Step 3 and DOs

[PC89]

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Since CS has been discontinued the opportunity for DOs to take Step 3 is now more widely available. Will Cardiology PDs now preferentially look for DO candidates who take Step 3 over those who have only taken Level 3?

 

[Redpancreas]

Since CS has been discontinued the opportunity for DOs to take Step 3 is now more widely available. Will Cardiology PDs now preferentially look for DO candidates who take Step 3 over those who have only taken Level 3?

No as long as your Step 1/2CK were good.

 

[AussieAg]

I was one of the few DOs who took Step 2 CS so I could take Step 3. It helped me but YMMV. I think there's not much of a reason now to NOT take Step 3 if you've already taken Steps 1 and 2.

 

[tinyhandsbob]

I was one of the few DOs who took Step 2 CS so I could take Step 3. It helped me but YMMV. I think there's not much of a reason now to NOT take Step 3 if you've already taken Steps 1 and 2.

A little off topic- but can you take Step 2 if you've only taken COMLEX Level 1 or do you need to have taken Step 1 first? (with both Step 1 and Level 1 being P/NP going forward, I think there's less of a reason to take both Level 1 and Step 1 so I'd consider taking COMLEX 1 and then Step 2 + COMLEX 2).

 

[AussieAg]

A little off topic- but can you take Step 2 if you've only taken COMLEX Level 1 or do you need to have taken Step 1 first? (with both Step 1 and Level 1 being P/NP going forward, I think there's less of a reason to take both Level 1 and Step 1 so I'd consider taking COMLEX 1 and then Step 2 + COMLEX 2).

Edit: Steps 1 and 2 CK can be taken in any order, see below. My original statement was incorrect.

 

[Natremia]

Unfortunately you have to take the exams in sequential order.

Actually, that is incorrect. You can take step 2, without step 1, as a DO (I did it). No idea if the pass/ fail change altered that loophole, however

 

[AussieAg]

Actually, that is incorrect. You can take step 2, without step 1, as a DO (I did it). No idea if the pass/ fail change altered that loophole, however

I just looked this up and you are correct, my mistake. This appears to be a recent change. The USMLE Step 3 still requires completion of Steps 1 and 2 CK as a pre-requisite.

https://www.usmle.org/pdfs/bulletin/QF_Eligibility.pdf