Rad Onc Programs in the South?

[copperfrog]

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I'm new here and looking for some input on those familiar with programs in the Southeast region -

I'm an M3 planning on applying to rad onc, with great clinical grades but a really lousy step 1 score, and am trying to plan my away rotations at programs that will still possibly be within reach. I will have some good, productive research by the time I apply - have several projects I've been working on and am taking a research year next year - and come from a top 25 med school in the South with a great Rad Onc department that I've been really involved in. My ultimate first choice would be to stay here, but I know that's likely not an option. Second choice is to stay in the South, but really I will go anywhere if it means I can be in this field. I'm from Indiana and my advisor suggested I do an away there even though I have no desire to go back to Midwest because my chances are better there.

Any input on some low-mid tier Southern programs that might be worth considering for doing an away? It seems like many of the smaller programs here only have 1 spot available. Would it be a better idea to just go back to the Midwest for my aways?

A last question - anyone know anything about Duke in particular? Would it be alright to do a rotation there if I also did one or two at a lower tier school, or simply a waste of time?

Any input appreciated!

 

[thesauce]

South Carolina and VCU come to mind as programs in that area that MIGHT overlook a low step 1.

Truthfully, I'd take step 2 early and concentrate my aways at lower tier programs not in that area if you're dead-set on Radonc.

 

[deleted4401]

Mississippi and Oklahoma have programs that are new and may overlook Step 1 score. Maybe UAB? But that has a pretty good reputation. Galveston also comes to mind.
S

 

[copperfrog]

South Carolina and VCU come to mind as programs in that area that MIGHT overlook a low step 1.

Truthfully, I'd take step 2 early and concentrate my aways at lower tier programs not in that area if you're dead-set on Radonc.

Yes- forgot to add that i am taking a month off this Summer to take Step 2 and do it right. I know that will be very important.

Thanks for the input, everyone. Good to see MUSC brought up as that is one I was thinking about. Any reason in particular I should do my always outside of this region? I was under the impression that the South and Midwest were less desirable areas for applicants in general?

 

[crd117]

Does anyone know if Vanderbilt has become more MD friendly after changing chairmen? I have always read in this forum that they tend to favor MD/PhD's.

 

[233101]

At Vanderbilt we look at the overall application (grades, Step scores, research productivity, letters of recommendation, etc) so there is no particular bias towards MD versus MD/PhD.