Is PM&R still possible for me?

[rehab4me]

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So I failed Step 1 twice and passed on the 3rd attempt. I had it pretty rough during my pre-clinical portion of my med school career. My father had an MI, a childhood friend committed suicide and I had an engagement fall apart on me. I was depressed and ultimately unmotivated. I was not ready at all the first time I took my exam and did so because I had no idea how important it was, to me it was just a test (how wrong I clearly am). I took time off of school since I knew I had to get myself right. I took the test a second time only to hold my spot at my medschool, and again I failed it (I know it was a dumb move, but hindsight is 20/20 I guess) The third time I took my exam I finally did pass but very low (192). At this point in my career I hated medicine and just wanted the MD and hopefully just to an intern year somewhere to later say to hell with medicine and do something else (pharm/jd/etc.). I realized however that it was me causing most of my problems, I let my attitude about my father and friend ruin my relationship, and my building negativity engulf me and my views on medicine. So after getting my head screwed on straight I decided to try and shadow as many doctors as I could to see if there was a field of medicine I like....and as it turns it I fell in love with PM&R. To me it is the perfect blend of several field of medicine with some of the most motivated patients I have seen! I continued to work in that physiatrists office 2 days a week for the past 5 months. I am also involved in 2 research projects which have solidified my love for PM&R even more. I have been studying for step 2 and have passed an NBME but clearly I recognize I need to get higher then just passing. With my leave of absence finishing up soon and rotations starting asides from what I am doing now is there anymore I can do (now or before I apply) or more importantly is this EVEN POSSIBLE WITH MY CRAPPY RECORD??? Also I am a US student at an MD school (to help give further background on me)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[DubVille]

First of all, I am sorry for all the crappy stuff you had to go through.

Do everything possible to show interest in the field: Research, attend events, etc. Destroy step 2 on the first try, do as many always as possible and do fantastic, get superb LORs from people on the selection committees, and get your app in asap. Also do as good as possible on all clinical rotations. I applied this year, and had the impression that programs really were looking for people that wanted to physiatrists, and there were very few unmatched spots. Maybe some residents in this board can give you a better estimate of your chances. I've never been on a resident selection committee, so my wild guess would be it is unlikely but not impossible. Just try your best to impress the residents and faculty and convince them you have the capability to excel in their program..

 

[rehab4me]

First of all, I am sorry for all the crappy stuff you had to go through.

Do everything possible to show interest in the field: Research, attend events, etc. Destroy step 2 on the first try, do as many always as possible and do fantastic, get superb LORs from people on the selection committees, and get your app in asap. Also do as good as possible on all clinical rotations. I applied this year, and had the impression that programs really were looking for people that wanted to physiatrists, and there were very few unmatched spots. Maybe some residents in this board can give you a better estimate of your chances. I've never been on a resident selection committee, so my wild guess would be it is unlikely but not impossible. Just try your best to impress the residents and faculty and convince them you have the capability to excel in their program..

Thank you for your feedback! looking at the charting the match data it does seem like it is possible but not very probable like you said (I figure 25-33%) but it seems encouraging that the impression you got was that they wanted students who wanted PM&R, I guess my big problem will be getting the interviews first

 

[Silent Cool]

Thank you for your feedback! looking at the charting the match data it does seem like it is possible but not very probable like you said (I figure 25-33%) but it seems encouraging that the impression you got was that they wanted students who wanted PM&R, I guess my big problem will be getting the interviews first

PMR is less numbers-driven than other fields, so that's a + for you. I second the time for research. Be sure to apply to EVERY SINGLE PMR program out there when app season comes.

 

[rehab4me]

PMR is less numbers-driven than other fields, so that's a + for you. I second the time for research. Be sure to apply to EVERY SINGLE PMR program out there when app season comes.

It is ince to hear to that I have one plus working in my favor. I was going to apply to mostly PGY-2 programs instead of PGY-1 since it is my assumption that PGY-2 programs would be slightly easier, although I also assumed that step 1 was not a very important test, clearly I have a track record of being way off with these things

 

[Textbookversion]

It is ince to hear to that I have one plus working in my favor. I was going to apply to mostly PGY-2 programs instead of PGY-1 since it is my assumption that PGY-2 programs would be slightly easier, although I also assumed that step 1 was not a very important test, clearly I have a track record of being way off with these things

He wasn't joking about applying to every single program. If you are putting "mostly" as a qualifier you are already doing it wrong.

 

[Silent Cool]

He wasn't joking about applying to every single program. If you are putting "mostly" as a qualifier you are already doing it wrong.

Yeah, I am serious about applying to every single program. Just shell out the $$$ and do it. Don't leave yourself wondering "what if." You've come this far and invested this much time and $$$, just go all out and give yourself the absolute best shot possible.

good luck

 

[rehab4me]

Yeah, I am serious about applying to every single program. Just shell out the $$$ and do it. Don't leave yourself wondering "what if." You've come this far and invested this much time and $$$, just go all out and give yourself the absolute best shot possible.

good luck

that is a great point, I was thinking that places like harvard, chicago, stanford etc. really wouldn't give me the time of day, but you are absolutely correct, why not give my self every opportunity I can