Lessons during Match

[Alkaidius]

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Hey guys, so I’m still in year 3 and just now got acquainted with Freida. I was hoping for lessons/tips you guys learned when ranking programs and assembling a list, since you inevitably get better at it as 4th year chugs along. Specifically, since I’m COMLEX only and am only really interested in FM/IM of which there are a ton, I’m trying understand how to identify programs that might be those “don’t bother applying without a USMLE” types to not waste time/money. Maybe there’s another resource for this? I’m beginning to see that % of DOs on faculty is likely a vital indicator. But any other QOL that you learned late in the process is also appreciated!

 

[AMEHigh]

I’m a few years out so my apologies if things have changed, but for FM I don’t think you have to worry too much about doing a ton of research. Yes there are some programs out there that don’t really take DOs, but those are few and far between for FM. Those are mostly some academic university programs and if you’re interested in some then I’d just email the program coordinator to ask if they require the USMLE. Otherwise I had no problem getting interviews at FM places with COMLEX only, including at some academic places.

*disclaimer I only applied in the northeast, mid Atlantic and a few Midwest places. Not sure if same applies to the west coast.

 

[deleted610572]

You should make a list geographically then then go to their websites and look at the resident roster. If there are DOs on the list then consider it good. Don’t necessarily needs DOs on faculty. As said above, you will be good for the vast majority of FM programs. For IM, target community and low tier academics but just know academic IMs want USMLE for the vast majority. That doesn’t mean that community IMs can’t offer stellar training

 

[DrJackRyan]

Current 4th year here applying to university programs. Like was said above, don't count on getting much love from university IM programs. I had several interviewers tell me they're glad I took the USMLE because they don't know how to interpret the COMLEX scores. One thing I found out was that programs are now sending interview invites to regional applicants or students showing direct relations with cities/programs (like I grew up in X city, not my second uncle lives there). I applied across the country and EVERY single interview invite I received was from a state that touched my home state besides 1 which was a very low tier university program. I think this has to do with the huge flood of applications programs received this year after the merger because my scores and overall application was much stronger than my classmates from previous years that received invites and matched at programs I got ghosted by or flat out rejected. If your COMLEX scores are good (like above average) you should be fine receiving interview invites from low tier university programs in your region or community programs across the US. FM isn't very competitive like university IM so you shouldn't have a problem if you choose to go that route.

As far as identifying programs that are DO friendly, go off their current resident list. If they have a DO in every year they're likely good shots for you. If they only have 1 DO in the three year program then that DO most likely had really good scores (like 700+ on COMLEX plus a solid USMLE).

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Current 4th year here applying to university programs. Like was said above, don't count on getting much love from university IM programs. I had several interviewers tell me they're glad I took the USMLE because they don't know how to interpret the COMLEX scores. One thing I found out was that programs are now sending interview invites to regional applicants or students showing direct relations with cities/programs (like I grew up in X city, not my second uncle lives there). I applied across the country and EVERY single interview invite I received was from a state that touched my home state besides 1 which was a very low tier university program. I think this has to do with the huge flood of applications programs received this year after the merger because my scores and overall application was much stronger than my classmates from previous years that received invites and matched at programs I got ghosted by or flat out rejected. If your COMLEX scores are good (like above average) you should be fine receiving interview invites from low tier university programs in your region or community programs across the US. FM isn't very competitive like university IM so you shouldn't have a problem if you choose to go that route.

As far as identifying programs that are DO friendly, go off their current resident list. If they have a DO in every year they're likely good shots for you. If they only have 1 DO in the three year program then that DO most likely had really good scores (like 700+ on COMLEX plus a solid USMLE).

Agree completely on the states touching my schools state thing plus home state. Even programs that previously took my schools grads ghosted my app if they weren't nearby. I even had some prior grads go and vouch for me, but I still ended up getting the reject. I understand, the apps are getting out of control, but it sucks for people who moved for medical school to only get invites in places regionally. Luckily I am relatively close to were I want to be, but I feel for people who for instance, want the west coast and can only get 1 or 2 interviews out there cause they came to a school outside the region.

My advice: unless you just like wasting money/have amazing stats, apply regionally and to home state, and thats it. Heck, even in my home state I got less interviews than I did from my DO schools state. Also do aways and be on point, I got interviews from all my aways and they were places that I don't think I would have without the away. Do aways at your dream location/program. Even if you have strong connections to an area, they might not interview you and aways (at least in my case) have a pretty high yield for interviews.

 

[hallowmann]

...One thing I found out was that programs are now sending interview invites to regional applicants or students showing direct relations with cities/programs (like I grew up in X city, not my second uncle lives there). I applied across the country and EVERY single interview invite I received was from a state that touched my home state besides 1 which was a very low tier university program...

To clarify, this is absolutely not a new thing, although it may play a slightly bigger role now. I experienced exactly what you described 3 yrs ago, and to be honest, I know people 5-6 yrs out that experienced the same thing. Its just how things work. There are only so many interview slots, so programs select for people they think are the most likely to rank them highly. The only places were this is less the case are the very top tier, but they barely interview us as it is.