Step and Research Doubts. Please Help

[fco2014]

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Hi, I'm sorry for the paragraph but i am anxious about this. I'm a MS3 student that very recently discovered about the specialty and am really interested in it. The thing is I don't know if I'm eligible for applying. I know that it is real tough to get into this residency and my CV is full of community labor and volunteer work but I have no research and I am going crazy finding year off research programs related to rad/onc since most of them are already closed and others are full. Where I'm from and study (outside the US mainland) there are no rad/onc residency programs and no direct research.

My Step 1 score is 235. I'm planning on applying everywhere, i don't mind where I go but I really want this. If there is any recomendation that would help me I would really appreciate. I feel like its too late and won't get in.

Thanks

 

[Lamount]

I am a fourth year who just matched.
It is certainly harder to get into rad onc without research, but it isn't impossible. Some programs that are on the less competitive side don't focus on research nearly as much as others. I would suggest trying to do an away elective at one of these programs (in addition to an elective at your home program if you have one). Since rad onc departments tend to be very small, it is very important to programs that they have residents who they like. If you hit it off with them during your rotation, you can greatly increase your chances of matching at that particular program.

P.S. your board scores are certainly not prohibitive. Don't be fooled by these forums into thinking that every successful applicant has a 260+ score.

 

[ReOxygenation]

This may be a bit presumptive and perhaps a tad harsh, but.... If by Outside mainland US you mean a foreign medical graduate your best bet would be to change that FMG status before worrying about research. FMGs need not apply. If outside mainland means Hawaii and Alaska (does Alaska have a med school?), then Lamount is absolutely correct and you will be eligible.

BTW: I rather enjoyed how you call it community "labor"

 

[lazers]

This may be a bit presumptive and perhaps a tad harsh, but.... If by Outside mainland US you mean a foreign medical graduate your best bet would be to change that FMG status before worrying about research. FMGs need not apply. If outside mainland means Hawaii and Alaska (does Alaska have a med school?), then Lamount is absolutely correct and you will be eligible.

BTW: I rather enjoyed how you call it community "labor"

You are factually incorrect, I personally know 3 FMGs who are current radonc residents in the US.

 

[ReOxygenation]

You are factually incorrect, I personally know 3 FMGs who are current radonc residents in the US.

I know a few myself. However, times are changing and if you look at the percentage who are matching, it is on rapid decline. And the new all-in policy will make it even tougher. It was at about 1% FMG in 2012 down from about 7 in 2008.

 

[medgator]

This may be a bit presumptive and perhaps a tad harsh, but.... If by Outside mainland US you mean a foreign medical graduate your best bet would be to change that FMG status before worrying about research. FMGs need not apply. If outside mainland means Hawaii and Alaska (does Alaska have a med school?), then Lamount is absolutely correct and you will be eligible.

BTW: I rather enjoyed how you call it community "labor"

Don't forget Puerto Rico

 

[thesauce]

I would not try to match radonc as an FMG without a backup specialty in mind.

As for research, you still have time to get something submitted if you're motivated. The "year off" programs have largely filled their positions, so you'd really have to set something up with a department directly (probably by emailing professors).

Best of luck!