Emergency Medicine and Step I

[bigfrank]

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Hello all,

I have heard 2 very different viewpoints on attaining an EM residency: one states that it is relatively straightforward, the other states that it is in the "top 2 or 3" in terms of competiveness!

My question is this, what sort of STEP I score would deem a person to be competitive at most programs? It doesn't have to be an ultra-competitive program.

Can anyone give me an idea?

Thanks----Frank <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

 

[Whisker Barrel Cortex]

Although I'm not applying to EM, I know a few people who are. It seems to be relatively competitive, maybe top 6-7, not 2-3. I think you can get into a program with board scores just above the mean (215 when I took it) and above average grades in third year. However, if you want to have a shot at some better programs and get more interviews, a score in the upper 220s or higher should do the trick. This still won't get you a spot in the top programs.

 

[wandering_scholar]

This question has been asked a hundred times. I don't mean to belittle your curiosity, but there simply is no good answer. Do as well as you can on Step I, and if you don't do so well, take Step II before applying to the Match and do really well. Most people say 1 SD over the mean is a good number to shoot for.

There is a wide spectrum of EM programs out there, that look for different things in a candidate. If you are really serious, and work hard during your clerkships, you can probably get a spot with any passing score.

Besides, I think a lot of people are realizing that EM isn't really 'all that', and popularity will wane somewhat in a few years.

ERIC

 

[bigfrank]

Thanks for your answers----they've been most helpful. Personally, I don't know, but I don't think ER will wane in popularity anytime soon.

Best wishes, Frank.

 

[tonem]

One of the quickest ways to bomb a EM interview is to refer to the specialty as ER.

 

[rk123]

EM is like everything,if you want to got to a top place (Hennipen, Denver, etc.) then you need to score high (&gt;235). If you don't mind another program, then anywhere near the average is fine. Below that, apply to many places and you will probably match (perhaps not in the place you want). Note: I'm am not trying to imply that you get substandard training somewhere that is not considered a "top" program, i.e. no flamewars please.

---Richard