Query from a 3rd yr DO student regarding chicago psych programs

[RockyBalboa 007]

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Hello all,

I am currently a 3rd year DO medical student. I thoroughly enjoyed my psych rotation and have made up my mind to go for psych. I would really prefer a chicago psych spot because of family ties there (I have absolutely no preference for any particular program and will be glad and thankful for ANY chicago psych spot). I have a 250+ on USMLE step 1. I want to get advice from psych residents and attendings about whether or not I need to take USMLE step 2. In particular, I am really interested in Advocate Lutheran General's and Rosaland Franklin's psych program, any insider insight about whether or not these 2 programs give importance to step 2 would be really appreciated. From their websites, I have gathered that Advocate doesn't care if I take step 2 and Rosaland would like to see a passing step 2.

All insights will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Rocky

 

[myPsychAlt]

Are you hoping to live in the northern suburbs?

Assuming all else is solid, there's no reason why you wouldn't get a look from UIC, NW, Loyola, or UofC.

 

[RockyBalboa 007]

Yes, my family (parents as well as sister) live in the northern suburbs and I want to be at a 4-5 min drive from them.

 

[RockyBalboa 007]

As far as "all else" is concerned, I never failed anything during medical school (I have a good mix of Honors, High Pass and Pass on my transcript). I honored my psych clerkship and so far have High passed all other clerkships. I have asked and received one letter from the PD at my school for family medicine (as she was my FM preceptor) and one letter from the Head of Geriatric Psychiatry at my school. I have requested letters from 2 senior psychiatrists both of whom have been PD's for my school's psych program in the past. I was involved in the NeuroPsych club throughout my 1st two yrs of medical school. So, I guess no red flags anywhere that I can tell. I did take a yr off between undergrad and medical school to travel.

 

[myPsychAlt]

Yeah, no reason why you won't get interviews at any of the Chicago programs. You should be solid for all of them.

I encourage you to look at the more centrally located programs if you're into neuropsych though. Nothing against the two you mentioned, but you're likely to get more exposure to it in the city or Maywood.