How important is it for DOs to take Step 2 ?

[EssTwoThreeFour]

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Hello,
I'm a DO student who took COMLEX and USMLE for step 1 and did pretty well on both. I'm wondering if I need to take USMLE step 2 during 4th year. Will my COMLEX step 2 be enough for an allopathic Radiology match in a DO friendly hospital??
I'd really appreciate the advice.
Thanks!

 

[Pontifex Maximus]

Depends how good your step 1 was. If very good, I don't think the fact that you are a DO will matter at all re: Step 2.

 

[digitlnoize]

On the same note: What are the opinions regarding JUST taking USMLE step 2?

ie. take COMLEX 1, skip USMLE 1, take COMLEX 2, take USMLE 2.

 

[EssTwoThreeFour]

Depends how good your step 1 was. If very good, I don't think the fact that you are a DO will matter at all re: Step 2.

I scored in the 240s and i think this around the average score for applicants to get interviews (based on matchapplicants.com) at mid-low tier programs. Should i take step 2 ?

 

[Pontifex Maximus]

One man's opinion, but if I was a DO, and 250s, I wouldn't take Step 2, but 240s, I probably would. And I would think skipping Step 1 for COMLEX only would be a very bad choice, for almost any program.

 

[Vince]

I scored in the 240s and i think this around the average score for applicants to get interviews (based on matchapplicants.com) at mid-low tier programs. Should i take step 2 ?

As long as you are relatively realistic on where you are applying, and as long as your application is otherwise solid, you should get interviews with a 240 and I don't think I would risk getting a lower score on Step 2. Its harder to get in now than when I applied but that's my $0.02.

Vince, DO
PGY5 Radiology Resident in Calif.

 

[penguin24]

W/ a Step 1 in the 240's, I would go ahead & take Step 2 early. Being a DO I feel is an obstacle in obtaining a competitive residency (such as Rads). If I were in your shoes, I would go the extra mile & have your Step 2 score on your ERAS when most allopathic applicants will not have it on theirs. I have no data to back up my advice, but that's my gut-feeling on the issue.