Need advice - Psych vs FM vs Peds (DO student post-merger)

[rraspirer]

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Hey guys,

Need thoughts. I only took COMLEX 1 (~600), no step 1. I really loved child psych, peds, and FM rotations.
-FM: Love that you can build relationships with adults and kids over time. Don't want to do many procedures or manage HTN and DM all day though...Long hours/exhausting? Some FM-related activities (presentations, club activities).
-Child Psych: This is a passion of mine, mental health in kids. However, I am worried about whether I can match psych post-merger given I am a DO student who only took COMLEX. Strong CV for psych (leadership and other activities but no psych-specific publications).
-Peds: Absolutely loved my peds rotation but don't want to do UVCs and other procedures. Enjoy promoting the overall health of the kiddos. Compensation not so great? No significant peds related activities 🙁

Any honest thoughts would be much appreciated!

 

[Roxas]

Seems pretty clear-cut to me you belong in psych. And I wouldn't worry too much about matching. Even without USMLE your comlex is good enough you would really need to be a terrible interviewee to not match if you apply broadly.

 

[FrkyBgStok]

Peds will have some procedures but many you can avoid in residency and a career in gen peds can be zero procedures. But psych seems like a good choice and we need child psych super bad!

 

[djiboutiman]

You should apply psych since you seem to have a passion for it. Other than the big name programs, psych residencies don't care too much about Step 1 scores or tons of research. You having activities that demonstrate interest and having a genuine passion for psych will help a lot. Make sure you figure out which programs require a Step 1 score so you can avoid those.

 

[deleted610572]

Apply psych with peds as backup. Chest out post-pediatric portal program if that’s where you end up

 

[calvinhobbes]

You should be fine for psych, it’s all about how you interview. Same for peds, your scores are fine as many programs accept just comlex

 

[hallowmann]

Apply Psych, Peds, and maybe Triple board to get all 3 and shorten the trip. I think you could get Psych, and I would aim for programs that have a child psych fellowship so you can do 3+2/integrated training.

 

[Dr.MONO]

Do Psych. Most people with triple board end up practicing one specialty anyway

 

[BorntobeDO?]

Psych easy, triple board peds as backup would be cool as well. I would pick specialist over general medicine IMO.

 

[hallowmann]

Psych easy, triple board peds as backup would be cool as well. I would pick specialist over general medicine IMO.

Triple board would not be a backup.