Question for DO's :)

[smohamma]

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Hi,
I am a current DO applicant and I have a few Q's...

I wanted to know if it was possible to apply to MD residencies with a COMLEX score or do you have to take the USMLE?
Do DO's become dermatologists - and if so how difficult is it to get a residency as a DO in this field?
Also, is there a website that contains avg. COMLEX scores for all 25 DO schools.

I really want to go to a DO school, but a lot of people around me are telling me that I should take the USMLE, as the COMLEX will not be accepted in every program and I was unsure about that? Just thought you all would have a better idea about it and suggestions.

Your help will be greatly appreciated!!!!!

 

[TX_Longhorn]

you have to take the usmle.

yes, it will be very ard for you to match derm bein a DO, though not impossible


um, if u really wanna go derm , why not apply to an allo school.

 

[smohamma]

Thanks for your help.

 

[Taus]

For Derm, it is a brutally tough specialty to get into as an MD, and MD spots are even harder in that field for a DO. There are DO-only spots, but they are highly competative among DO's as well.

There is no website reporting COMLEX scores..its mostly word of mouth

All MD residencies technically "accept" the COMLEX, but certain specialties in certain locations "highly recommend" the USMLE (read...mandatory). For things like IM, FP, Obgyn, Pysch, Peds, PM&R, EM...etc etc (just not Derm and the surgical subspecialties) you probably don't need to take the USMLE. That being said, it helps residency program directors compare "apples to apples". Its really not that big of a deal to take both...just throw in some extra biochem and molecular studying for the USMLE.

Hope that helps

 

[smohamma]

Taus,
Your at PCOM? How is that going? I have applied there but I have not heard anything yet - but I interviewed recently at LECOM-Bradenton - I really liked the school, but they are pretty new (2004) and there first graduating class will be in '08 so I don't have any stats about what their graduates do afterwards. So just a lil tense about the whole situation.

Thanks for your advice- I just hate to have to take both the COMLEX/USMLE.. but I guess if it is helpful than I will just have to do it!

 

[USArmyDoc]

Taus,
Your at PCOM? How is that going? I have applied there but I have not heard anything yet - but I interviewed recently at LECOM-Bradenton - I really liked the school, but they are pretty new (2004) and there first graduating class will be in '08 so I don't have any stats about what their graduates do afterwards. So just a lil tense about the whole situation.

Thanks for your advice- I just hate to have to take both the COMLEX/USMLE.. but I guess if it is helpful than I will just have to do it!

From what I gather, its not that big of a deal to take both exams. I was told by a fourth year student to take the USMLE first then the COMLEX like a week after. Therefore, that week in between the USMLE and COMLEX all you have to do is throw in the OMM studying. While I know they are slightly different, it is my understanding that they are similiar.

Disclaimer: I am a first year student 🙂

 

[Taus]

Taus,
Your at PCOM? How is that going? I have applied there but I have not heard anything yet - but I interviewed recently at LECOM-Bradenton - I really liked the school, but they are pretty new (2004) and there first graduating class will be in '08 so I don't have any stats about what their graduates do afterwards. So just a lil tense about the whole situation.

Thanks for your advice- I just hate to have to take both the COMLEX/USMLE.. but I guess if it is helpful than I will just have to do it!

Hey, yeah I'm a 2nd year here...extremely satisfied with my education and the school overall.

It really is not a problem studying for both. The best resources (books and question banks) out there are made for the USMLE and the overwhelming majority of subject matter is identical. So studying for one is studying for the other. Add in more biochem and molecular for the USMLE, then after that test (or vice versa) dump that info and spend a few days on OMM. There is more micro and pharm on the COMLEX, but emphasizing it can only help you on the USMLE.

realistically its not that big of a deal....the worst part is the ~500$$ for the extra test...but in the long run thats nothing...

 

[Buckeye(OH)]

you have to take the usmle.

You couldn't have made a comment that was any more false than that one.


You might have to take the USMLE for some, and its your best interest to do so for the more competitive residencies - but by no means do you HAVE to take it.

 

[smohamma]

Thanks so much for all your advice!

 

[TX_Longhorn]

You couldn't have made a comment that was any more false than that one.


You might have to take the USMLE for some, and its your best interest to do so for the more competitive residencies - but by no means do you HAVE to take it.

fine, it is highly "recommended" u take the usmle if applyin for an MD residency...especially derm.
although its practically unheard of to match derm (allo) without a step score.