Need advice. Low Step1, good clincial grades

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So I didn't do nearly as well on step1 (218!! yikes)as it seem you need to apply to integrated programs. I have good clinical grades so far (honors and excellent), working on publishing my first 2 research articles in PRS, have good letters from my institution and the chief of another hosp. Am planning on taking step 2early, and fingers crossed rock it.
What else can I be doing to even have a chance of getting an interview at an integrated program??? I've had one doc offer to make calls to the institutions she used to work at, when the time comes if I'm not offered, but I'm not sure how this even flies in the PRS world??
I LOVE doing facial recon and hand surgery and can't image doing anything else but desperately want to avoid having to go the gen surg route. Any advice??

 

[cleopatra1710]

I am in the process of applying so I may not have the best advice, but I'll try.

First, it's going to be very very hard to match. It's very very hard for people with perfect resumes and unfortunately a lot of schools screen out applicants below certain scores and I know at least a few that screen at 220 and some screen higher.

I would not rule out general surgery, I'm guessing that all of us applying with the exception of maybe 5 applicants or so are duel applying because it's just realistic and still will get us where we want to be.

I would say to do as many away rotations as you can to get places to get to know you. And I would also consider doing a 2 year research fellowship somewhere. Every year programs gives a spot to someone who has done a fellowship with them and while it takes time and a lot of hard work, it may ensure that you get a spot.

I won't say give up, I think you should try, but I do think you should perhaps focus the most on putting together a great general surgery application that will get you there a few years later. Also, it sounds like your home program is very supportive so it's worth trying to stay as well.

Best of luck

 

[Moravian]

I've had one doc offer to make calls to the institutions she used to work at, when the time comes if I'm not offered, but I'm not sure how this even flies in the PRS world??

Phone calls from attendings who know you well are beneficial. Most of us will NOT make the call if we don't believe the candidate is competitive. Plastic surgery is a small world and no one really is going to stake their cred on someone who isn't worthy.

You should be prepared to do better on Step II. If you do get interviews, the improvement in scores will be noted. The rest of your post seems like you have a good file. And, as always, have a back up. I did general surgery, as did a lot of my colleagues. It's not the end of the world. It will only cost you 2 extra years and when you're talking about a 30 year career and doing what you love, it's not a huge price to pay.

--M