Should I try applying for Neurology?

[manning18]

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Hello,
I'm a student in the Class of 2007 at an average American Alloppathic (i.e. MD) school. I passed all my Basic Scienc Classes and Clinical Clekrships and Shelves on my 1st attempt. However, I did struggle with USMLE, Step 1: I needed 3 (Three) attempts to pass and I passed with a 193 (79). I originally planned on going into IM, but I am now strongly considering Neurology. Even though I am Class of 2007, I have completed a lot of M4 year, as I started late. I've done pretty well M4 year, including an A in my Medical Sub-I. I would like to hear other peoples' advice and thoughts regarding my candidcay for a Residency in Neurology. Do you think I have a chance at getting into a Neurology Residency? Especially if I pass Step 2 on the 1st try with a nice score? Are there are specific programs you recommend that I apply to? Thanks a lot!!

 

[Bonobo]

Hello,
I'm a student in the Class of 2007 at an average American Alloppathic (i.e. MD) school. I passed all my Basic Scienc Classes and Clinical Clekrships and Shelves on my 1st attempt. However, I did struggle with USMLE, Step 1: I needed 3 (Three) attempts to pass and I passed with a 193 (79). I originally planned on going into IM, but I am now strongly considering Neurology. Even though I am Class of 2007, I have completed a lot of M4 year, as I started late. I've done pretty well M4 year, including an A in my Medical Sub-I. I would like to hear other peoples' advice and thoughts regarding my candidcay for a Residency in Neurology. Do you think I have a chance at getting into a Neurology Residency? Especially if I pass Step 2 on the 1st try with a nice score? Are there are specific programs you recommend that I apply to? Thanks a lot!!

I think if you do well on your step 2, you shouldn't have a problem getting into a neurology residency program. I would also try and gain the support of a key neurologist or two from your medical school and be honest with them about your step 1 score. Neurology is moving to the regular match which will allow you time to do well on your step 2, and garner support from a neurology attending.

Good luck!

B

 

[manning18]

Bonobo,
Thanks for your response. I emailed a lot of Program Directors over the weekend. I hope to hear from them during the week. I actually got a couple positive responses already. Let's just say that our school has two Neurologists as senior administrators. I have already contacted them both. I know the more senior of the two is VERY
well-connected and, from what I have heard, a VERY strong supporter of the students from our school that apply for Neuro. I have heard he offers to make phone calls, etc. I have a feeling the other one will also be happy to assist. Thanks for the advice. I also thought about combined IM/Neurology programs. Anyone have any thoughts o those? Thanks!

 

[lateness]

Hello,
I'm a student in the Class of 2007 at an average American Alloppathic (i.e. MD) school. I passed all my Basic Scienc Classes and Clinical Clekrships and Shelves on my 1st attempt. However, I did struggle with USMLE, Step 1: I needed 3 (Three) attempts to pass and I passed with a 193 (79). I originally planned on going into IM, but I am now strongly considering Neurology. Even though I am Class of 2007, I have completed a lot of M4 year, as I started late. I've done pretty well M4 year, including an A in my Medical Sub-I. I would like to hear other peoples' advice and thoughts regarding my candidcay for a Residency in Neurology. Do you think I have a chance at getting into a Neurology Residency? Especially if I pass Step 2 on the 1st try with a nice score? Are there are specific programs you recommend that I apply to? Thanks a lot!!

hi, i dont see why not. try hard. i know a guy (not well), who was an IMG, who had a couple of attemnpts on either step 1 or 2 i cant remember which one, but got like the same scores as you, and got into neuro, but he did do a year or so of neuro research with some good doctors, but it can be done. you have the advantage, being an American Grad. try it..
good luck

 

[manning18]

Thanks for your advice, bafootchi! Does anyone know of any specific programs that might be a little more flexible with regards to USMLE scores, etc for an applicant such as myself? I've made several inquiries and gotten quite a bit of positive feedback. It s advantageous to be a US Medical Student and to attend a school with well-known Neurologists as top administrators. However, I would appreciate any additional input. Thank you!

 

[Methyldopa]

I know of a case that sounds exactly like you. The guy failed Step 1 a bunch of times, I believe ended up passing Step 2 with one try, still applied to neuro, got a handful of interviews (applied to only a handful of programs) and still matched at his #1!

You can definitely do it. Neuro is more forgiving about Step 1/2/3/4/5....

Anyway it's just a silly test at the end.

 

[manning18]

Thanks for the insight, Methyldopa! Does anyone have any estimates as to what, given my difficulties with Step 1, would constitute a "strong" Step 2 score, that would help to offset some of the damage and help me land some interviews? I consider "strong" as somewhere in the mid 80s (roughly 85) or above. I believe an 85 corresponds to a 3-digit score of, roughly 210, or thereabout. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[discgoddess]

Manning18, Enable your PM and PM me.