

[BorntobeDO?]

How about 450 Comlex and 210 USMLE Step 1? what are chances of matching Anesthesia?

see @libertyyne's post. An Audition at low tiers is a must for you IMO.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

No gas spots near where I want to live.

Due to family obligations and changes in my family structure with certain deaths that have occurred recently and me being one of the oldest in the fam, I've had to make some vows to family to stay in the area for residency.

Maybe in another life. 🙁

Its not so bad bae, you and me will be fine in Alaska FM Rural track. Got to keep it in the fam.

 

[QueenJames]

Its not so bad bae, you and me will be fine in Alaska FM Rural track. Got to keep it in the fam.

haha missed you.

I agree man. I'm not trippin' bro.

My perspective on life has certainly changed with these past surprises in family life.

Bunch of upperclassmen have matched at the same programs I'm interested in and they are near where home is.

So we shall see.

Hope you are doing well man. Keep it up bruh.

 

[BorntobeDO?]

haha missed you.

I agree man. I'm not trippin' bro.

My perspective on life has certainly changed with these past surprises in family life.

Bunch of upperclassmen have matched at the same programs I'm interested in and they are near where home is.

So we shall see.

Hope you are doing well man. Keep it up bruh.

How I'm doing...

 

[BorntobeDO?]

haha missed you.

I agree man. I'm not trippin' bro.

My perspective on life has certainly changed with these past surprises in family life.

Bunch of upperclassmen have matched at the same programs I'm interested in and they are near where home is.

So we shall see.

Hope you are doing well man. Keep it up bruh.

Also on those surprises...

 

[Snafuiil]

Just wanted to give an update
I’ve been studying this whole time and am taking an nbme this weekend. Test is still 6 weeks out.

Is there any chance that an improved comlex level 2 can help at all?
What about step 2ck?

 

[Spectreman]

Just wanted to give an update
I’ve been studying this whole time and am taking an nbme this weekend. Test is still 6 weeks out.

Is there any chance that an improved comlex level 2 can help at all?
What about step 2ck?

Best of luck!! Keep us updated!

 

[MightBeACylon439]

Just wanted to give an update
I’ve been studying this whole time and am taking an nbme this weekend. Test is still 6 weeks out.

Is there any chance that an improved comlex level 2 can help at all?
What about step 2ck?

Uworld practice exams>>>>>>nbmes for CK. I got a 180 on an nbme, 24x on uworld assessment 2, 24x on the real thing. Do some research (research is hard for the average sdner I know, take some aspirin you’ll be alright) you’ll find a near universal agreement on this.