Reporting scores...

[Fooman]

When people say that a certain hospital accepts COMLEX or USMLE, does it mean they have both separate osteopathic and allopathic residencies or does it mean that you can apply to the same residency spot with either board certification?

I'm a 3rd year DO medstudent and have successfully passed my COMLEX I. I also signed up to take the USMLE, but since I started rotations, I've barely had anytime or motivation to study for it.

Would it be wise to continue to take it or should I forfeit the exam? If I fail, am I required to report the score? Right now, I'm worried about not passing and having it affect my residency spot. I could forfeit the test and just accept the fact that I lost $400+, but it would also mean not having a bad score.

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[DrMom]

Many MD residencies accept COMLEX scores.

COMLEX and USMLE have nothing to do with board certification...they're licensing exams.

 

[Fooman]

Many MD residencies accept COMLEX scores.

COMLEX and USMLE have nothing to do with board certification...they're licensing exams.

I meant to say licensing exams. Thanks for the clarification. But I'm still left to wonder if I should go ahead and forfeit taking the USMLE rather than having to report that I did poorly (or even failed) though I haven't taken the test. Right now, I'm making the assumption that when you apply for residency, you're required to report whatever board scores you have. Though I passed my COMLEX, wouldn't a failed USMLE score reflect poor academics on my part?

 

[DrMom]

I wouldn't take the USMLE unless you felt you could do well on it. It won't help you out unless it is a good score.

 

[jf]

I meant to say licensing exams. Thanks for the clarification. But I'm still left to wonder if I should go ahead and forfeit taking the USMLE rather than having to report that I did poorly (or even failed) though I haven't taken the test. Right now, I'm making the assumption that when you apply for residency, you're required to report whatever board scores you have. Though I passed my COMLEX, wouldn't a failed USMLE score reflect poor academics on my part?

You should definitely take USMLE step 1. Although most programs take comlex scores, some do not. In addition, if you take USMLE it makes it much easier to compare you to other allopathic students since comlex and usmle scoring differs. On the other hand, if you are applying for a less competitive residency like FP, don't bother, it is not necessary. Personally, I am applying for EM residencies and I did not take USMLE step 1, which I regret. I took USMLE step 2 as an alternative.

Good Luck!!

 

[Idiopathic]

My feeling, after going through both Steps, is that one should only take USMLE if they are confident they are going to do well on it AND if they are interested in a specialty with a significant amount of competitiveness.

 

[InductionAgent]

When people say that a certain hospital accepts COMLEX or USMLE, does it mean they have both separate osteopathic and allopathic residencies or does it mean that you can apply to the same residency spot with either board certification?

I'm a 3rd year DO medstudent and have successfully passed my COMLEX I. I also signed up to take the USMLE, but since I started rotations, I've barely had anytime or motivation to study for it.

Would it be wise to continue to take it or should I forfeit the exam? If I fail, am I required to report the score? Right now, I'm worried about not passing and having it affect my residency spot. I could forfeit the test and just accept the fact that I lost $400+, but it would also mean not having a bad score.

Unfortunately, the optimal time for you to take the USMLE Step 1 has passed, that being when you were at the height of board-preparedness from COMLEX.

You wouldn't have to report the score if you weren't pleased with it, but if asked directly, you would either need to fess up with it or lie and state you never took the test. Whatever you're comfortable with...

You've obviously done your research into your residency programs. I've always taken it as a sign that if a program specifically mentions COMLEX in their application procedures, they are DO-friendly, so I'm particularly interested in applying to that program, even though I took the USMLE as well.

This goes without saying, but if you're going to take USMLE, go ahead and get on it - study for 3 good weeks, take it, and be done with it.