Step 3 Score Implication

[mgoblue2017]

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Hello all,
I'm a new PGY-1 Anesthesia resident at an MD program. I am a DO. Due to my rotation schedule during intern year I have decided to take my COMLEX 3 (equivalent USMLE Step 3) this August. I am a bit concerned that I don't have much time to prepare. I was wondering if people here could chime in on the importance of Step 3 score for application to fellowship. I just don't want to screw myself later on by taking Step 3 without enough preparation.

 

[partydoc]

Nobody cares

 

[Robotic Wis-Hipple]

Nobody cares

Agree. Step 3 is essentially binary, Pass/fail. Your job is to pass it.

 

[anbuitachi]

no one cares. just another test. trust me you will have a TON of exams in anesthesiology.

 

[mgoblue2017]

no one cares. just another test. trust me you will have a TON of exams in anesthesiology.

I figured that fellowships would care much more about in-service exams, right?

 

[AdmiralChz]

Hello all,
I'm a new PGY-1 Anesthesia resident at an MD program. I am a DO. Due to my rotation schedule during intern year I have decided to take my COMLEX 3 (equivalent USMLE Step 3) this August. I am a bit concerned that I don't have much time to prepare. I was wondering if people here could chime in on the importance of Step 3 score for application to fellowship. I just don't want to screw myself later on by taking Step 3 without enough preparation.

You are a current resident in a categorical program, literally ALL your program wants is a passing score so they can check that box off. Step 3 was my lowest and I didn't bat an eye. Much of it isn't directly applicable to anesthesia and since its (usually) taken in intern year fellowships don't really care as long as, again, you've passed it.

I figured that fellowships would care much more about in-service exams, right?

Absolutely, ITE plays an infinitely larger role here (mostly because USMLE 3 plays close to zero role). Although it's looked at for sure, it plays a much smaller role than USMLE for residency placement - you'll have more opportunity to get research in your field and get letters from subspecialists.

 

[NYUyankeezfan]

I am a DO at an MD residency program (intern year). i'm interested in pursuing fellowship. I've heard that only COMLEX Level 3 is necessary and that Step 3 is pointless for the purpose of fellowship. Can anybody confirm this?

 

[cluelessmedstudent411]

I am a DO at an MD residency program (intern year). i'm interested in pursuing fellowship. I've heard that only COMLEX Level 3 is necessary and that Step 3 is pointless for the purpose of fellowship. Can anybody confirm this?

From my understanding, you can not take STEP 3 unless you've also taken STEP 2 CS (Equivalent to PE) which 99% of DO's have not done.

 

[Robotic Wis-Hipple]

From my understanding, you can not take STEP 3 unless you've also taken STEP 2 CS (Equivalent to PE) which 99% of DO's have not done.

That's not entirely true. Many DO's take USMLE steps 1 and 2. The issue with taking Step 3 is that it requires an MD degree. Also, it's not necessary in any way. Just pass Comlex 3 and go for whatever fellowship you want.

 

[NYUyankeezfan]

That's not entirely true. Many DO's take USMLE steps 1 and 2. The issue with taking Step 3 is that it requires an MD degree. Also, it's not necessary in any way. Just pass Comlex 3 and go for whatever fellowship you want.

Yup that's what I figured haha. Thanks!

 

[Arch Guillotti]

The issue with taking Step 3 is that it requires an MD degree.

This is not true.