Low USMLE scores, filters, and non-traditional applicant, what to do?

[HydralazinePRN]

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Hi all,
Let me first begin with a bit of history on my specific situation. I am a USMG who tried matching in anesthesiology in my last year of med school and during my intern year. I was unsuccessful both times and surmised this was because of my USMLE scores that were all in the 70s and early 80s on all 3 Step exams (this was my big red flag). I am published in the field and also completed 2 months of electives in anesthesia while in med school. I went on to do a residency in a primary care field (that I will be completing in 2012) and got a MPH degree (from an ivy league). Now I want to reapply but feel my app will be screened out due to the same issue as before (low step scores). How can I get a PD to look at my application despite this fact? Is there anyway around these filters? If you try to contact programs about openings, should you email PDs or PCoordinators? Any suggestions are appreciated. I'd definitely like some thoughts from any members who are actually PDs too. Thanks.

 

[Law2Doc]

Hi all,
Let me first begin with a bit of history on my specific situation. I am a USMG who tried matching in anesthesiology in my last year of med school and during my intern year. I was unsuccessful both times and surmised this was because of my USMLE scores that were all in the 70s and early 80s on all 3 Step exams (this was my big red flag). I am published in the field and also completed 2 months of electives in anesthesia while in med school. I went on to do a residency in a primary care field (that I will be completing in 2012) and got a MPH degree (from an ivy league). Now I want to reapply but feel my app will be screened out due to the same issue as before (low step scores). How can I get a PD to look at my application despite this fact? Is there anyway around these filters? If you try to contact programs about openings, should you email PDs or PCoordinators? Any suggestions are appreciated. I'd definitely like some thoughts from any members who are actually PDs too. Thanks.

If you're already completing a residency, I probably wouldn't bother with ERAS and applications and screens and program coordinators. Just sit down with the PD.

 

[Buzz Me]

Are you trying to start as a PGY-2/CA-1 after completing an IM/FP residency?

 

[HydralazinePRN]

I am willing to start as a PGY 1 or a CA-1 and willing to go anywhere in the US

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

If you're already completing a residency, I probably wouldn't bother with ERAS and applications and screens and program coordinators. Just sit down with the PD.

I second this. Start at your home program's PD (if your hospital has an anesthesia residency)... if not, then hit up neighboring programs. Be persistent. It's not looking good though, as most applicants tend to have mid to high 90s. Good luck.

 

[HydralazinePRN]

Thanks for the advice, I will go straight to PDs. I am sure there will be some flat out rejections because of the scores, but I hope someone will look a bit deeper!

 

[Doctor4Life1769]

Sure. Let us know how that goes. Best of luck.