how is this possible

[deleted1199414]

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[eyeeye_captain]

I’m guessing the question is “how do DOs with low Step 2 scores get into a competitive specialty?” Easy answer. The rest of their app is good enough, and they have connections.

Apples to apples, the senior DO match rates last year for ophtho vs derm were 32% vs 48% based on that chart. So being in a field that’s even tougher for DOs, I’ll rehash this topic since it seems to come up all the time.

I had an average-ish app back when I applied, but I interviewed at half of the T20 programs. Why? My mentor was close with a bunch of big names and chairs and went to bat for me. These are small fields and people know who you are, and if they don’t they can find out quickly.

I know a couple Caribbean grads whose parents pulled strings for them and now they’re an ophthalmologist.

I don’t know how many previously DO programs are active in derm, but it’s getting bad for them in ophtho. Hard to have good connections when only 6 out of the original 15 programs from before the merger are still active. Apparently one closed this year. I’m pretty sure no program from med school through fellowship that I was in had ever taken a DO.

 

[RangerBob]

 

[mrbreakfast]

"Hey Bob, hope the kids are well! How's the golf game? Still pushing it left? Haha! Hey, while I have you, one of my medical students is applying to your program. Not the best numbers, but they're a good kid, and I'm not just saying that. Take a look at their file when you get a chance. Take care!"

Having someone who is willing and able to make a 60-second phone call like that for you is worth more than any step score.

 

[MifflinDunder]

Away rotation at an institution that previously took DOs.

 

[DrStephenStrange]

great response

just to learn - I'm guessing the rest of the app was top tier (like late 25X or 26x or smth, etc) and the connections being so insane just overpowered the DO gap?

Also where to see which programs are still active post-merger? Is there a list or something that shows which accept/friendly to DO's

> www.acgme.org
> Institution and program finder (bottom of page)
> List of programs that applied for accreditation under a single accreditation system by specialty.
> Run a search by a specialty of your choosing, and you should see old DO programs that applied for accreditation during the merger.

 

[deleted1199414]

> www.acgme.org
> Institution and program finder (bottom of page)
> List of program that applied for accreditation under a single accreditation system by specialty.
> Run a search by a specialty of your choosing, and you should see old DO programs that applied for accreditation during the merger.

thanks brah.

you have good comments

 

[MDMechEngr]

There are DO derm, ortho, ophtho, etc.. programs that only take DOs post merger. The DOs that match with low S2 scores likely match these programs with the rest of their application being very good.