M3 at a US MD school. Just got in the low 220's on Step 1. Needless to say, I'm extremely dissappointed. I go to a state school with a solid reputation (but not top 25 or anything). Was hoping to match at a mid-tier academic institution but understand if that might be a stretch now.
Would really appreciate any tips from people who have been in a similar position.
Specific questions/concerns I have:
Research: I'm trying to work on getting publications, but making inroads into the anesthesiology department at my school is proving somewhat difficult. How many pubs would you say I should try to attain at bare minimum? Also, how are non-anesthesiology related research projects viewed (I'm almost done with a case report and will be doing a poster presentation in other areas of medicine)?
Electives/aways/Step 2: Also trying to do an elective in anesthesia this year, but won't be able to until January. Any tips on books/readings that are that I can read in advance of my elective to help me stand out? Any advice regarding how I should approach setting up my aways during 4th year? How early should I take Step 2?
Back ups: Is my score low enough where it would be smart to apply to a different specialty as a back up?
Beyond residency: How does my low step score bode for getting fellowships after residency? Can't help but feel like I've screwed myself.
Would also appreciate any suggestions as to specific residency programs that might still be an option for me (I know it's early, but I would like to do some research on which programs have minimum screening scores, etc.). I would like to remain in the Northeast, but understand that the chances of that might be slim now. With that said, I will for sure apply broadly and include schools from different geographic regions so as to maximize my chances.
Lastly, any general words of encouragement would go a long way right now. Feeling pretty bummed, especially since I've wanted to do anesthesia since the beginning of med school, served as chair of my anesthesia interest group at my school, etc. Can't help but feel somewhat embarrassed after investing so much into this process.
Would really appreciate any tips from people who have been in a similar position.
Specific questions/concerns I have:
Research: I'm trying to work on getting publications, but making inroads into the anesthesiology department at my school is proving somewhat difficult. How many pubs would you say I should try to attain at bare minimum? Also, how are non-anesthesiology related research projects viewed (I'm almost done with a case report and will be doing a poster presentation in other areas of medicine)?
Electives/aways/Step 2: Also trying to do an elective in anesthesia this year, but won't be able to until January. Any tips on books/readings that are that I can read in advance of my elective to help me stand out? Any advice regarding how I should approach setting up my aways during 4th year? How early should I take Step 2?
Back ups: Is my score low enough where it would be smart to apply to a different specialty as a back up?
Beyond residency: How does my low step score bode for getting fellowships after residency? Can't help but feel like I've screwed myself.
Would also appreciate any suggestions as to specific residency programs that might still be an option for me (I know it's early, but I would like to do some research on which programs have minimum screening scores, etc.). I would like to remain in the Northeast, but understand that the chances of that might be slim now. With that said, I will for sure apply broadly and include schools from different geographic regions so as to maximize my chances.
Lastly, any general words of encouragement would go a long way right now. Feeling pretty bummed, especially since I've wanted to do anesthesia since the beginning of med school, served as chair of my anesthesia interest group at my school, etc. Can't help but feel somewhat embarrassed after investing so much into this process.
