University OBGYN

[postbacpremed87]

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It seems that OBGYN programs are very DO friendly, especially at community programs. Are university OBGYN programs that much more difficult for a DO to match? I see the occasional snowflake DO at a mid tier state university DO program. Why do you think we aren't as successful there? If I take the USMLE and get a 230+ then shouldn't I be competitive for some university programs? My goal is to do a fellowship like MFM / Gyn Onc.

 

[22031 Alum]

It seems that OBGYN programs are very DO friendly, especially at community programs. Are university OBGYN programs that much more difficult for a DO to match? I see the occasional snowflake DO at a mid tier state university DO program. Why do you think we aren't as successful there? If I take the USMLE and get a 230+ then shouldn't I be competitive for some university programs? My goal is to do a fellowship like MFM / Gyn Onc.

Which programs have you been looking at specifically? My alma mater, Vanderbilt, currently has 5 DOs. UT Memphis has 2. Both university programs where a motivated resident could certainly do quite well and have a shot at matching into fellowship.

 

[postbacpremed87]

Which programs have you been looking at specifically? My alma mater, Vanderbilt, currently has 5 DOs. UT Memphis has 2. Both university programs where a motivated resident could certainly do quite well and have a shot at matching into fellowship.

All of the ones with gyn onc fellowships.

 

[22031 Alum]

All of the ones with gyn onc fellowships.

Possessing a fellowship isn't a requirement for sending residents into fellowship. Also, not every onc division with a fellowship is considered high powered or held in universally high esteem.

For example at Vandy, residents get onc experience rotating with the university's onc division as well as with a private onc group at a different hospital. Interested residents could also apply for an away rotation at a "powerhouse" like Sloan Kettering. Between the three you could get plenty of research experience and good letters- remember even private practice oncologists trained somewhere so there are connections to be had.

 

[anonperson]

If your end goal of residency is to get a fellowship, then going to a university program is going to give you a large leg up. If you're aiming for Gyn Onc or REI, then it is an absolute must that you go to an academic/university program. It does not necessarily have to have a fellowship attached to it but it is preferred. Sure there are outliers like Vanderbilt etc but having been through the process and having friends go through the process, there is some back door dealings/phone calls that get made that really seals the deal for an applicant. Generally at fellowship programs there is more research going on, the faculty will tend to go to conferences (SGO etc) more often for networking, and there will be at least one program that has one spot that you may have an inside track on. It is not uncommon for these fellowships to just go to someone in house.

 

[22031 Alum]

Unfortunately, OP, the combo of University program + has an onc fellowship + accepts DOs is not easy to come by. There may be very few to none. (MFM may be different; see UT Memphis above.) University program + accepts DOs is your best shot at success.