Honest advice on improving chances...

[Calimed1]

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Hello,

I came across opthalmology late in my 3rd year but I am very interested in applying and would like some honest opinions on my chances or options on improving them. I am currently an MD/PhD student from an average tier medical school. I have several publications from my undergrad and PhD work (2 1st author from undergrad, 3 1st author pubs in top neuroscience journals, and 3 1st author review articles) however my step 1 score was only 210. I have had mixed grades of passes and a few honors in my 3rd year clerkships. My schedule is a little different in that I have finished my 3rd year and will have ample time to study for Step 2 (scheduled in May...hopefully with marked improvement from my Step 1 result...) and take extra electives in Opthalmology. Any opinions or advice on improving my chances for matching would be greatly appreciated. Ideally, I would like to end up in a program geared towards research as my interests lie within neuro-opthalmology. Thanks.

 

[ophthal3]

Don't despair just yet. Yes, your Step 1 score will present a challenge; some programs (especially the "elite") screen interviewees from the hundreds of applications they receive by using step score cutoffs. These cutoffs aren't disclosed; unfortunately. I was just looking at the 2008 match thread, and there were people who matched with scores in your range. Consider PMing them for advice. Just remember, the avg Step 1 of matched applicants this year was 232. So, theoretically, if someone matched with a 252, that means someone else matched with a 212 to bring that average to where it is. Averages are just that, some people score higher, others score lower. Scores are just one part of the overall application.

Your PhD and several first author publications put you at an advantage. It also sounds like you have done some good clinical work. If you are convinced ophthalmology is the field for you, I would say go for it, protecting yourself with a backup plan (maybe consider also applying to a less competitive residency in addition to ophtho, if you are afraid of going unmatched). Things to improve your chances:
1) Take Step 2 early and significantly improve on your Step 1
2) Become involved in ophtho research, shooting for a first-author publication. Make connections at your home institution
3) Talk to the ophtho residency program director at your school (if there is an ophtho dept). Be forward and explain your credentials (highlighting your PhD and research, and commitment to the field) and also mention your scores. Your score is going come out throughout the application process, may as well tackle it head-on. Make the PD your ally. Ask her/him about your chances, and ways to improve your application. Also ask about programs you would have a shot at matching into, and consider scheduling away rotations at those progs
4) Apply to any program you would be willing to match at. You really can't have enough interviews.

I think its certainly possible that you will match, if you want it enough. It will be up to you do go out there and get it. You face a tough road ahead, but the end result is so potentially rewarding...

 

[ophthal3]

Also, not to put you on the spot, but its - oPHthalmology, not opthalmology! This is a pet peeve of people in the ophtho community 🙂 You'd be amazed how many people mis-spell it in personal statements, etc.