Residency score questions

[mem2013]

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I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on what kind of residency options are available to me based on my comlex and usmle scores. Sadly, I didn't do super well on either boards. I passed on first attempt but with low scores- 470 comlex 1/192 usmle 1.
Will I match in anything at all? I am so scared. Thanks for your input. 😕

 

[rc4ch]

Depends on what you want to do. IM, FM, Peds, you'll be fine.

From my experience and I just matched AOA. The audition rotation matters a lot more than boards. Do well on Step 2 to prove to them that you can improve. But don't worry, you passed and you'll end up somewhere.

 

[bocciball]

I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on what kind of residency options are available to me based on my comlex and usmle scores. Sadly, I didn't do super well on either boards. I passed on first attempt but with low scores- 470 comlex 1/192 usmle 1.
Will I match in anything at all? I am so scared. Thanks for your input. 😕

It would be very difficult to attain an MD residency with a barely passing USMLE I score. In my opinion you would be limited to mostly small non university affiliated community hospitals in uncompetitive specialties. These specialties include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and OBGYN. I think you'd probably be limited to these specialties in the AOA match as well.

If you were to achieve significantly higher on USMLE/COMLEX Step II it will probably only minimally help you. Most programs will not interview anyone that scored below 200 (most probably 210 cutoff) on the USMLE I and use this as a screening benchmark. If you take a look at the NRMP Program Director survey you'll see that USMLE Step I is the #1 item they look for in every specialty. Rotating at an MD program you're interested in or calling and lobbying a hospital you have deep geographic connections to could be your only saving grace. Otherwise stick to AOA match and you'll have less difficulty achieving your dreams.

 

[Trogghunter]

people fail step 1 and/or 2 and still match FM, IM, Psych. hundreds of FM and IM spots went unmatched in the AOA match this year, as I've heard. you're by no means out of the hunt.

 

[mem2013]

Thanks guys! So pretty much my only options are AOA match in IM, FM, Peds or Psych. Will AOA residency hurt my chances of matching into a fellowship in the future? Will I not be eligible for MD fellowship as a result?