DO trying to match Allopathic Neurology

[SportsDOc2251]

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Hello all,

Just wanted to know if anyone has information about matching Allopathic neurology, I would do Osteopathic Neuro but want to keep fellowship options open. I did not take step 1, scored mid 5s on COMLEX level 1, and plan on taking Step 2 along with Level 2. Anyone know my chances of matching a decent neuro program in the Allopathic world? Does taking Step 2 benefit me at this point?

 

[SportsDOc2251]

Sorry I'm a 3rd year also, forgot to mention that.

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

I can't comment on chances. I can say that 5-6 of my classmates (class of '09) matched MD neurology. I can also say that one classmate that failed a bunch of classes and was held back a year matched her first choice in an MD neurology program.

 

[Instatewaiter]

Hello all,

Just wanted to know if anyone has information about matching Allopathic neurology, I would do Osteopathic Neuro but want to keep fellowship options open. I did not take step 1, scored mid 5s on COMLEX level 1, and plan on taking Step 2 along with Level 2. Anyone know my chances of matching a decent neuro program in the Allopathic world? Does taking Step 2 benefit me at this point?

It is common for DOs to match into allopathic neuro.

Your options are good. I can't speak to whether or not you should take USMLE step 1 or not. I know in the IM world, it is beneficial to take USMLE.

 

[Superman DO]

When I thought I was going to be pursuing Neurology back in second year, I emailed about 50 programs in the northeast, southeast and midwest. Only 3 programs stated that they would not accept comlex scores and required the usmle. 10 programs stated that they found it helpful if a DO student took the usmle, but would still accept comlex scores only. So, overall, I felt Neurology seemed very DO friendly in terms of accepting only comlex scores except the top-tier programs. I would think if one applied broadly enough, then the usmle is not absolutely required, as long as you are ok with being barred from some programs.

 

[munchymanRX]

3rd year here.

553 comlex I

223 USMLE I (around the average for allo neuro)

Do I have a good shot at acgme neuro programs?

 

[JediZero]

Hello all,

Just wanted to know if anyone has information about matching Allopathic neurology, I would do Osteopathic Neuro but want to keep fellowship options open. I did not take step 1, scored mid 5s on COMLEX level 1, and plan on taking Step 2 along with Level 2. Anyone know my chances of matching a decent neuro program in the Allopathic world? Does taking Step 2 benefit me at this point?

According to the 2012 NRMP Director's Survey, 82% of programs will accept a COMLEX I score (compared to 77% across all specialties). 70% will accept a COMLEX II (compared to 68% overall). 81% of programs consider DO applicants (vs. 73% overall). Basically, it's a relatively DO-friendly specialty by the numbers (and by reputation), so you should be okay. Taking Step 2 couldn't hurt, and will certainly help you open more doors. But it looks like you could do well without it. (Side note: can you take Step 2 without Step 1?)

3rd year here.

553 comlex I

223 USMLE I (around the average for allo neuro)

Do I have a good shot at acgme neuro programs?

According to the 2011 Charting Outcomes (section starting on page 139), you're right around the average for DO's who matched ACGME. Purely on the board scores, you've got around a 55% chance of matching. The biggest difference between those who did and did not match seems to be number of Neuro programs ranked, so apply broadly and you'll maximize your chances.

 

[pattr]

(Side note: can you take Step 2 without Step 1?)

Yup, you can.

 

[SportsDOc2251]

Will I still have a shot at matching Allopathic Neurology if I am unable to do an audition rotation at some of my top residency choices? I am still doing a neurology rotation as a core rotation my 3rd year just want to know if it I will be at a major disadvantage not having multiple audition rotations?

 

[JediZero]

Will I still have a shot at matching Allopathic Neurology if I am unable to do an audition rotation at some of my top residency choices? I am still doing a neurology rotation as a core rotation my 3rd year just want to know if it I will be at a major disadvantage not having multiple audition rotations?

In general, MD schools care less about audition rotations, but I don't know how much this applies to Neuro specifically.

 

[Niviancer]

Neuro is not competitive. Just apply broadly.

 

[BurghStudent]

There are currently 3 DO's in my home neurology residency

http://med.brown.edu/neurology/residentbios

 

[DubVille]

We had 3 people from my class go into neuro. One did DO match, one went to Duke and the other to Cleveland Clinic. The one that went to Duke was COMLEX only. I don't know where these programs are "ranked" in the neurology world, but they certainly have the name brand some people care about.

 

[Dharma]

Edit: Wrong forum

 

[DOcusate]

Resurrecting this thread because search function.

DO student from the Northeast. Current 4th year Neurology hopeful.

USMLE 1: 22x
USMLE 2 CK: 22x

COMLEX 1: 58x
COMLEX 2 CE: 49x (not sure what happened here)

No red flags, passed the PE first attempt. Never failed anything.
Any input on how I might fare?

 

[Dharma]

Most of these questions prob best to ask over at the neuro forums. That said, it is most definitely not a competitive speciality, minus the top programs (but that goes for all specialties). Average scores should get you in someplace if you apply wisely.

 

[Gatorman177]

I know the chief of neurology at VCU is a D.O.

 

[cylondoctor]

I'm trying to find out as well. And can good scores break you into northeast programs?

 

[schwasted589]

sorry to hijack this thread but I was wondering if research was pretty much a requirement for Neuro? I've heard mixed opinions...

 

[AlbinoHawk DO]

sorry to hijack this thread but I was wondering if research was pretty much a requirement for Neuro? I've heard mixed opinions...

My understanding is that it is seen positively by all programs, but according to the PD survey, it seems only 62% put it as a strong factor.

 

[Dharma]

sorry to hijack this thread but I was wondering if research was pretty much a requirement for Neuro? I've heard mixed opinions...

Definitely not a deal breaker unless you're talking about the creme dela creme (which will be tough to land even with the research unless you're coming from a top allo school and/or rock a balling USMLE). The sentiment I've heard expressed over and over again is only do the research if you're truly interested in the research. Going at it like some kind of pre-med checklist simply not worth it.

 

[Dharma]

I'm trying to find out as well. And can good scores break you into northeast programs?

Depends on what Northeast programs. There are still a few where DO is a no-go. Cruise the residents pages at places you're interested in to get an idea of which places these are. Luckily such programs are in the minority.

 

[schwasted589]

Definitely not a deal breaker unless you're talking about the creme dela creme (which will be tough to land even with the research unless you're coming from a top allo school and/or rock a balling USMLE). The sentiment I've heard expressed over and over again is only do the research if you're truly interested in the research. Going at it like some kind of pre-med checklist simply not worth it.

phew. I absolutely hate research but find clinical neuro fairly interesting...I was thinking I would have to mark that off my life of potentials because I was so miserable doing research in undergrad that I can't stand the thought of doing it again.

 

[AnonymousD.O.]

sorry to hijack this thread but I was wondering if research was pretty much a requirement for Neuro? I've heard mixed opinions...

One of the reasons I think research is emphasized with Neuro is because it is obviously a very active field for research, and it is needed. If you go into the interview saying you are very passionate about the progression of the field (something that is needed for Neuro obviously), you can back this up by presenting your interests in research. This I think would be important to most neurology programs.

Those that have found clinical neurology very interesting I'm sure would have no problem however convincing the programs that they are passionate about Neurology practice, it just depends on their experiences.

I'm interested in Neuro as well and Would like to go to a larger institution so I felt research would be important, I think it really depends on the applicant.

 

[NeuroLAX]

Definitely you can, but i am confused when you say matching allopathy and neurology

ACGME (allopathic) Neuro, as opposed to AOA (osteopathic) Neuro.