Obgyn matching without research

[Syfte3]

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I'm a third year med student and I am very interested in matching into obgyn but I have no research experience. I got a 245 on step 1 and so far I am doing quite well in my third year rotations. I thought that this would put me in a pretty good position and I didn't think that research was a must have for matching into obgyn but recently I've heard otherwise. I've tried finding research but it's been very hard to find it at my institution. I don't think I'll find something in time to get it published before eras next September. I think that even without research I can match somewhere in the country but I want to have realistic expectations about what to expect in terms of what my options will be? I'm really concerned about it so thank you in advance for any input.

 

[mybubbles627]

You can match into OB without research. It isn't one the competitive specialties. You probably won't match to UCSF, Brigham, etc. because those are research heavy programs but you will definitely match somewhere if you apply smart. Congrats on the great step score and doing well in 3rd year!

 

[TwinsFan]

Lol, 245 with good clinical grades and you're worried about matching OBGYN? Only on SDN.

 

[Psai]

A lot of people didn't match ob last year. It was a really difficult year for whatever reason

 

[histidine]

Looking at the 2014 charting outcomes, 98% of people with step1 231-250 matched. 210 out of 236 applicants matched with no publications. Actually, the match rates between people with 0, 1, 2, etc pubs/abstracts/presentations is basically constant, meaning research probably makes very little difference. Of course, people with 5 pubs may be compensating for a low step which would mask the effect of research on matching. Regardless, you are almost guaranteed to match with a 245 step.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I'm a third year med student and I am very interested in matching into obgyn but I have no research experience. I got a 245 on step 1 and so far I am doing quite well in my third year rotations. I thought that this would put me in a pretty good position and I didn't think that research was a must have for matching into obgyn but recently I've heard otherwise. I've tried finding research but it's been very hard to find it at my institution. I don't think I'll find something in time to get it published before eras next September. I think that even without research I can match somewhere in the country but I want to have realistic expectations about what to expect in terms of what my options will be? I'm really concerned about it so thank you in advance for any input.

http://www.nrmp.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Charting-Outcomes-2014-Final.pdf

The OB tables start on page 161.

 

[W19]

OB seems to be more competitive than what people in SDN have been saying... 91% match rate for US seniors is that high.

 

[TwinsFan]

It isn't very competitive when over 9/10 match, the avg is several points below the national avg, and the avg score of those who didn't is under 210. It has to do with who applies, basically anyone who is interested applies and a few don't match.

 

[22031 Alum]

OP, there are plenty of programs out there who would surely love to have you. Your lack of research is only a problem if your heart is set on the very top programs, which are research-heavy.

 

[BearAttack]

I would add that it's not too late to get a little research under your belt - keep your eyes open as you move forward in third year and the beginning of fourth year. Maybe consider research opportunities when you are planning your 4th-year summer. I had a research opportunity unexpectedly come up during a 4 week ob/gyn away rotation I did an a program I am hoping to interview at.

 

[collegestud2013]

I'm a third year med student and I am very interested in matching into obgyn but I have no research experience. I got a 245 on step 1 and so far I am doing quite well in my third year rotations. I thought that this would put me in a pretty good position and I didn't think that research was a must have for matching into obgyn but recently I've heard otherwise. I've tried finding research but it's been very hard to find it at my institution. I don't think I'll find something in time to get it published before eras next September. I think that even without research I can match somewhere in the country but I want to have realistic expectations about what to expect in terms of what my options will be? I'm really concerned about it so thank you in advance for any input.

Not a chance. Ob/gyn is so competitive that anyone with any less than a 270 on Steps 1, 2, and 3, less than 5 first author pubs in top tier journals, without AOA, or without all Honors in all rotations will have any hope matching into the lowest tier community program....





Seriously though you should be fine for all lower tier, mid tier, and even some mid-hier tier programs given that the step 1 average for ob/gyn is only a 226. You're even way above the national average of 230 and the average at my med school this year of 232 (that's both md and md/mph programs combined). A lack of any research will however be a red flag for top-tier research intensive programs so unless you're dead set on those you should be fine (and training at those programs is only useful if you want to go into academic medicine). Also, try to at the very least publish a case report this year during your ob/gyn rotation. At my school the rotation is 6 weeks long and it's one of the core 3rd year clerkships which means there's more than enough time to express your interest in the field to attendings and try to work on a case report with them.

 

[dr zaius]

I was 250+ on step I and II, AOA, with research and failed to match ob/gyn. Ended up having to do urology instead.