Step 3 for path residents

[Sulfinator]

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There is a post by sohsie from 2005 (also found in the FAQs sticky) that is very helpful and informative regarding Step 3 for path residents. Apparently you can apply for the exam through Connecticut and avoid having to complete requirements that the state in which you do your residency might mandate (e.g. completing the PGY-1 year first). Can anyone verify that this is still the case for someone, like myself, who would like to take the exam in the first year of residency (in 2010)?

Obviously, this doesn't sidestep the requirements for medical licensure in the state of your residency program; but I guess it gets around things that might otherwise prevent you from taking Step 3 so early in your residency.

 

[Pianoboe01]

There are many different states you can register in that have no post-graduate training requirements. I am a PGY-1, registered in North Carolina since Indiana requires a year of post-graduate training, and took Step 3 in early November. I highly recommend taking it as early as possible! http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html

 

[Sulfinator]

Awesome! Thanks for verifying this.

 

[mlw03]

just a quick counterpoint for those that may not want to take it right away. i actually feel like my pgy-1 year in anatomic pathology did help me a little bit with step 3 questions. especially with neoplasms and their treatments. cervical lesions also.

 

[Sulfinator]

That is certainly something to think about. I guess I will try to feel things out in the early part of residency.

 

[mlw03]

yep, just another factor to consider. in the end, i don't know how much of a difference the year makes (or not) for the majority of us. as long as you review a little bit and become familiar with the case scenario format (they're generally not super hard, but you do need to know how the operate the software before you take the exam), you should be fine if you passed step 2 ck with a decent margin.

 

[lifehouse51]

You do not have to be a resident of a certain state to claim Step 3 eligibility from that state. Again, quite a few states don't require you to have any Post-grad training before taking Step3. Here's a list of State-specific Step 3 requirement from FSMB: http://www.fsmb.org/usmle_requirementschart.html