Going for MD Rad program as DO

[DrDJShik]

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Any DO radiology residents in MD programs here have advice on whether I should be taking the USMLE Step 2 in addition to the COMLEX Step 2? Ultimately I am going for IR, so I feel the MD route will give me the most opportunity.

I hear MD programs look highly upon the COMLEX Step 2 PE because DOs do so well on the USMLE Step 2 clinical part. I would rather save the extra $2000 if possible.

thanks

 

[cowme]

I don't think most md programs even know what the comlex is

 

[cbtk18]

You heard wrong

 

[DrDJShik]

So I should take the USMLE Step 2? Is it more important than Step 1?

 

[shark2000]

There is huge variability among MD radiologists opinion towards DO. It all depends on their previous experience.You have to understand that many programs may not even look at your application, but there will probably be enough of the unbiased or less biased ones for you to apply. Overall, it is doable but difficult.

 

[DrDJShik]

Which decent programs do you think will be unbiased?

 

[shark2000]

I don't know. I was trained in one of the top programs and unfortunately there was a Huge bias against D.O. I was on a selection committee as a chief resident and I can clearly tell you we practically did not receive any DO application. I think it was just rejected by our coordinator before coming to us. On the other hand, I have seen DO radiologists around, both in pp or in congresses. So, though uncommon, it is doable.

 

[hematogone]

Actually, if you look at the match stats, for those matching into allopathic Rads, roughly 5 to 7 percent are DO's per year. Given the actual percentage of physicians in the US who are DO's, I would hardly call that uncommon.

If you look at Dr. TLM's advice on AM, the bar is set slightly higher for DO's, but not as much as for FMG's. So in other words, if you have good or decent scores and app, you should be able to match somewhere.

 

[drizzt3117]

Actually, if you look at the match stats, for those matching into allopathic Rads, roughly 5 to 7 percent are DO's per year. Given the actual percentage of physicians in the US who are DO's, I would hardly call that uncommon.

If you look at Dr. TLM's advice on AM, the bar is set slightly higher for DO's, but not as much as for FMG's. So in other words, if you have good or decent scores and app, you should be able to match somewhere.

I did the math before but I believe one DO matched at a top 25 program in the last four years (UCSD a couple years ago). Pitt is the only well-known upper mid tier program that's taken DOs with more than some regularity (unless you count CCF/Dartmouth who've taken 1-2, and dartmouth didnt fill last year). There are DOs in ACGME rads but often they're in programs that don't otherwise fill in the match and smaller community programs and some inner-city academic programs.

 

[hematogone]

I did the math before but I believe one DO matched at a top 25 program in the last four years (UCSD a couple years ago). Pitt is the only well-known upper mid tier program that's taken DOs with more than some regularity (unless you count CCF/Dartmouth who've taken 1-2, and dartmouth didnt fill last year). There are DOs in ACGME rads but often they're in programs that don't otherwise fill in the match and smaller community programs and some inner-city academic programs.

Top 25 is probably a tough nut to crack. If you ask me, who cares though?

If you want to be a radiologist, you're a DO, and you've taken USMLE Step 1 (and maybe CK) and did well - apply broadly and go for the best you can get.

It's not like ACGME ENT where there is seriously 0 or 1 DO matching per year. Drizzt, I guess if we were to split hairs - regarding unfilled spots, the match stats are based on actual matches, not scramble or SOAP. Maybe a DO or FMG would have to be more open to a community or inner city program, but I would hardly say that is their only choice, especially if the scores and app are good. Again, Rads is competitive, but unlike ENT, there are a lot of spots.

 

[drizzt3117]

Top 25 is probably a tough nut to crack. If you ask me, who cares though?

If you want to be a radiologist, you're a DO, and you've taken USMLE Step 1 (and maybe CK) and did well - apply broadly and go for the best you can get.

It's not like ACGME ENT where there is seriously 0 or 1 DO matching per year. Drizzt, I guess if we were to split hairs - regarding unfilled spots, the match stats are based on actual matches, not scramble or SOAP. Maybe a DO or FMG would have to be more open to a community or inner city program, but I would hardly say that is their only choice, especially if the scores and app are good. Again, Rads is competitive, but unlike ENT, there are a lot of spots.

Like I said before; I'd argue there was one match in the last 5 years in a desirable area. The competitive cities of NYC, LA, Boston, and SF are essentially off limits to DOs; Chicago is possible (comm programs) otherwise you're limited to fly-over territory and coastal inner cities like Jacksonville, Philly (comm programs), and the rural or inner city south/Midwest. I'm not anti-DO, I'm just telling it how it is.

 

[shark2000]

In most Top programs there is much less bias against FMGs compared to DOs. There has been much more FMGs in MGH, BWH, UCSF, Hopkins, UW, UCLA, UPenn, UVA, DUKE, ... than DOs.

The truth is most radiology department PDs are MDs and for an average MD a DO student is considered inferior to an MD one. You can argue against it forever, but most people think DOs are the ones who could not make it to med school and used this pathway as alternative to have the doctor title. I have heard form my former PD that the non-carribean FMGs were not in this country, so they simply did not have the opportunity, on the other hand DOs and carribean ones had the opportunity but could not make it.
Look for less desirable programs and you may find a spot. Good Luck.

 

[jellofish]

Like I said before; I'd argue there was one match in the last 5 years in a desirable area. The competitive cities of NYC, LA, Boston, and SF are essentially off limits to DOs; Chicago is possible (comm programs) otherwise you're limited to fly-over territory and coastal inner cities like Jacksonville, Philly (comm programs), and the rural or inner city south/Midwest. I'm not anti-DO, I'm just telling it how it is.

I know for a fact that there are a couple DO's in at least one academic program in Chicago. So I have no idea where you're getting any of this? 😕

 

[drizzt3117]

I know for a fact that there are a couple DO's in at least one academic program in Chicago. So I have no idea where you're getting any of this? 😕

Sorry, meant top program in a desirable area, but probably extends to mid tiers as well.

 

[Cochan]

Any DO radiology residents in MD programs here have advice on whether I should be taking the USMLE Step 2 in addition to the COMLEX Step 2? Ultimately I am going for IR, so I feel the MD route will give me the most opportunity.

I hear MD programs look highly upon the COMLEX Step 2 PE because DOs do so well on the USMLE Step 2 clinical part. I would rather save the extra $2000 if possible.

thanks

Take both, it can only help you. I took both and did well on each one. I currently have a couple interviews offered at places that have historically taken DOs as residents.

 

[da Vincis World]

Take both, it can only help you. I took both and did well on each one. I currently have a couple interviews offered at places that have historically taken DOs as residents.

I understand taking USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK but are you guys also suggesting that DO's take both COMLEX Step 2PE and USMLE Step 2CS (Both of the standardized patient exams) as well?

Thanks

 

[Cochan]

I understand taking USMLE Step 1 and Step 2CK but are you guys also suggesting that DO's take both COMLEX Step 2PE and USMLE Step 2CS (Both of the standardized patient exams) as well?

Thanks

Save you money only take the COMLEX PE. They are both the same basic exam and programs know that. Just apply to DO friendly places. I only took the COMLEX PE. I know of no one that took both standardized patient exams.

 

[DrDJShik]

Let me throw out some numbers;
usmle step 1: 246
comlex level 1: 675

Cochan, can you fill me in on programs you are interviewing and have been DO friendly please?

From what I gather here, I should take the USMLE CK and skip the CS since the PE of COMPLEX is basically the same 12 patients as CS.

Shark, so what you're saying is that the best DO school cannot compare to the worst MD school, strictly because of the credentials? Sounds a bit mindless to me...If a DO can do better than many of the MD counterparts on the MD step exam than what does that tell you?
Also, many DO's believe in the osteopathic principle and never attempted for matriculation at an allopathic medical school from the beginning...

I also have experience in radiology as I was a tech before medical school. I was hoping that will play my way during interviews, any ideas?

 

[Cochan]

Let me throw out some numbers;
usmle step 1: 246
comlex level 1: 675

Cochan, can you fill me in on programs you are interviewing and have been DO friendly please?

From what I gather here, I should take the USMLE CK and skip the CS since the PE of COMPLEX is basically the same 12 patients as CS.

Shark, so what you're saying is that the best DO school cannot compare to the worst MD school, strictly because of the credentials? Sounds a bit mindless to me...If a DO can do better than many of the MD counterparts on the MD step exam than what does that tell you?
Also, many DO's believe in the osteopathic principle and never attempted for matriculation at an allopathic medical school from the beginning...

I also have experience in radiology as I was a tech before medical school. I was hoping that will play my way during interviews, any ideas?

So I'll add my numbers:
USMLE Step 1 248, COMLEX Step 1 697, USMLE Step 2 254 COMLEX Step 2 663.

I applied mainly in the North East and Mid West, Texas and Florida. I have heard so far from mainly programs in the North East. Drexel, SUNY Upstate, University of Rochester, Penn State Hershey, University of Cincinnati, and Aultman Hospital. I would also have to agree with you that the best DO hospital/school is not equivalent to the worst MD hospital/school. I will no go into the mindless debate of MD vs DO.

Good luck DJShik, keeping mixing.

 

[shark2000]

Let me throw out some numbers;
usmle step 1: 246
comlex level 1: 675

Cochan, can you fill me in on programs you are interviewing and have been DO friendly please?

From what I gather here, I should take the USMLE CK and skip the CS since the PE of COMPLEX is basically the same 12 patients as CS.

Shark, so what you're saying is that the best DO school cannot compare to the worst MD school, strictly because of the credentials? Sounds a bit mindless to me...If a DO can do better than many of the MD counterparts on the MD step exam than what does that tell you?
Also, many DO's believe in the osteopathic principle and never attempted for matriculation at an allopathic medical school from the beginning...

I also have experience in radiology as I was a tech before medical school. I was hoping that will play my way during interviews, any ideas?

I didn't say that is true, but that is what many MDs think.
We can argue over it forever.
It is the same as FMGs. I did med school in this country, but one of the best radiologists I've ever seen is an FMG who did not match the first time he applied and the second year he applied he matched into a sloppy program. He was lucky to find an open spot later when he was R2 in a big program and was a true star.
My point is what people think is way different than what is true.

 

[DrDJShik]

So I'll add my numbers:
USMLE Step 1 248, COMLEX Step 1 697, USMLE Step 2 254 COMLEX Step 2 663.

I applied mainly in the North East and Mid West, Texas and Florida. I have heard so far from mainly programs in the North East. Drexel, SUNY Upstate, University of Rochester, Penn State Hershey, University of Cincinnati, and Aultman Hospital. I would also have to agree with you that the best DO hospital/school is not equivalent to the worst MD hospital/school. I will no go into the mindless debate of MD vs DO.

Good luck DJShik, keeping mixing.

Cochan thanks for sharing man, if you dont mind I would like to probe you with more questions since I feel quite disheartened by everything I've read here and I would like to make sure I do everything necessary to make my IR career a reality. Our numbers seems pretty close although I havent taken Step 2 yet.

Did you apply to any programs in Chicago, WI, or Michigan? Where did you do your audition rotations and were they all Radiology? Do you have any research on your app?

Thanks so much man, I cannot explain how helpful you have already been to me.

Shark, you're right, the bias exists and more so in the past. I think over the last 10 years things have slowly moved towards equality and still moving, would you agree?

 

[hematogone]

Cochan thanks for sharing man, if you dont mind I would like to probe you with more questions since I feel quite disheartened by everything I've read here and I would like to make sure I do everything necessary to make my IR career a reality. Our numbers seems pretty close although I havent taken Step 2 yet.

Did you apply to any programs in Chicago, WI, or Michigan? Where did you do your audition rotations and were they all Radiology? Do you have any research on your app?

Thanks so much man, I cannot explain how helpful you have already been to me.

Shark, you're right, the bias exists and more so in the past. I think over the last 10 years things have slowly moved towards equality and still moving, would you agree?

Don't be disheartened by naysayers. If your scores are similar to what were mentioned, you are in good shape. There is probably a higher amount of elitism on these forums than in general. There are plenty of decent or good Rads programs with DO residents and there are plenty of DO radiologists in general. I'm not sure why people here are saying it's such a rare thing.

But yea, the kicker is probably USMLE Step 1. If you did well on it and apply broadly, it's pretty likely things will work out well.

 

[da Vincis World]

Would you guys who are applying to MD rads programs as DOs mind listing which programs that you all have found to be "DO Friendly" (ie have sent interview invites to you or other DO students)? I am primarily interested in the mid-atlantic/southern programs however I think a list of friendly programs (and perhaps a list of unfriendly programs) would be incredibly helpful to future applicants like myself.

 

[GaiusBaltar]

UNDMJ - Camden (across the bridge from Philadelphia) is an ACGME program with a DO program director. Something tells me they won't throw out your application for being a DO. Of note, Camden is quite possibly the most violent city in the USA.

Drexel historically takes a DO every year from what I've seen. 👍

DO's from my school have matched at: UT-H, BCM, UTHSCSA, Detroit Medical Center, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Program (rumor has it the guy scored in the 260s on USMLE step 1), Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in the past with two digit board scores USMLE of 93-99 (This is before the recent change to two digit scores, I was informed they didn't keep the 3-digit scores) . But, matching to these locations has not happened on a regular basis. 🙁

On a side note, UC-Irvine used to be a DO school in the 1960s, so maybe deep down they're not haters; however, I read somewhere that their board scores average in the 260s. Another source, http://radiology.matchapplicants.com/, shows 247 average for interview invites.

I've got an idea, Why don't you people ask your schools where have people matched in the past and post a list of Radiology Residencies that have accepted DOs from your programs?

 

[copes]

How many interviews have you guys gotten so far?

From what I've been hearing matching into top programs in radiology isn't as important as in other specialties. Even community programs send their residents to big name programs for fellowships. I've also heard many top programs have too many fellows which dilutes the learning opportunities for residents.

 

[yesno]

Are there any DO friendly programs in good locations? Santa Barbara does not list its residents, so do they take DOs or not? Any florida programs? Are there any university programs in terrible locations that take DOs and provide significantly better training than community programs?

 

[ar2388]

i think Atlantic Health - morristown is DO friendly. the PD is a DO lol

 

[novado]

You are doing a disservice to yourself if you do not take USMLE Step 1 and 2. It is difficult to compare candidates without it.

As for the comment of only one DO in the top 25 programs, that is also not true. Wake Forest has taken 3 DO's in the past 4-5 years, UPMC has several, Cleveland clinic takes DO's,

Other good programs that have taken DO's: U Cinc, Iowa has a DO, UT Houston also recently took a DO, MUSC, Ohio State etc. There are at least a handful of Top 25 programs with DO's. You just need to do your research.

 

[drizzt3117]

You are doing a disservice to yourself if you do not take USMLE Step 1 and 2. It is difficult to compare candidates without it.

As for the comment of only one DO in the top 25 programs, that is also not true. Wake Forest has taken 3 DO's in the past 4-5 years, UPMC has several, Cleveland clinic takes DO's,

Other good programs that have taken DO's: U Cinc, Iowa has a DO, UT Houston also recently took a DO, MUSC, Ohio State etc. There are at least a handful of Top 25 programs with DO's. You just need to do your research.

You're operating under the assumption those are top 25 programs.

 

[cowme]

the only thing that separates most of those programs from the "top 25 programs" is perception. You honestly think there's a significant difference between the level of radiology training at Iowa and UCLA?

 

[drizzt3117]

the only thing that separates most of those programs from the "top 25 programs" is perception. You honestly think there's a significant difference between the level of radiology training at Iowa and UCLA?

Yes. Case Volume, complex volume, etc are clearly higher at top centers, also research opportunities are significantly better at the top centers, and residents have dedicated research time. Iowa is a good academic center where you'll see interesting cases from some of the surgical sub- specialties but the patient population is homogenous and you don't see the same type of cases you would at a more diverse center. Rotating at places like Reagan, CHLA, and a major safety net center like Oliveview gives you access to all patient types and demographics. I'm not saying you'll only be seeing bread/butter at Iowa but it serves a much smaller patient population.

 

[a runner]

You are doing a disservice to yourself if you do not take USMLE Step 1 and 2. It is difficult to compare candidates without it.

As for the comment of only one DO in the top 25 programs, that is also not true. Wake Forest has taken 3 DO's in the past 4-5 years, UPMC has several, Cleveland clinic takes DO's,

Other good programs that have taken DO's: U Cinc, Iowa has a DO, UT Houston also recently took a DO, MUSC, Ohio State etc. There are at least a handful of Top 25 programs with DO's. You just need to do your research.

Just curious where you found out that Wake Forest has taken DO's recently? Because on their website it lists their current residents (says it was updated 9/10/12) and where they went to medical school and none of them seem to be DO's.

My research also backs up the rest of the schools you list taking DO's as being correct. Thank you for the info.

http://www.wakehealth.edu/School/Radiology/Residencies/Radiology-Residents-2011-2012.htm

 

[cowme]

Yes. Case Volume, complex volume, etc are clearly higher at top centers, also research opportunities are significantly better at the top centers, and residents have dedicated research time. Iowa is a good academic center where you'll see interesting cases from some of the surgical sub- specialties but the patient population is homogenous and you don't see the same type of cases you would at a more diverse center. Rotating at places like Reagan, CHLA, and a major safety net center like Oliveview gives you access to all patient types and demographics. I'm not saying you'll only be seeing bread/butter at Iowa but it serves a much smaller patient population.

OK...what about Mayo or Stanford then? They are always touted as top tier programs, but you're not exactly getting a diverse population base...

 

[drizzt3117]

OK...what about Mayo or Stanford then? They are always touted as top tier programs, but you're not exactly getting a diverse population base...

Mayo has 2 million imaging studies a year and has some of the most complex cases you'll see anywhere. You also get 5 weeks set aside for moonlighting at mayo affiliates for basically preparing for private practice, paid at $10000 a week. There are also ample research opportunities. Stanford isn't as good clinically as its a bit lower volume center but is a research powerhouse, in addition to having top faculty in every section so it makes up for some of what it lacks in volume in teaching. I thought they had the best noon conference of any place I visited. It's pretty amazing you get the guy who wrote stat dx giving you lectures...

 

[da Vincis World]

Just curious where you found out that Wake Forest has taken DO's recently? Because on their website it lists their current residents (says it was updated 9/10/12) and where they went to medical school and none of them seem to be DO's.

My research also backs up the rest of the schools you list taking DO's as being correct. Thank you for the info.

http://www.wakehealth.edu/School/Radiology/Residencies/Radiology-Residents-2011-2012.htm

Two DO's from VCOM just completed training at Wake.

 

[Trastuz]

Mayo has 2 million imaging studies a year and has some of the most complex cases you'll see anywhere. You also get 5 weeks set aside for moonlighting at mayo affiliates for basically preparing for private practice, paid at $10000 a week. There are also ample research opportunities. Stanford isn't as good clinically as its a bit lower volume center but is a research powerhouse, in addition to having top faculty in every section so it makes up for some of what it lacks in volume in teaching. I thought they had the best noon conference of any place I visited. It's pretty amazing you get the guy who wrote stat dx giving you lectures...

Statdx is a compilation of articles from various experts around the country... If you want to attribute its conception to a single person they're from Utah not Stanford (though I don't doubt people from Stanford have written articles for Statdx).

But I digress. This has nothing to do with DO friendly programs.

 

[drizzt3117]

Statdx is a compilation of articles from various experts around the country... If you want to attribute its conception to a single person they're from Utah not Stanford (though I don't doubt people from Stanford have written articles for Statdx).

But I digress. This has nothing to do with DO friendly programs.

http://radiology.stanford.edu/blog/archives/2008/10/stanford_radiol_5.html

 

[shark2000]

1- There is not difference between UCLA, Stanford and IOWA training wise. But there is a significant difference between UCLA and a community hospital in Michigan or NY city. As long as you are in an academic center which is the referral center with most/all subspecialties you are fine.
2- Statdx is relatively common radiology reference in many academic and pp. Our pp group has its membership which is also very expensive. When I checked it, The body section is written by Stanford University. If I am not mistaken, the Neuro and MSK sections are written by Utah university.
3- Stanford is one of the best body imaging departments in the country.
4- UCLA is top notch, but its radiology department is not as famous as other cali programs. Though really does not matter, regarding academic reputation in cali UCSF>Stanford>UCSD>UCLA. UCLA does not have any big name, contrary to other cali programs.

 

[drizzt3117]

1- There is not difference between UCLA, Stanford and IOWA training wise. But there is a significant difference between UCLA and a community hospital in Michigan or NY city. As long as you are in an academic center which is the referral center with most/all subspecialties you are fine.
2- Statdx is relatively common radiology reference in many academic and pp. Our pp group has its membership which is also very expensive. When I checked it, The body section is written by Stanford University. If I am not mistaken, the Neuro and MSK sections are written by Utah university.
3- Stanford is one of the best body imaging departments in the country.
4- UCLA is top notch, but its radiology department is not as famous as other cali programs. Though really does not matter, regarding academic reputation in cali UCSF>Stanford>UCSD>UCLA. UCLA does not have any big name, contrary to other cali programs.

Maybe that's true for msk, certainly SD is better than LA for that with Resnick; LA is certainly better in neuro IR and has the top med physics dept in the country. All of the top 4 CA programs are very good, though.

Michael Federle from Stanford founded Amirsys who publishes stat dx. I believe that he does write the body section of it.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

Two DO's from VCOM just completed training at Wake.

A CCOM grad matched UCSD last match as well.

 

[shark2000]

Maybe that's true for msk, certainly SD is better than LA for that with Resnick; LA is certainly better in neuro IR and has the top med physics dept in the country. All of the top 4 CA programs are very good, though.

Michael Federle from Stanford founded Amirsys who publishes stat dx. I believe that he does write the body section of it.

Statdx/Amirsys was founded by Rick Harnsberger and Anne Osborn, both neuroradiologists from university of Utah. I met them once in RSNA. If you take a look at their website, the corporation is located in salt lake city and you can find the name of officers and CEOs. Mick Federle is a big time body imager at Stanford who writes the body section, but he is not listed in CEOs. Anyway, he is one of the best body imagers.

http://www.amirsys.com/leadership/

I personally don't like statdx now, though I liked it when I was a resident. I think for the level of a resident it is perfect. But for a fellow level and after that, it is relatively superficial. I still like its anatomy section and still use it for rare cases out of my area of specialty.

UCLA and UCSD are both great programs and you are not going wrong with any of them. Some sections are better in one and others are better on the other. No Doubt.

 

[drizzt3117]

Statdx/Amirsys was founded by Rick Harnsberger and Anne Osborn, both neuroradiologists from university of Utah. I met them once in RSNA. If you take a look at their website, the corporation is located in salt lake city and you can find the name of officers and CEOs. Mick Federle is a big time body imager at Stanford who writes the body section, but he is not listed in CEOs. Anyway, he is one of the best body imagers.

http://www.amirsys.com/leadership/

I personally don't like statdx now, though I liked it when I was a resident. I think for the level of a resident it is perfect. But for a fellow level and after that, it is relatively superficial. I still like its anatomy section and still use it for rare cases out of my area of specialty.

UCLA and UCSD are both great programs and you are not going wrong with any of them. Some sections are better in one and others are better on the other. No Doubt.

From his bio:

"Dr. Federle is also a co-founder of Amirsys, which is a company that produces radiology textbooks to provide decision support to radiologists and to guide them in making diagnoses. He established the company along with Rick Harnsberger, MD, and Anne Osbourn, MD, neuroradiologists from the Radiology Department at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City. Each series that Amirsys publishes is based on the experiences of authors from around the country: "Our series of textbooks cover the entire spectrum of every specialty in radiology, and each have become the bestsellers in their field. Our online decision-support product, STATdx, is now used in several thousand radiology departments across the country including the great majority of training programs." Dr. Federle and his colleagues have just finished a new Expert Differential Diagnosis Series, which will be coming out at the 2008 Annual Conference of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). His contribution will be a section on the abdomen: "Writing for Amirsys is both a vocation and avocation; I really, really enjoy the whole process from gathering interesting cases to writing them up. I can lose myself for hours doing that."

I'm assuming its true, <shrug>. Maybe he's not on the leadership of Amirsys now.

 

[drizzt3117]

A CCOM grad matched UCSD last match as well.

It was in 2011.

 

[Cochan]

Cochan thanks for sharing man, if you dont mind I would like to probe you with more questions since I feel quite disheartened by everything I've read here and I would like to make sure I do everything necessary to make my IR career a reality. Our numbers seems pretty close although I havent taken Step 2 yet.

Did you apply to any programs in Chicago, WI, or Michigan? Where did you do your audition rotations and were they all Radiology? Do you have any research on your app?

Thanks so much man, I cannot explain how helpful you have already been to me.

Shark, you're right, the bias exists and more so in the past. I think over the last 10 years things have slowly moved towards equality and still moving, would you agree?

I did apply to the Chicago area and Michigan however, not being from that area I didn't expect to hear from them. I only did one audition rotation in Jacksonville Fl at Shands which I did interview there while on rotation. I did no other audition rotations or for that matter other Radiology rotations. I have no research either, its not for me lol.

If it is of any help you can PM for more information regarding my process.

 

[cowme]

LA is certainly better in neuro IR and has the top med physics dept in the country.

Ehh... touting a strong neuro IR department is like showcasing excellent cardiac cath training 20 years ago. That ship is all but sailed as far as radiologists are concerned. And I can't think of anything less important than having a great physics department outside of research

 

[a runner]

Are there any DO friendly programs in good locations? Santa Barbara does not list its residents, so do they take DOs or not? Any florida programs? Are there any university programs in terrible locations that take DOs and provide significantly better training than community programs?

Santa Barbara does list their residents on their website, and they don't currently have any DO radiology residents: http://www.sbch.org/Portals/1/Skins/CottageHealth/pdf/ResidentGuide2012.pdf.

As for Florida, the two programs that I've seen that take DO's are Univ of FL in Jacksonville and Univ of South FL in Tampa.

Considering that the majority of programs are university programs (104 out of 187 in FREIDA), there are plenty of them that have recently taken DO's. Some have been mentioned already in this thread. Most would not be considered anywhere near "top programs" though.

For example, in California alone, UCI, UCD, Loma Linda, and UCSD are all university programs that have accepted at least one DO in recent years. That leaves UCSF, Stanford, and UCLA that have not, as far as I know.

 

[a runner]

Another interesting thing for those of us DO students wanting to go into a radiology residency can be found in the new 2012 NRMP program director survey results. This year they added a new question in the survey regarding what types of applicants their program typically invites for interviews and ranks.

While N only =86 (just under half of all programs), the results show that 69% of program director respondants consider DO's for their programs. Of the 31% that don't, I'm not sure what proportion don't interview DO's because of bias and what percentage simply do not receive many DO applications.

I personally find these results encouraging because 69% of 187 programs is still more than 120 programs to have a possible chance at. Besides, just compare it to fields like ENT (28%), ortho (30%), derm (31%), and gen surg (53%) and I feel grateful.

http://www.nrmp.org/data/programresultsbyspecialty2012.pdf

 

[DarkHorizon]

A CCOM grad matched at CCF with fairly averagish numbers last year

 

[emlopez2]

NYCOM grad. COMLEX I 677/94 and USMLE step I 235/98. Applied to 80 low and midlevel programs. 6 interviews. Did not match. Alot of places will interview you with USMLE step II which is easier so definately take that at least.

 

[jkhanh]

NYCOM grad. COMLEX I 677/94 and USMLE step I 235/98. Applied to 80 low and midlevel programs. 6 interviews. Did not match. Alot of places will interview you with USMLE step II which is easier so definately take that at least.

Are you reapplying to radiology this year? If so, what did you do the past year to improve your application?