Residency

[gibna]

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Hello DO students, I am a 2nd year PhD student in one of the basic science programs and I am going to start with a joint DO/PhD program next year. So here is my question, do you guys think that a PhD will help my chances in getting into an allopathic surgery residency program? Or do residency programs only look at your grades and USMLE scores. Or am I just screwed in getting into any allopathic residency programs because I will be a DO.

 

[DrQuinn]

General Surgery is generally not too competitive anymore... I think as long as you are a decent applicant you can get enough interviews to match.

Q

 

[gibna]

I didn't know that, so are you saying that you think a PhD won't help me.

 

[San_Juan_Sun]

Originally posted by gibna
are you saying that you think a PhD won't help me.

It will depend on the program. It may help at larger, academic allopathic centers. Of course, you'll need good boards, LORs, etc.

Of course, who knows what will happen to the competitivness of surgery in 4 years. Some have said that the new 80 hour work week will draw more applicants to surgery. (That's speculation though. 🙂 ) Good luck.

 

[Diane L. Evans]

When you enter your ERAS application put PhD as a suffix, beleive me it will stand out. And NO being a DO will definately not hurt you in the application process. However, there are some strong osteopathic sx residencies MSU for example.

I have a MS and it helped me tremendously
Good Luck
PS what is your PhD in if science based continue your research while in school

 

[psa03]

I would recommend spending the time to do well on USMLE Step 1. In addition, work hard on elective rotations--this will help make you stand out. Lastly, I would try to secure a LOR from a chair of an allopathic residency director.

From my experience, I got more interviews then I deserved because I had LOR from chairs of big name programs. As a result, I got into Urology at Ohio State because I did all of the above.

By the way, aren't you getting a MS in Neurobiology soon. That should be good enough. I got a MS in Biomedical Sciences and that helped answer a number of questions from interviewer's about my research experience as well as publications.


Good Luck🙂

 

[gibna]

I am going to take your advice psa03 and stop with my masters. I guess it is a waste of my time if a PhD won't help that much with that matching process.
Thanks for everbodys advice

 

[crunchman]

I highly recommend doing a "audition" elective rotation at the program you want to applly to.