DO with 238

[(nicedream)]

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First, thanks for reading my "do I have a chance" thread and thanks in advance for your opinions.

I'm a DO student with a 238 on Step I and probably 2nd quartile of class in preclinicals (currently in 3rd year). No research/pubs or ophtho experience outside rotations.

You guys think I have a chance of getting any interviews?

 

[GuP]

First, thanks for reading my "do I have a chance" thread and thanks in advance for your opinions.

I'm a DO student with a 238 on Step I and probably 2nd quartile of class in preclinicals (currently in 3rd year). No research/pubs or ophtho experience outside rotations.

You guys think I have a chance of getting any interviews?

Yes - one always has a chance. I think you need to go ahead now and start doing ophtho rotations at places you may want to do your training at. I think it would be kinda helpful to look at the past track record to see if they have ever taken a DO. You need to get SOLID letters. Ophtho is a tightly knit field (you have prolly heard this before). A great LOR from a PD or chari can do wonders! Next, if you can, get jumping on some research. It is always good to have research. Good Luck!

 

[(nicedream)]

Yes - one always has a chance. I think you need to go ahead now and start doing ophtho rotations at places you may want to do your training at. I think it would be kinda helpful to look at the past track record to see if they have ever taken a DO. You need to get SOLID letters. Ophtho is a tightly knit field (you have prolly heard this before). A great LOR from a PD or chari can do wonders! Next, if you can, get jumping on some research. It is always good to have research. Good Luck!

Thanks for the response! I plan on doing a rotation with a private practice ophtho (I don't have a home program), and then audition rotations after having the month of experience.

I looked at the DO school match lists that were available from the past 5 years, and didn't find one instance of a match at an MD ophtho program. Anyone even know of a DO that matched into one?

 

[Ophtho24]

I met a DO when I interviewed at West Virginia University. He seemed like a pretty cool guy, so I am sure he interviewed well, but I think he shows that it is possible to match as a DO. I am sure your scores have to be higher than ours but I think that the stats show that your scores are higher than some of ours. Remember that last years match had an average score of 230, so you've got a few points up on the average matcher. To be frank I think you have no shot at the big name programs, and the problem is when you don't have your own program it is sometimes hard to tell who the big programs are. Try to do an away rotation at an MD facility if possible to at least get some counselling on what programs you should apply to. I remember thinking Oklahoma must be easy, UIC can't be too rough... But these are definitely false assumptions, so try to get some help on picking where to apply.

 

[Zonules]

I know of 3 programs in NY that have taken at least one DO:
North Shore - Manhasset
Nassau University Medical Center
SUNY-Buffalo

Best of luck! It's definitely possible. You gotta spend some time at these places, however, to be even considered for an interview. On top of that, work your hardest. If you need to take a different avenue, you can always try to do some research after medical school or do a pre-residency fellowship in pathology for example, and then apply. Anything you can possibly do to enhance your application will also benefit you during residency. There are roughly nine DO programs spread throughout the country as well with a total of about 30 or so spots. Look into these, as some of them are pretty good and just as competitive (PCOM, Grand Rapids).

 

[(nicedream)]

Thanks guys. I'll do some research into what programs to look at, and plan on scheduling a couple aways.

 

[Redhawk]

Anyone even know of a DO that matched into one?

Ohio State took one the year before I matched. She would be in her last year now. Her dad, however, is (or at least was at that time) a cornea specialist in the department. Their program director is a DO.

 

[azzarah]

I've met many residents at Hopkins who were DO's, some in very competitive fields like ortho and anesthesiology....I don't think DOs are looked down upon at all. If you do some away clinical and research sub-Is at prestigious places and get strong recs, that will definitely help your chances....Make your application as strong as you can and then apply....Good luck! I hope you get in!

[This is just my personal opinion...If I said anything that offends anyone on this board, that was not my intention...Please don't flame me....Thanks]