failed step 1 chances and advice to stregthen app for PM&R

[Bounceback]

HI
I am a 3rd yr AMG who failed step 1 and then retook it within a month and scored 209. I have satisfactory pass in core clerkships and am planning to take step 2 in August. I wanted to ask regarding when is the best time to scheduling electives and what do PM&R programs look for? Do i still have a chance? your guidance will be invaluable to a confused and a bit down student. Thanks🙂

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[MedBronc23]

I have had a few students PM me with similar issues. I think you definitely have a chance.

Do well on clerkships. take step 2 early and kick butt. Get great letters from 2+ PM&R docs who know you well, and selectively look at programs and what they are looking for as cutoff on apps.

You might have to apply to more programs, but PM&R looks at the whole person.

You will definitely bounce back from this, and you luckily have chosen a field where scores are just part of the picture in the making of a good physiatrist

 

[superiortrunk5]

As always, MedBronc is giving you great advice.

I thought I would add my 2 cents on how to really impress your Attendings and get great letters. Above all, they want to see that you have a genuine interest in PM&R, are self motivated to learn, and want to better yourself each day on the wards. Most inpatient rotations will allow you the time to pre-read on your patients for the day.....DO IT, and let your Attendings know you are doing it. You could say something as simple as "Dr. X my patient is a 23 year T4 ASIA A male who is complaining of increased spasticity. I was reading that this could be a sign of a UTI. Are there any other signs I should be looking for to determine the likelihood that he has a UTI".

When you have a glaring weakness in your application, you need to have something equally impressive to offset the negative. Most of your interviewers will generate questions based off your application. If they have something positive to focus on, it will make your experience much better. Great letters and research related to PM&R will give you a great chance to land some interviews and hopefully match. As MedBronc said, apply broadly to a large number of programs.