I think I'm going to want an internal medicine residency program. I'm required to take the COMLEX, being a D.O. medical student, but I'm wondering if it's too my benefit to take the USMLE to have more residency opportunities. Any thoughts????
Multiple considerations appear with this question that's probably been debated ad nauseum in other links.....but since you asked...
Pros:
1) It gives the programs the same yardstick to measure you against allopathic candidates.
2) It's a better test than the COMLEX and rumor is that some D.O. programs use it to get a more realistic idea of the applicants medical knowledge. Good or bad, that's the rumor.
3) You'll definitely know where you stand vs. your allopathic colleagues in terms of your knowledge of medicine.
4) Some allopathic programs use it as a screening tool and won't even give you a clerkship opportunity if you don't have it.
Cons:
1) They are two ENTIRELY different exams. Studying for the COMLEX is not a matter of throwing OMM on top of USMLE studying, so don't try it.
2) If you fail the USMLE, I believe you MUST report it. If you don't, bad juju happens.
3) It's another $500 or so to take it and there are a bunch of D.O. friendly IM programs out there.
4) We were advised that unless you're absolutely sure you can knock it out of the park, don't take it. Turned out to be advice that changed depending on when you asked the administrator who gave out that advice, but that's another story.
Overall, I would say to call the programs you're thinking about and ask if they need the USMLE or if COMLEX will be enough. That should influence you one way or the other. Remember also that your tastes may/will change as you go through third year and by taking it, you keep your options open.
Be prepared to spend about 3 or 4 months studying for the exam.....looking back now, I stressed way too much over whether or not to take it, studied completely wrong for the COMLEX (or USMLE for that matter) but still got a score I'm ok with....
Remember also that this advice and $1.00 will get you a coke out of the snack machine....
Good luck....