Question about Anesthesia Programs

[DO_Gas_Hopeful]

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Hey guys I was lucky enough to get to spend a week with anesthesia on my General Surgery Rotation and fell in love with it. It wasn't even on my radar before this week, but I think this is what I want to do. The downside is that I'm halfway through my third year and not to familiar with any programs or what I should be doing to make myself a more competitive candidate.

I'm a 3rd year at a DO school, my scores are the following: USMLE 241, COMLEX 614, no research in the field. I'm wondering where I should begin looking or what programs I should have on my radar. Am I competitive for an ACGME gas program with a 240 and no research and if so which programs? Or do I need to be looking at AOA programs? Also how necessary are audition rotations? I know they are important for some of the surgical subspecialties but what about gas? Thanks and I will continue to scour through this forum to get more info

 

[abolt18]

Hey guys I was lucky enough to get to spend a week with anesthesia on my General Surgery Rotation and fell in love with it. It wasn't even on my radar before this week, but I think this is what I want to do. The downside is that I'm halfway through my third year and not to familiar with any programs or what I should be doing to make myself a more competitive candidate.

I'm a 3rd year at a DO school, my scores are the following: USMLE 241, COMLEX 614, no research in the field. I'm wondering where I should begin looking or what programs I should have on my radar. Am I competitive for an ACGME gas program with a 240 and no research and if so which programs? Or do I need to be looking at AOA programs? Also how necessary are audition rotations? I know they are important for some of the surgical subspecialties but what about gas? Thanks and I will continue to scour through this forum to get more info

Your scores are similar to mine (240s and 650s with no research).

Apply ACGME only. A few reach programs. A bunch of "good" programs, and a few backups. The way to find out what people think of different programs is using the search function in this forum. It's saved me. I applied to 33 anesthesia programs. >15 interview invites. I narrowed things down first just by location, then started researching programs in my desired regions

Plan to take USMLE Step 2 CK.

Auditions are NOT necessary, but if you REALLY want to break into a certain program, and believe you can perform well in that rotation, then an audition may be valuable.

Many many many many discussions have been had about nearly everything you could possibly imagine that would help you navigate the selection process on this forum so search away.

Edit: just to add that I only applied to programs that had 1+ DOs in their program.

 

[AdmiralChz]

My friends that are DOs all advise to steer clear of AOA programs if at all possible. Some hospitals may not recognize your training as legitimate, I suppose (although others who are actually DOs can probably correct me). I agree with @abolt18 on this, you should be competitive (as long as you improve a nominal amount with Step 2 CK) and no need for an audition unless you'd like to do one. Might be tough to break into a program with literally zero DOs, but there are plenty that range from several (I've seen as much as 1/2 at some programs) to a few (1 or 2) per year. Let your fingers do the walking on this one in planning, and talk to your 4th year students/recent graduates to see where they are going/have gone.

 

[el mero mero]

AOA programs are ceasing to exist. They will be ACGME accredited your year or they won't take residents so that whole issue of having to pick an AOA residency no longer matters.
You will be fine for ACGME programs. Focus on community programs (CCF is a good one) and a few university programs and I'm sure you'll be fine. I interviewed a few years ago with scores a little less than yours and I had plenty of options. FWIW, I focused on midwest but that was more of a personal decision.

 

[Robotic Wis-Hipple]

Like everyone has said, with that USMLE score you'll be fine as long as there isn't a gpa or class rank issue. My advice would be to take the USMLE Step 2 CK early, don't play the game thinking your Step 1 is high enough and Step 2 may hurt you. Take it early, knock it out of the park, and PD's/selection committees will like that. Also, don't stubbornly reach for the stars. As long as the rest of your app is good you absolutely have a shot at many top programs (I second verifying no anti-DO bias in current class rosters) but don't sell out on only top programs. Apply broadly with mid to upper tier places as the bulk of your apps.

 

[apr27]

Same boat. What do you suggest for a DO with 227 step 1? Thanks.

 

[NOsaintsfan]

Same boat. What do you suggest for a DO with 227 step 1? Thanks.

I think it's easier to turn down/cancel interviews than not get them at all. To that end I would apply broadly. Also it goes without saying but try to improve on step 2. Carve out however much study time you think you will need to significantly improve. Take it early enough so programs will have your score when you apply.

For what it's worth I'm a DO and my scores were 226/244. I applied to ~35 programs and did just fine. Don't overly fret just take care of things on your end, as in step 2. Also have multiple people read over your personal statement. That's something that will set you apart from the other 1k applicants so put effort into it.

Think of it from a programs point of view. They want smart residents who will pass their boards, not necessarily geniuses but smart people. Outside of that they want people who will work hard and fit in with the folks already in that program.

Many programs will get 1k or more applications for 10-15 spots. Try to keep that in mind and adjust your strategy accordingly. It's hard to stand out in a good way, just know that. Don't make an edgy or over the top personal statement just to stand out, you can stand out in the wrong way. Just try to be genuine, not cliche and apply broadly.

You should be fine.

 

[apr27]

I think it's easier to turn down/cancel interviews than not get them at all. To that end I would apply broadly. Also it goes without saying but try to improve on step 2. Carve out however much study time you think you will need to significantly improve. Take it early enough so programs will have your score when you apply.

For what it's worth I'm a DO and my scores were 226/244. I applied to ~35 programs and did just fine. Don't overly fret just take care of things on your end, as in step 2. Also have multiple people read over your personal statement. That's something that will set you apart from the other 1k applicants so put effort into it.

Think of it from a programs point of view. They want smart residents who will pass their boards, not necessarily geniuses but smart people. Outside of that they want people who will work hard and fit in with the folks already in that program.

Many programs will get 1k or more applications for 10-15 spots. Try to keep that in mind and adjust your strategy accordingly. It's hard to stand out in a good way, just know that. Don't make an edgy or over the top personal statement just to stand out, you can stand out in the wrong way. Just try to be genuine, not cliche and apply broadly.

You should be fine.

Thanks. PMed you if you don't mind.

 

[uncleturtle]

New member on SDN. I am interested in Anesthesia and currently seeking to start making a list for audition rotations. Step 1 is 227, Comlex 544. Definitely want to do ACGME residency. I have step 2 planned for May. I am a current military member with a bunch of volunteering experience, but limited research experience. I was wondering what kind of programs I should be focusing on and what programs are within my reach (and whats definitely out of reach)? Your suggestions would be awesome! How many rotations would you suggest on doing as well?