need advice

[game24]

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I recently took step 1 and got a score of 183 due to testing anxiety(should have used propranolol). My scores on the NBME forms were 200+. The main problem with me is I completed basic sciences on April 2011 and only took the exam on October
8, 2012 due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Clinical Depression. After trying several medications, I was able to achieve remission on July 2, 2012 with TMS therapy. I was advised by the physician that I may need to get the procedure done every year. Can I still get residency despite the long layoff, past medical history, and failure on my 1st step 1 attempt? Also should I disclose my past medical history to residency programs even though it is not on my record? FYI even after the failed step one attempt I am
perfectly normal with no symptoms of GAD and clinical depression.

Mods please be empathic and don't move this thread to a forum where it won't be read. I really need advice from residents/people applying for residency.

 

[ArkansasHogMD]

I recently took step 1 and got a score of 183 due to testing anxiety(should have used propranolol). My scores on the NBME forms were 200+. The main problem with me is I completed basic sciences on April 2011 and only took the exam on October
8, 2012 due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Clinical Depression. After trying several medications, I was able to achieve remission on July 2, 2012 with TMS therapy. I was advised by the physician that I may need to get the procedure done every year. Can I still get residency despite the long layoff, past medical history, and failure on my 1st step 1 attempt? Also should I disclose my past medical history to residency programs even though it is not on my record? FYI even after the failed step one attempt I am
perfectly normal with no symptoms of GAD and clinical depression.

Mods please be empathic and don't move this thread to a forum where it won't be read. I really need advice from residents/people applying for residency.

First things first, you need to retake the exam and rock the *&%@ out of it. Second, are you an FMG or US student, MD or DO because that matters? Third are you wanting to do family medicine or something more competitive like ENT? In my opinion, I wouldn't disclose that medical information because you are "perfectly normal with no symptoms" now and it may come off as an excuse. Assuming you pass the next time, I would just say that you did not prepare well enough for the test day environment and tell them how you changed you preparation. It turns a negative into a positive (this should be in your personal statement). The fact that you failed will limit you especially at programs that screen based on failed step scores, but if you pass I think you have a chance at a less competive residency assuming your grades, LORs, are up to par.

 

[game24]

I am an FMG(Caribbean) looking for a noncompetitive residency like FM. How should I
explain the long gap?

 

[BADMD]

You have two options:

1) Tell them briefly the details. Technically, they can't use it to decide where you would reside on their match list. Being an FMG with a failing step 1 score, they can drop you from their rank list without really needing to gin up a pretext if they decide they don't want you because of mental health issues.

2) Tell them you aren't comfortable discussing it.

Don't even consider option 3 of lying about it.

 

[drcvj]

hey game24

what is important is
How much gap you have in your CV?
Next thing is that if you are contemplating on a residency position no matter what stream it is, I would not suggest you to disclose your medical problem....keeping in mind the fact that you are asymtomatic now.
Attempt does affect your resume in terms of the number of programs you can apply to..as they become way limited but then again....have will and confidence, do things to boost your CV and apply wholeheartedly....nothing can stop you in getting a residency position..Believe in yourself....medical problems can happen to anyone...any point in life....as long as your functioning is normal ...no one cares

Hope this helps

 

[BADMD]

have will and confidence, do things to boost your CV and apply wholeheartedly....nothing can stop you in getting a residency position..Believe in yourself....medical problems can happen to anyone...any point in life....as long as your functioning is normal ...no one cares

This is unrealistic sentimentality. The reality is far from rosey. Game needs to apply far and wide, do serious damage control and have a back up plan. The picture is bleak for FMGs with USMLE failures, regardless of the cause.

 

[septoplasty]

This is unrealistic sentimentality. The reality is far from rosey. Game needs to apply far and wide, do serious damage control and have a back up plan. The picture is bleak for FMGs with USMLE failures, regardless of the cause.

Bam!

OP: Just to put things in perspective, I have no failures, have average matching scores for FM, CMG like you.. and I have 4 interviews. Just imagine how competitive it is.

You not only better MURDER Step 1 on the second try, but also KILL Step 2 on the first try. (statistically doesn't happen very often).

Otherwise, fate is sealed.

Get your issues fixed, and like the attending said.. DAMAGE CONTROL!

 

[drcvj]

@ BADMD

If you are so sure of what you said then why do you need to quote me....The whole game revolves around the fact that where there is a will there is a way!!

Goodluck Game24!!

I am out of the thread and have already given my 2 cents

 

[gutonc]

@ BADMD

If you are so sure of what you said then why do you need to quote me....The whole game revolves around the fact that where there is a will there is a way!!

Goodluck Game24!!

I am out of the thread and have already given my 2 cents

No, the "game" revolves around having a CV that makes programs want you. IMG with a failed Step 1 puts you behind the 8 ball from the word go, no matter how much "will and confidence" you have.

I don't think it's over for game24 but it's going to be a major uphill climb.

 

[game24]

hey game24

what is important is
How much gap you have in your CV?
Next thing is that if you are contemplating on a residency position no matter what stream it is, I would not suggest you to disclose your medical problem....keeping in mind the fact that you are asymtomatic now.
Attempt does affect your resume in terms of the number of programs you can apply to..as they become way limited but then again....have will and confidence, do things to boost your CV and apply wholeheartedly....nothing can stop you in getting a residency position..Believe in yourself....medical problems can happen to anyone...any point in life....as long as your functioning is normal ...no one cares

Hope this helps

Thanks for the advice. The advancements in modern medicine have strengthened
my desire to become a physician. It is a shame that not many people know about
transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy. The treatment has given me my life
back after living like a shell of my former self for two years. I honestly believe that
intrinsic neurotransmitter imbalances play a greater role in mental health disorders
than extrinsic factors.

 

[game24]

No, the "game" revolves around having a CV that makes programs want you. IMG with a failed Step 1 puts you behind the 8 ball from the word go, no matter how much "will and confidence" you have.

I don't think it's over for game24 but it's going to be a major uphill climb.

If I start over at a osteopathic school would it actually be a better alternative than rolling
the dice? I was actually a solid student (88% overall average) prior to the onset of my problems which actually transpired after I completed 80% of the basic sciences program.

 

[gutonc]

If I start over at a osteopathic school would it actually be a better alternative than rolling
the dice? I was actually a solid student (88% overall average) prior to the onset of my problems which actually transpired after I completed 80% of the basic sciences program.

No...even if you could start over it wouldn't matter. The only real issue you have is your Step 1 failure. Just move on. Get back on your horse, re-take the exam, nail your clerkships, get good LORs and never look back.

And don't ever use your medical problems as an excuse for your performance. "I was going through a difficult personal time. I should have postponed the test but thought I could just power through. I have done X, Y and Z since then and as you can see by my excellent re-take score and my phenomenal Step 2 score, I have overcome those difficulties." That's the story you need to be telling in a year or so.

 

[game24]

No...even if you could start over it wouldn't matter. The only real issue you have is your Step 1 failure. Just move on. Get back on your horse, re-take the exam, nail your clerkships, get good LORs and never look back.

And don't ever use your medical problems as an excuse for your performance. "I was going through a difficult personal time. I should have postponed the test but thought I could just power through. I have done X, Y and Z since then and as you can see by my excellent re-take score and my phenomenal Step 2 score, I have overcome those difficulties." That's the story you need to be telling in a year or so.

I completed basic sciences in April 2011 so the long time gap is a major red flag
correct?

 

[gutonc]

I completed basic sciences in April 2011 so the long time gap is a major red flag
correct?

Yes, sorry I missed that. That is something you're going to have to explain in your PS (and which will also be explained in your MSPE). But a bigger red flag will be dropping out and trying to re-start at a different school.

Look...none of us has a crystal ball but I think you're going to be OK as long as you have really turned things around.

 

[game24]

comment removed.

 

[game24]

Yes, sorry I missed that. That is something you're going to have to explain in your PS (and which will also be explained in your MSPE). But a bigger red flag will be dropping out and trying to re-start at a different school.

Look...none of us has a crystal ball but I think you're going to be OK as long as you have really turned things around.

thanks for the advice.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

I might be careful talking about TMS. It's very controversial, the studies are mixed and flawed, and some people think it's simply a marketing gimmick and a way for psychiatrists to bill for services.

 

[game24]

I might be careful talking about TMS. It's very controversial, the studies are mixed and flawed, and some people think it's simply a marketing gimmick and a way for psychiatrists to bill for services.

I won't talk about it to PDs if I choose to continue. However, all I could say is TMS is
absolutely amazing based on first hand experience.