surgery as an option still possible if i didn't do very well in my 1st year.

[shreypete]

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I was wondering if I still have a shot at aiming for surgical residency since I didn't do to well in my 1st semester (although I passed all my classes with above average grades). Hopefully this semester, I'm going to try to do better. But if at all I end up getting above average or average grades again, do I still have a shot at aiming for surgery? or would it still be possible for me to become an eligible "surgical" candidate? (I know this question is quite stupid but I just need the truth as to whether it's possible or not as I've heard that getting into surgery isn't all that easy).

Also do you guys think that researching on general material (such as the SDN forums; researching on observerships/preceptorship programs/clinical electives /exterternships) regarding future career is a waste of time? As in should I think about all that stuff when I finally get there or is pre-reading a good strategy? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[Law2Doc]

I was wondering if I still have a shot at aiming for surgical residency since I didn't do to well in my 1st semester (although I passed all my classes with above average grades).

Um, I think your definition of not doing too well is a bit messed up. If you are above average, you are in good shape. First year doesn't mean a whole lot, anyhow, but everyone who is average or below would love to be in your shoes. Your chances at surgery will be decided by your board scores and your 3rd and 4th year evaluations/grades. First year won't have enough of an impact to matter so long as you pass everything, but there is decent correlation between doing well the first two years and doing well on Step 1 (which tests that material). Just keep it up and chill out. Telling folks you are stressed about being above average is going to get you beat up.

 

[Blade28]

Your grades during the MS-I and MS-II years aren't that important for residency apps.

Step 1, MS-III grades, letters of recommendation, etc. are more important.

Edit: just realized you're studying abroad. Then for sure your grades aren't anywhere near as important as your USMLE scores, unfortunately. (Unless you're talking about surgery residency over there in Europe.)

 

[shreypete]

Hey there Blade28, wow you're probably the first person to realize that I'm studying abroad. Yeah I'm in a 6 year program but I definitely plan to return back to the US after my medical school. So I'm assuming USMLE scores, research, clinical electives in the US, and some observerships would count much more than my grades???

 

[Blade28]

Czech Republic, right?

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