Home program LOR requirement for DOs?

[fiznat]

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I am noticing that a fair amount of GS residency programs require a LOR from the applicant's home department. Being a DO student, my school doesn't have a home hospital or a surgical department. The school does have one individual that has the title "chief of surgery," I guess because he is a surgeon and teaches a few surgical-oriented lectures during years 1 and 2, but we don't rotate anywhere near that person (we are scattered to different hospitals across several different states). I've never met this man in person and I doubt he has any idea who I am. Because he works for the school I'm sure he would write a letter for me if I asked, but I can't imagine it would carry much weight.

I'm wondering if any students who have been in this position can comment on how they managed this issue. Can I explain this situation to residency programs, or will the LOR requirements cause roadblocks for me?

 

[PB n J]

I applied to and received interview invites at multiple programs that required a "chair/PD letter". I never had one.

If you have the scores they will give you the interview. Don't sweat it.

 

[MWaseem]

I m IMG i take interest in general surgery can i get redidency my step 1 score. 202 and ck 190 waiting for CS results. But i have written 7 research papers these r accepted for presentations in USA.

 

[ThoracicGuy]

I m IMG i take interest in general surgery can i get redidency my step 1 score. 202 and ck 190 waiting for CS results. But i have written 7 research papers these r accepted for presentations in USA.

With those step scores, you will have a hard time finding a general surgery categorical spot. I'm sure you would be able to find a preliminary general surgery spot, but that might end up being a path to nowhere for you.

Also, the current Step 2 CK minimum score for passing is 209. What year did you take those exams?

 

[MWaseem]

With those step scores, you will have a hard time finding a general surgery categorical spot. I'm sure you would be able to find a preliminary general surgery spot, but that might end up being a path to nowhere for you.

Also, the current Step 2 CK minimum score for passing is 209. What year did you take those exams?

2012 march

 

[ThoracicGuy]

2012 march

In March 2012, the passing 2CK score was 189. You got a 190. I doubt that you will be able to match into a categorical surgery spot. You would also not be likely to match into a urology spot.

 

[MWaseem]

In March 2012, the passing 2CK score was 189. You got a 190. I doubt that you will be able to match into a categorical surgery spot. You would also not be likely to match into a urology spot.

What can i do to improve my resume to be able to get surgery. In sept i have to present my three research papers

 

[ThoracicGuy]

What can i do to improve my resume to be able to get surgery. In sept i have to present my three research papers

Realistically, your only hope is to get a prelim spot somewhere, work harder than any of the other interns there. Impress the staff and the senior residents. Hope that they will want to give you a shot at a categorical spot. The chances of that happening overall isn't good. Prelim spots are often a dead-end road.

 

[MWaseem]

Realistically, your only hope is to get a prelim spot somewhere, work harder than any of the other interns there. Impress the staff and the senior residents. Hope that they will want to give you a shot at a categorical spot. The chances of that happening overall isn't good. Prelim spots are often a dead-end road.

Thank you. Would you like to tell me which program and hospital i should apply and suitable for me.