Re-applicants: OMFS internship vs GRP/AEGD vs GP instructor at OMFS student clinic

[Exocalibur]

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[Likkriue]

Adding to what’s been said about the cbse, Nothings worst than accepting an applicant for a 6 year program and then not be able to pass step 1( 70 minimum cbse). Hence why that is the cutoff for most 6 year programs. 4 year programs are a lot more lenient.

 

[Tmjack]

I got some private messages about some people in the past few weeks about this. I will just post my answer on SDN. I know that it is very frustrating if you did not match right out of school or even after the first internship. I have been there. I did not match on my first attempt. I had to work extra hard, re-take NBME, do an internship, ask for words of advice, re-apply, and then finally matched. It was such a journey.

CBSE:
-the bar for CBSE is getting higher every year. in 2013, 2014 and 2015, 60+ was considered a competitive score for 6 year programs. Average NBME scores were 53 - 55. If you are above 55+, you match. However, it does not work anymore.
-Many of my friends with score < 60 did not get a single interview. For applicants with < 65, they might have got an interview from some programs b/c some programs have low threshold on CBSE score for interview invites. However, some end up not matching b/c their scores were not competitive enough for the med schools admission cutoffs.
-once you do another intern year or start an intern year, you really do NOT have time to study for the NBME exam in 8/2019. You really need high-intensity study period to do well for minimum 6+ weeks.
-if your score does not meet the cutoff score, your application will be weeded out and will not be reviewed by interviewing faculties.
-I am telling you this b/c I did not match before. It was such a painful experience.
-if you are planning to do an intern year, then make sure that you have a decent score > 68+.
-if you are ~ 55, then doing an internship or doing another internship will not make a difference on your application
-if you landed on 68+, then doing an internship will strengthen your application. Work hard and get strong letters of recommendations.
-if you have no choice but doing an internship, it will be helpful for you to go to less busy program / country club programs for internship so that you can dedicate your time on studying for CBSE in June, July and August.
-Avoid super busy programs, like Parkland, LSU, JMH, Maryland, Houston.
-JPS and Parkland have good reputation of having their interns matching to programs. Faculties are super supportive to their interns.
-LSU (both Shreveport, New Orleans), JMH, Maryland, Houston have the highest rate of interns dropping out and interns not matching.
-if your online practice NBME score is not around ~ 70 or minimum 65+ in June, I don't recommend you starting an internship. This is just my advice.

GPR/ AEGD / GP instructor at OMFS clinics:
-if you want to do something during your gap year, then doing one of these options will not be a bad idea.
-you will have more time to study for CBSE and even get higher score b/c these three options are a lot less intense than OMFS internship.
-you would hear via SDN or words of mouth about open internship positions at some programs. It will not be a bad idea to transfer to an internship position once you are done with your NBME

OMFS is such a long journey. I am saying this b/c I had to go through a lot of ****s and painful experiences until I matched. I really wish best luck to all the re-applicants. Trust me. The more # of cycles you apply, the lower your chance of matching will become. # of interviews that re-applicants get are significantly lower than fresh applicants. good luck.

Exocalibur, fact check: Houston only recently started a non-cat program and thus far has had 5 residents begin the program. One of the first 2 residents post-matched at another OMS program in September and thus left our program to start his residency (which we supported). The individual who was going to fill that open position, quit on his own accord after being on call. Our current non-cats both matched this cycle without any issues. I agree that the CBSE is an important component to your application, but it's not everything. I'd recommend looking for a program that has the intention of helping you match. Good luck everyone!

 

[Tootyfruity]

OMS hopefuls please be aware that OP's opionion on this is not a popular one, and may not be shared by programs. There is a real stigma against doing anything other than an internship for reapplicants.

 

[Likkriue]

I know the internship at LIJ required a GPR to even get an internship there. So best bet is to find out all the internship information early.