Residencies and the COMLEX

[colleezfascia]

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Hi all,

I'm a third year doing core rotations in the Northeast. Does anyone know an easy way to tell whether or not a residency program accepts the COMLEX alone? If I have to contact each one individually, I will, but usually I get some secretary who I feel just gives me the rote "you must have taken the USMLE," response. I know that I could always email the program director, but not sure I am willing to go to that extreme just yet.

Any advice would help.

(The reason why I'm thinking about this now is that I am starting to plan 4th year rotations, and I would like some to be at a residency that I can actually apply to!)

 

[GreenShirt]

I could be wrong but from my understanding every residency is officially required to accept the COMLEX, whether they unofficially prefer the USMLE is not something they will admit out loud.

 

[JayneCobb]

All Osteopathic programs accept COMLEX, Allopathic may accept COMLEX if they wish. You'll have to contact any ACGME/allopathic programs and ask them if they accept COMLEX in place of USMLE.

 

[wook]

All Osteopathic programs accept COMLEX, Allopathic may accept COMLEX if they wish. You'll have to contact any ACGME/allopathic programs and ask them if they accept COMLEX in place of USMLE.

Yes. I did this my 3rd year and most programs were pretty up front about it.



Wook

 

[rad_one]

If you want a competetive allo program, the USMLE is necessary. Programs want scores they are familiar with. We all agree that programs "should" accept the COMLEX. I'm a DO rads resident in an MD program, so I'll use it as an example. We get 350-400 application for 4 spots every year. The USMLE scores are used as a stratifying point to decide whose app even gets considered for an interview. So put yourself in the program directors spot. If an application does not even have a USMLE score to compare, are you even going to bother while you have an abundnace of other well qualified applicants to choose from.

IMO, as a DO, you need to do everything you can to maximize your chances of getting an interview/ residency spot at a competetive allo program. This includes the USMLE exam. This will open doors that you otherwise will not have.

 

[wook]

If you want a competetive allo program, the USMLE is necessary. Programs want scores they are familiar with. We all agree that programs "should" accept the COMLEX. I'm DO rads resident in an MD program, so I'll use it as an example. We get 350-400 application for 4 spots every year. The USMLE scores are used as a stratifying point to decide whose app even gets considered for an interview. So put yourself in the program directors spot. If an application does not even have a USMLE score to compare, are you even going to bother while you have an abundnace of other well qualified applicants to choose from.

IMO, as a DO, you need to do everything you can to maximize your chances of getting an interview/ residency spot at a competetive allo program. This includes the USMLE exam. This will open doors that you otherwise will not have.

Wisely said.

I opted not to do the USMLE, but would probably have had more interviews if I had. I have no regrets about not taking it because in my specialty it is not viewed as importantly.



Wook

 

[SexPistol]

whats your specialty wook