Q on dual programs

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cheruka

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I have interviews at places that are dully accredited. I sent my application thr eras for both DO and MD matches. I am wondering if it would ok to ask the coordinators which match they would prefer me to use to improve my chances of matching. Is this ok to do?
 
I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish. Either you're going to participate in the AOA match, or not. If you do, then you can rank the program in both matches and have two chances to match there.

You have three choices:

1. You could rank all of the dual accreited programs in the AOA match, and then again in the NRMP match. Then, you try to match AOA. If not, then you try again NRMP. There is some chance that you could match to your #4 choice in the AOA match, and possibly have matched higher on the NRMP match. So, you get the most chances of matching somewhere, with perhaps some chance of matching in a "less desired" location.

2. You could drop out of the AOA match, and use only the NRMP match. In that case, you'd match into your best location but perhaps have a slightly increase chance of not matching at all.

3. You could rank only your top 1 (or 2, or 3) programs in the AOA match, and then rank them all NRMP. This would ensure that you have a chance of matching AOA at your top choice (or top 2-3), and if not then give you another chance to match at your top choices NRMP.

Honestly, all of these options are likely to yield the same result and hence I wouldn't spend much time agonizing over it. Option #3 is probably the "win".
 
I'm not sure what you're trying to accomplish. Either you're going to participate in the AOA match, or not. If you do, then you can rank the program in both matches and have two chances to match there.

You have three choices:

1. You could rank all of the dual accreited programs in the AOA match, and then again in the NRMP match. Then, you try to match AOA. If not, then you try again NRMP. There is some chance that you could match to your #4 choice in the AOA match, and possibly have matched higher on the NRMP match. So, you get the most chances of matching somewhere, with perhaps some chance of matching in a "less desired" location.

2. You could drop out of the AOA match, and use only the NRMP match. In that case, you'd match into your best location but perhaps have a slightly increase chance of not matching at all.

3. You could rank only your top 1 (or 2, or 3) programs in the AOA match, and then rank them all NRMP. This would ensure that you have a chance of matching AOA at your top choice (or top 2-3), and if not then give you another chance to match at your top choices NRMP.

Honestly, all of these options are likely to yield the same result and hence I wouldn't spend much time agonizing over it. Option #3 is probably the "win".

I was going to recommend Option 3 (and didn't even think about 1 and 2) so here's another vote for "the win."
 
Thank you so much. While it is nice to have more than one shot at matching, I do have to decide whether I want to continue to practice OMT or not (i.e, AOA vs. ACGME= comlex 3 or USMLE 3). But having the three options in front of me clearly helps. Thanks to both of you for taking the time to answer.
 
Thank you so much. While it is nice to have more than one shot at matching, I do have to decide whether I want to continue to practice OMT or not (i.e, AOA vs. ACGME= comlex 3 or USMLE 3). But having the three options in front of me clearly helps. Thanks to both of you for taking the time to answer.

You need to take COMLEX 3 regardless.
 
Hmm..
What states require both exams? Is this something I should ask my school about?
 
Hmm..
What states require both exams? Is this something I should ask my school about?

No states require both.

In all states a DO can simply pass all steps of the COMLEX and get a medical license.

In some states, one can instead pass all steps of the USMLE and obtain said license. Doubt it's very common, since most will have COMLEX 2 PE passed by graduation and will only be one test short of just using the COMLEX path.
 
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