DO's in Neuro: COMLEX or COMLEX/USMLE?

[k-money]

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I am a DO student hoping to match in Neuro. I was wondering if anyone had input on the boards for me and others like me. Of course as an Osteopath I will take all steps of COMLEX. How crucial is it that I take all the Steps of the USMLE if I am interested in an allopathic residency? Are these scores necessary for any reason other than to compare us to the other applicants with ease?

I took the USMLE Step 1 last year and am deciding if I need to take Step 2.

Any advice at all will be appreciated, my school being less than helpful to those of us condsidering allopathic training....Thanks!

 

[bustbones26]

I am in an ACGME program, and here is my advice to you (take it for what it is worth). The acceptance of a DO in an ACGME program is really related to geography. So research the programs you are interested in, if they seem to not be "DO friendly" then don't necessarily disregard them as an option, a lot of MD's I meet just don't know the difference between a DO and MD and don't even know what A COMLEX is, once it is explained to them, they are cool about it. But for these programs, you may want to consider taking USMLE

Now for the DO friendly programs, don't bother taking double boards, COMLEX is fine.

Now if you are gunning nationally known programs like Mayo, Johns Hopkins, etc., although DO accepting, some of my colleagues that interviewed at these places sensed a real "high and mighty", snobby, and arrogant attitude (just their opinion, not here to offend anybody please), so for those programs might want to take USMLE

Where in the US you targeting? East coast and mid-west seem very DO friendly

 

[mychiasm]

Thank you for this thread 👍 👍 👍 I was just about to post a similar question to this board but the OP beat me to it. However, mine is a slightly different and more complicated.

I am also a DO student who will be applying to ACGME neurology programs similar to the OP except that I have taken and passed the USMLE Step 1 (as well as the COMLEX) and will be taking USMLE Step 2 (as well as the COMLEX Part 2). So here is my question: I didnt do so swell on the USMLE Step 1 (hovering BELOW average - but still passed!), however, I did ABOVE average on the COMLEX Part 1. I will be applying heavily to Mid-East Cost/Northeast programs - is it better to include my mediocre but passing USMLE Step 1 score even though the number isnt great or should I just supply my COMLEX Part 1 score alone? I plan on sending my Step 2 scores later.

My other stats: upper 25%, published basic science research, graduate work, etc. Doing a couple of "away" rotations at places I intend to apply to. Good letters. I just hate standardized tests!

I realize programs look at "everything"/the whole package, but I have also heard that some programs have "cutoffs" and use it as an initial screen for interviews and such. I really love neurology/brain/neurosicence and just want to get in somewhere decent, near my home and dont want to make any stupid "inconsequential" mistakes along the way that may decrease my chances at the very least, for an interview.

Thanks for any assistance you can provide! 😀

I am in an ACGME program, and here is my advice to you (take it for what it is worth). The acceptance of a DO in an ACGME program is really related to geography. So research the programs you are interested in, if they seem to not be "DO friendly" then don't necessarily disregard them as an option, a lot of MD's I meet just don't know the difference between a DO and MD and don't even know what A COMLEX is, once it is explained to them, they are cool about it. But for these programs, you may want to consider taking USMLE

Now for the DO friendly programs, don't bother taking double boards, COMLEX is fine.

Now if you are gunning nationally known programs like Mayo, Johns Hopkins, etc., although DO accepting, some of my colleagues that interviewed at these places sensed a real "high and mighty", snobby, and arrogant attitude (just their opinion, not here to offend anybody please), so for those programs might want to take USMLE

Where in the US you targeting? East coast and mid-west seem very DO friendly

 

[mychiasm]

bump

 

[DrIsh]

Is the Chicago area usually considered DO friendly?

Thanks

 

[mychiasm]

Ya, Ive head many anecdotal stories of DO's who went up there for residency. I think it has to do with decent CCOM rep in that area as well as the multiple hospitals available. I would definitely think that as long as all of your "file" is in order all should be equal.