some advice needed here

[DallasTx]

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Hello everyone
im very confused if i should apply for Em residency next year. heres my story; i passed step1 on fourth attempt with a low score; barely passed. should i atleast try for it or apply for something else; or see how i do on step2ck? any advice greeatly appreacited

thanks

 

[EM_Rebuilder]

Are you a US grad? I think the only way you will have a shot is if you knocked the top off of Step II which is probably a long shot when comparing it to your Step I performance...but still its possible.

I never like to tell someone not to go for what they dream; I for one think anything is possible, just a matter of playing your cards right.

Lets see what others say on here. You should get Step II out of the way and go from there. If you do not pass or score very low on Step II, then I think you might have to rethink it....

 

[trkd]

Just about anything is possible but I must admit that you must want it really bad because it may be a long road. You can try for EM. Certainly won't hurt. I would apply to every program in the country. I would definitely apply to FP as well. If you have to go the FP route, you may later try to switch if a spot opens up, go into an EM program after finishing a FP program, work in a smaller/rural ED as an FP doc, or fall in love with FP. For now, I would worry about doing fantastic on step 2 (take review courses and whatever else you need to do) and do a fantastic job on EM rotations (it wouldn't hurt to do a couple away rotations at "realistic" programs that may consider you because they now know you and love you).

Good luck my friend!

 

[Aloha Kid]

Programs will gauge to see if you are able to suceed academically. Test scores need to be adequate enough to show promise and convince a program director that you'll make it through residency and not flunk your tests and never pass your boards. Taking Step II is probably a must. You must plan to do at least above average to even the field a bit. Everything else you do dedicated towards EM, and medicine in general is a bonus. Having a dean at your school or a clinical professor who is EM boarded and knows you on a personal level and your situation write a letter on your behalf on order to vouge for your capability may help.

 

[futuromd]

I say go for it. Step 2 will be a huge factor. I know people that have jumped up 40 points from step 1 to step 2 - not common, but possible. Take it early on if possible (around July/early August). Performing well on EM electives is also a must - you have to really shine (AKA honor) and get letters (SLOR) from each program you rotate through. Letters from well known people or at least known by the faculty at the program you want to end up at help quite a bit. Good luck!

 

[EMIMG]

I agree with taking step 2 and doing really well.

I would be realistic and not apply to every program for EM. Gauge your chances at each program. Talk to your advisor or your school's EM residency director to ask for advice.

And, if this does not work out, then what you should do is apply to transitional year programs as back-ups. Try to apply to those at places that have an EM residency as well. This way, you can attempt to do an EM elective early in your transitional year, impress the people at that institution and get in for the following year.

 

[Dr.Evil1]

I would try, but you have a long road to climb. If EM is your dream then you owe it to yourself to try to do good on step 2 and cast a large net.

If you are not a US grad then it will be near impossible.