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- Aug 1, 2017
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Ugh, for real? Best I can do is low to mid tier programs? All cause of the DO thing? I knew it would be a bit of a handicap, but I thought working my ass off all through med school would change that.
I really thought that my Step 1 score would make up for all that. I mean even at really competitive programs like the University of Chicago, FREIDA says that the average Step 1 scores of their current residents and fellows is between a 226-235. I was really hoping that my Step 1 score would help me get past that DO bias.
I still intend to apply to places like that of course, but I just didn't realize that my chances were that slim.
On another note, do you have any input on the importance of research? I don't have much as you can see, but it's really just because access to those kinds of opportunities are scarce at DO schools. Do PDs really care that much about publications when you're still just a med student? Like if I were to spend 3 years at a university residency program, I'd be able to contribute to research significantly more, so I don't see why my past research experience is all that relevant at this point. Not like med students are really doing anything groundbreaking to begin with.
Idk, it's just frustrating
I'm a little less pessimistic than @MyTachyBradyHeart but there are definitely a bunch of Top X (where X is a number between 4 and 100) programs that won't even look at your app because you're a DO.
Recommend looking at the last 3-5 years of your schools match lists and the lists of matched students at programs you're interested in, and see if you can find a good list. There's no reason (other than ego and money) to not apply to all the programs you want, just recognize the bias (regardless of whether it's fair or not) and move on with your life.
IM at the top is very competitive. For reference, I am MD, AOA, 260/270+ Steps 1/2, with more research than you... and didn't get IVs to many programs. However, you will be competitive for many, many low-mid tier IM academic programs and will get good clinical training regardless.
Research matter a lot more for you, since you're disadvantaged applying as a DO. That is one way DOs can sometimes break into the mid/upper-mid tier academic programs. Unfortunately, your research does not stand out, which IMO rules you out for the mid-tier programs I am thinking of that has taken DOs in the past (i.e. Georgetown).
My advice stands: apply to at least 100 programs (can always cancel interviews once they start to roll in), a mix of low-mid tier academic and solid community programs. Research every program you are thinking of and see if they've take DOs in the past couple of years. If the answer is no, then don't waste your money on those programs.