Hello,
Im a DO student (well established DO school) with a 218 step and average comlex score. I'm considering EM and wondering if have a good chance and what can I do to increase my chances..
Thanks!
It’s going to be tough but possible. Apply broadly for rotations at hospitals with a residency program where you could realistically match, rock your rotations, be open to learning, and get good SLOEs. When it comes time to apply for residency, apply broadly and realistically.
Also, don’t be afraid to contact programs. A couple months into the process, I emailed every program that was in an area that I would have a realistic reason for visiting (family, friends, just love the area) and let them know I was planning on hopefully spending some time near them and let them know that if they had any interview openings that I’d rearrange my schedule for them. No dishonesty; the last thing you want to happen during interview season is to be caught in a lie. There were some programs I was really interested in but had no reason to be in their area, so unfortunately, they remained uncontacted. I’m not 100% positive, but I think the main reason I got an interview at the place I ended up matching was because of one of these emails. Programs like applicants who like and are interested in them.
Another thing that helps if you have the time/can afford the trip, second looks are good. If you don’t have the ability to return, ask if you can spend time shadowing for a bit on interview day if to do so would be reasonable. Again, the place I ended up matching, I spent an hour or so shadowing the program director in between interviews and got to know him a little better and let him get to know me better.
I had subpar board scores and only had a few interviews, but I ended up matching in the area I was hoping to end up at a hospital that I’m ridiculously excited to work at. It just took a lot of perseverance as well as support from friends and family and quite a bit of luck.
