Underachievers

[abu barney]

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Since it seems that everyone who posts on this board does pretty well in med school (ranking UCSF, hopkins, MGH; a guy fretting over a 229), what ever happens to those students who don't do that well. For example someone with a 195 on step 1, lower third of class, blasse resume otherwise, what does this person do for residency? Some posts make it out that you gotta be a shark to get into some IM residencies, and I always thought that IM isn't very competitive compared to other specialties.

Don't get me wrong with the title. Achievement does not always correlate with board scores and grades, though it often does, and someone may shine in other ways.

 

[smackdaddy]

you may find that the top programs for any specialty will be competitive. you can get into many fine programs without having exceptional grades.
there are probably only a few programs who wouldn't consider applicants with truly exceptional qualifications in other areas on the basis of mediocre test scores.

 

[DR]

There are tons of IM programs in the US, and most of them will be an option for you, as long as your other qualifications are strong...especially letters of recommendation. I too have noticed that all the people on here post their numbers and their top picks, and it's ridiculous sometimes. But bear in mind what type of person goes to these top programs, and hence what type of person religiously posts personal stats on these websites. Going through med school there were always a small bunch of students that were just, well, people that most of the rest of us didn't "prefer" to work with. Lo and behold, come match time, these were the same people ranking these top tier programs up at the top of their list. These usually are the same people ranking for prestige, and ignoring the other aspects of why you choose a place. There is a person I went to school with who ranked 2 places #1 and #2, and will tell you that they are in cities they really don't like...but the programs are much more prestigious than the ones in their favorite city. Depends who you are...are you willing to live in a place you will be miserable in for 3 years just so you can go to that occasional dinner and tell people you train at Upper Krusty University Medical Center? I'm not. I turned down a place that was one of the most prestigious on my list because I knew where I wanted to live. Some thought I was crazy, saying things like "I know you don't wanna live there, but STILL...it's a very strong program"...well, so what? There are many strong programs, and many of these don't make the US News and World Report...who cares. The bottom line is that you will get interviews and you will rank where you liked it best. Don't concern yourself with the extremely competitive personalities that post their stats for public viewing and make yourself crazy. The national average is something like 215, if I still remember, so what does that mean? That just means you're not seeing the thousands of people who scored below this posting. If most people were getting what you see here, the national average wouldn't be what it is. Do your best. Focus on caring for people.

 

[placenta]

Amen.

 

[med03ibd]

word. couldn't have said it any better.



ps. not to change the subject, but has anyone else noticed that by some god-awful coincidence the first games of the NCAA tourney coincide almost to the minute with the match?? ****e. cruel world.

 

[afmsboy]

I wish I had the luxury of fretting over UCSF vs Hopkins as my #4 vs #5 choice. However, we should not bash those that do. It is a bit unfair to paint that equally diverse group into "that small group of people one 'prefers' not to work with". True their are obnoxious people with 278 averages on step 1&2 but there are also quite a few repugnant ones with 175 averages. Some of the most dedicated and hardworking people exist among that group. Among the classmates that I know that belong in that elite the majority are well mannered, well meaning congenial people. Some are either just more gifted than the rest of us (ala Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady), or they are gifted and DRIVEN (ala MJ and Kobe Bryant).

Yes we do need these people because they will train at those centers that drive discovery and innovation. Many of these people will end up in practices similar to the rest of us, but many others will continue on that path of sacrifice and discovery. Let's applaud them. Dont you think that an equally valid motive for training in a program in a city one doesn't like is sacrifice and a belief that the training received is justification enough?

Medicine is diverse in people and opportunities. Let us hope it remains so.

My 2.25 cents

 

[panch]

It is a bit unfair to paint that equally diverse group into "that small group of people one 'prefers' not to work with".

true and true. in an odd way, i think that you both are right.

most of those "overachievers" were a joy to be on the floors with, they were the ones to help explain things to me or pull me over to describe or show an interesting physical finding that i missed.
and then regular people (admittedly, regular for us med students is not exactly your Joe Sixpack from Peoria) are the ones that most of us can relate to cause that's where we're at. it's all types that makes work fun, educational, challenging, etc.

yet members from both categories, and some that jump between, were some of those that i tried to avoid working w/ on the floors. but that number can be really small (at my school i can only think of one or two of each type) b/c it depends on one's own personality, level of tolerance, and magnanimity.

i applaud people that are able to fret b/w their pick for the top ten as they make their ranks lists (if they post their numbers, so be it, i see it as a service to med students who are reaching; plus who cares how they get themselves off?). and i applaud those that have the guts (and smarts) to find that balance of program, location, and experience that's right for them.

afmsboy is right, we need all types to shape the future of medicine. let's just hope that we don't end up as the bitter academician kvetching bout how little she makes, or the private practitioner complaining that they have so much money but so little time.

by the way, who is Tracy McGrady?
[i've *heard* of Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant; and i'd be run out of chicago on a rail if i didn't know that MJ stands for:
Michael Jackson?] 😛

dos centavos, and again time to duck

 

[afmsboy]

Originally posted by panch


by the way, who is Tracy McGrady?
[i've *heard* of Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant; and i'd be run out of chicago on a rail if i didn't know that MJ stands for:
Michael Jackson?] 😛

dos centavos, and again time to duck [/B]

Dude,

When you get done with Step 2 and can finally relax with your choice (homegrown?) herbs, kick back and watch the Orlando Magic play. The guy that works magic with the ball the way a certain "Penny" Hardaway used to in the same uniform is Tracy 'Magyc'dr.

Michael Jackson very

 

[panch]

though i promised myself i wouldn't open First Aid for Step 2 today as i take it tomorrow, i must post this from High-Yield Facts, Psychiatry:

description of Marijuana Intoxication:
Euphoria, anxiety, paranoid delusions, slowed time sense, impaired judgement, social withdrawal, increased appetite, dry mouth, conjunctival injection, persecutory delusions, hallucination, amotivational syndrome.

sounds a lot like us fourth year med students (except for social withdrawal) 😉

p.s. to watch any basketball game, i'd have to own a television (which i haven't since June '99). i wouldn't dirty myself to see prof b-ball in chicago live as it doesn't seem to exist anymore (even though i can see the United Center out my window)

p.p.s wonder why i chose that silly 'shroom for my avatar?