Florida IM with COMLEX only

[DSmith1991]

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Does anyone know the chances of matching into an IM program in florida with COMLEX only? I know there are a good number of IM programs in florida but I couldn't find much info on them. I'm fine with going to a community programs. I will be applying to both MD and DO programs.

 

[gutonc]

Does anyone know the chances of matching into an IM program in florida with COMLEX only? I know there are a good number of IM programs in florida but I couldn't find much info on them. I'm fine with going to a community programs. I will be applying to both MD and DO programs.

79.3%

 

[Raryn]

84.2%

 

[deleted392989]

For DO programs: assuming you don't fail the COMLEX, have no red flags, and can score decently (i.e. >50th percentile), most of them will extend interviews to you. The most competitive DO IM programs in FL will require audition rotations for interviews, no exceptions. These programs tend to have lots of in-house fellowships. You can check my post history for some of these programs.

Several of these programs filter applicants based on regional status (are you from FL? do you go to a medical school in FL? etc.). Reach out to the PC & PD if you are truly interested in these programs and it MAY help you get an interview.

 

[Crayola227]

Does anyone know the chances of matching into an IM program in florida with COMLEX only? I know there are a good number of IM programs in florida but I couldn't find much info on them. I'm fine with going to a community programs. I will be applying to both MD and DO programs.

why not look on their websites to see what they say about comlex? look at their rosters and see how many DOs they have
some of the sites will suggest who you should email to ask these sorts of questions

 

[DSmith1991]

For DO programs: assuming you don't fail the COMLEX, have no red flags, and can score decently (i.e. >50th percentile), most of them will extend interviews to you. The most competitive DO IM programs in FL will require audition rotations for interviews, no exceptions. These programs tend to have lots of in-house fellowships. You can check my post history for some of these programs.

Several of these programs filter applicants based on regional status (are you from FL? do you go to a medical school in FL? etc.). Reach out to the PC & PD if you are truly interested in these programs and it MAY help you get an interview.

I appreciate the reply. I'm not from Florida and my medical school is not based there but I will be doing my rotations there so my address will be in Florida when I apply for residency. Not sure if that counts for anything? I also have family in Florida. I was not aware that some residencies had regional bias I thought that was just a medical school thing.

 

[IMreshopeful]

I appreciate the reply. I'm not from Florida and my medical school is not based there but I will be doing my rotations there so my address will be in Florida when I apply for residency. Not sure if that counts for anything? I also have family in Florida. I was not aware that some residencies had regional bias I thought that was just a medical school thing.

There's definitely some regional bias among the mid-upper mid tier programs - by and far most of these programs are similar enough that programs often will use geographic preference as part of their decision making in ranking who to invite for interviews. This is less so the case in upper tier/"top" programs but still some consideration give (west vs. east coast for example).

 

[deleted392989]

I appreciate the reply. I'm not from Florida and my medical school is not based there but I will be doing my rotations there so my address will be in Florida when I apply for residency. Not sure if that counts for anything? I also have family in Florida. I was not aware that some residencies had regional bias I thought that was just a medical school thing.

I was in the same position as you - not from Florida and medical school is not in Florida. I did get interviews from DO community programs in Florida though. The address in Florida may help you, but I would still reach out to the program coordinator of programs you are really interested in still. And reach out early to them.

 

[Trogghunter]

I got interviews at UF, UF Jax, FAU in florida with comlex only but scored ~95th%ile on both and had my PE pass at the time of interview. This was 2yrs ago, however. FWIW I did not match at those programs because I matched at my no. 1 in another state. The PDs and faculty that I met along the way at those were very friendly, so if you can interview well and seem like a good/normal human being then you should have a shot at matching after interview. Other places around there to consider with comlex only would be GRU and the program in Savannah, GA, also the SC programs except for MUSC. I didn't get offers from UCF/Orlando, tampa, Miami, or FSU.

 

[nlax30]

UF Jax's PD is a DO and years ago I was initially looking at going there. I had taken USMLE Step 1 though they are familiar with COMLEX and if you're otherwise a strong candidate I would THINK not having USMLE wouldn't be a deal breaker.... Can't speak much more about the other allopathic IM programs here.

And currently most of the DO programs are gearing up for the transition to ACGME so honestly I would keep that in your mind as well if you're also considering DO programs.

 

[GQMO16]

I only took the comlex and scored about average. I did get an interview at USF Tampa although matched at #1 somewhere else. I am not from Florida initially and did not go to med school there either.

 

[ortnakas]

What ACGME residencies in Florida are DO-friendly? I know USF has taken a few DO grads from my school in the past, but I don't have a feel for the state as a whole. Not from there, but my spouse is, and it would be nice to make a move that works out geographically in his favor for once.

(My COMLEX is 580+, my USMLE is below average but respectable, grades are average for the most part)