Less-Competetive Programs?

[napoleondynamite]

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Hello,

I am new to this forum, and am also newly decided that RadOnc is definitely for me!! Unfortunately, I am discouraged as my step I score is low (212), and my research experience is also lacking (no publications).

I will graduate in 2007 and am currently planning my fourth year. I tend to think that away rotations will be critical for me, so plan to do 3-4 of them. My strategy is to rotate at a couple of big-name institutions to get letters, then rotate at 1-2 programs that are "easier" to get into as more of a job interview to impress them and hopefully have a shot at getting in.

First of all, is this a reasonable strategy? Or would my time be better spent invested in research instead of away rotations?

Second, as I am new to this field, I would appreciate anyone's advice for places that I should rotate through. In particular, what are the "less-competetive" programs that are still very friendly.

Lastly, DO I EVEN HAVE A SHOT??? I spent this week shadowing a radiation oncologist and after three years of searching this just seems like the PERFECT fit for me. At the same time, it's like I made the decision that I love Lamborghini's -- who wouldn't? Now I have to figure out how to buy one.. After researching the field, it seems almost impossible that someone like me could crack in..is this the case? However, I am GOING to try!! I have made the decision already that if I have to take a year (OR EVEN TWO) off to do research or whateve, I am willing to do that. This probably sounds insincere b/c I just barely discovered the field..but I am totally serious. I am thoroughly convinced that this is for me..

Anyway, your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Gfunk6]

Anything is possible, but IMO RadOnc is a big reach for you. Generally speaking, applicants who are not the "creme de la creme" have either very good Step I scores (240+) and minimial/no research or have average Step I scores (220-230) and have a ton of research.

As you stated, you seem to be lacking in both areas. You could take Step IICK early and do well but this may not help you if schools use Step I in their screens.

Your strategy, however, seems to be sound. Do two of your rotations in big-name places (pick a couple of the top 10 schools in the RadOnc rankings thread). For the other couple of rotations, I am very reluctant to label a program as "less competitive." One way to identify such programs (albeit not 100% accurate) would be to peruse through the RadOnc Rankings thread and see which programs are never mentioned. These will likely fit the criteria you are looking for.

Others with far more experience than me may also like to weigh in, but I suspect you may have to do a year of research to boost your chances of acceptance.

Good luck to you.

 

[clintpark]

Would your medical school let you do four away rotations in the same field? I know mine would not have let me. You should check to find out.

 

[napoleondynamite]

Thank you both for your input! I really do appreciate it. Perhaps "less-competetive" wasn't the best choice of wording. What I would be looking for are friendly programs that don't necessarily use Step I as a screen for acceptance. Does anyone know which programs would likely fit that criteria?

Again, thanks for your input!

 

[Thaiger75]

In addition to the advice given above, you should hamper down and ace Step 2 before applying. In the end, if you continue to try and get to know the right people, anything is possible...

 

[JTradonc]

Thank you both for your input! I really do appreciate it. Perhaps "less-competetive" wasn't the best choice of wording. What I would be looking for are friendly programs that don't necessarily use Step I as a screen for acceptance. Does anyone know which programs would likely fit that criteria?

Again, thanks for your input!

If you haven't already, stop by the "resident's room" and I will be happy to personally share my own experiences with you.

-Jonathan

 

[stephew]

ive seen success (yes even this year) with far lower scores, but of course there needs to be something else. Serious publications would help but of course that takes time. I would link up w/ a radonc at your school and get some mentoring.
S

 

[napoleondynamite]

ive seen success (yes even this year) with far lower scores, but of course there needs to be something else. Serious publications would help but of course that takes time. I would link up w/ a radonc at your school and get some mentoring.
S

Thanks for the advice Stephew! I am getting in on some research right now so will hopefully have a publication or at least something submitted by next year. What do you think about away rotations? I have kind of been getting mixed reviews on that. I was thinking I should do as many as I can so I can get my foot in the door to programs.. However, most RadOncs have told me that will not be necessary-rather, I should focus on one maybe two big-namers just for the letter. What do you think? I have a family, so moving around the country for 4-6 months isn't the best economical or practical choice for me..but I'm definitely willing to do that if it will improve my chances.

 

[stephew]

Thanks for the advice Stephew! I am getting in on some research right now so will hopefully have a publication or at least something submitted by next year. What do you think about away rotations? I have kind of been getting mixed reviews on that. I was thinking I should do as many as I can so I can get my foot in the door to programs.. However, most RadOncs have told me that will not be necessary-rather, I should focus on one maybe two big-namers just for the letter. What do you think? I have a family, so moving around the country for 4-6 months isn't the best economical or practical choice for me..but I'm definitely willing to do that if it will improve my chances.

away rotations can be a good thing. If you do very well, you will get a nice letter and perhaps serious consideration come residency time. If you don't, your letter might damn you with faint praise. Its not impossible to get an openly bad letter but that's not too common. Play to your strengths. One way to look at it is like this: its not likely that you will get interviewed because your cv is weak, you've probably not got anything to lose. I think the bigger decsion is this: do you go to a really top program where youre not likely to get an interview in spite of your efforts, but you will get a powerful letter if you do well, or is it better to go to a "second tier" place where your rotation may also reasonably serve as an "audition rotation". one possibility is to do both. Certainly the effort and dedication will come through. I've seen this work but of course it will depend upon your performance. Certainly a stellar performance can win over a big name who will canvas on your behalf. In any event i doubt you need 4-6 mos of running around. Even just two months; perhaps in city if possible so you dont need to run around.
All the best,
S

 

[qwert]

Does your school have a RadOnc residency? Spend a lot of time with them. It may be your best chance. Alternatively, take a year-two off for a sound research or fellowship.

Hello,

I am new to this forum, and am also newly decided that RadOnc is definitely for me!! Unfortunately, I am discouraged as my step I score is low (212), and my research experience is also lacking (no publications).

I will graduate in 2007 and am currently planning my fourth year. I tend to think that away rotations will be critical for me, so plan to do 3-4 of them. My strategy is to rotate at a couple of big-name institutions to get letters, then rotate at 1-2 programs that are "easier" to get into as more of a job interview to impress them and hopefully have a shot at getting in.

First of all, is this a reasonable strategy? Or would my time be better spent invested in research instead of away rotations?

Second, as I am new to this field, I would appreciate anyone's advice for places that I should rotate through. In particular, what are the "less-competetive" programs that are still very friendly.

Lastly, DO I EVEN HAVE A SHOT??? I spent this week shadowing a radiation oncologist and after three years of searching this just seems like the PERFECT fit for me. At the same time, it's like I made the decision that I love Lamborghini's -- who wouldn't? Now I have to figure out how to buy one.. After researching the field, it seems almost impossible that someone like me could crack in..is this the case? However, I am GOING to try!! I have made the decision already that if I have to take a year (OR EVEN TWO) off to do research or whateve, I am willing to do that. This probably sounds insincere b/c I just barely discovered the field..but I am totally serious. I am thoroughly convinced that this is for me..

Anyway, your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[napoleondynamite]

G6Funk, Thaiger75, clintpark, Jonathan, Stephew and Qwert:

Thank you all for your advice and help. I hope that other aspiring RadOnc's out there who find themselves in my position will also benefit from your experience and advice..

I have scheduled an away at a big name program, and will likely do two more rotations at "second tier" programs. I am just cracking the door on research, but will work hard to hopefully publish something or somehow contribute to the field..

If I don't get in on my first try, a year of research might actually be kind of fun.

Thanks again!