I need advice, please!

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layne20

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I was just wondering if I would have a pretty good chance of getting into a radiology residency (anywhere, no preference) if I did a year of research in neuroradiology at my school? In order to do this, I would be taking off a year of medical school, of course. The downfall--- my board score on step 1 was only average. However, my grades are pretty good but not excellent (a few honors first 2 years of med school). I know you guys are tired of answering this type of post, but I really need advice, as it is a really big decision to me to delay my graduating medical school for an extra year. Also, I contemplated doing research on my spare time now, but I don't really have much spare time during rotations, and I would like to fully devote myself to research if I am going to do it. Thanks very much for anyone who decides to reply; you advice will be GREATLY appreciated!!!!
 
You're a U.S. Allopathic student right? What was your Step 1 score? First try right? I think as long as you beat the mean on Step, as a U.S. student you can get Rads somewhere. I'd say you are about as competitive as I was (perhaps a bit more so), since I was a Caribbean stud with a high Step 1 score. I don't think you have to take out a year to do research--just try and take Step 2 early and score high, and apply early and widely (don't be picky)--IMHO you'd have a good chance of matching somewhere.

Good luck!
 
I am a U.S. Allopathic Student. However, my USMLE Step 1 Score (on the first try) was only a 212/86 (mean was 216 when I got my score report in July). I realize that my score is not very competitive, but I am willing to apply anywhere. Thanks so much for your replies!
 
layne,
if you are interested in rads, i definitely recommend you apply now, and i literally mean now since it is already sept. 10. just think about it this way - if you already commit to research now, then you give your self no chance at matching into radiology. by applying now, you give yourself many more options - ideally you would match rads, but if you didn't, you have the opportunity to scramble if there were any spots. there weren't many last year, but there were some. also, you may decide to do your intern year and reapply. the match is in spring, and if you don't get a spot and still want to do research for a year, there is plenty of time and opportunity to find a good research position. bottom line is you can't get a spot unless you apply, and you can't be certain that a year of research will put you over the top.

that said, you have to apply broadly and realistically. if you want to save some money, forget about places like duke, mgh, and the like. apply to every community program. email your home program's pd or chairman and ask for any research opportunities you could do as a 4th year elective. your home institution is usually a lot of people's best bets. and take step 2 asap, do better, and submit your score right away.

that said, it means nothing if you don't get your app in soon. i think most learned last year that the early bird gets the worm.
 
Thanks very much for the advice! However, I am only a third year right now, so I don't have to apply until next summer, thank goodness! Thanks for all the advice, though!
 
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