Step I USMLE and COMLEX together.

[Surgeon2013]

I am currently a second year at a DO school. I am taking both COMLEX and USMLE and am wondering if I need to do both tests all the way through until residency (i.e. PE, Step 2, etc.) or if I can take the USMLE step 1 only and then continue on with COMLEX testing, still applying for MD residency. Basically do I need to do both tracts all the way through or is the USMLE step 1 sufficient to apply to MD residencies. Thanks!

 

[Bacchus]

Its a licensing examination. You need to complete COMLEX (I-III) and nothing else. You do not need all 3 steps of the USMLE.

 

[Rollo]

Really depends on the competitiveness of the specialty and/or residency program you're applying to. The super competitive residencies like Plastic Surgery, Rad Onc, ENT, etc. it might be wise to take USMLE step 2 to beef up your application.

The rule is that you don't need to take USMLE Step 2 but there are definitely exceptions when it comes to very competitive specialties/residencies.

And of course, as stated above, you don't NEED to take USMLE at all.

 

[bleeker10]

I am currently a second year at a DO school. I am taking both COMLEX and USMLE and am wondering if I need to do both tests all the way through until residency (i.e. PE, Step 2, etc.) or if I can take the USMLE step 1 only and then continue on with COMLEX testing, still applying for MD residency. Basically do I need to do both tracts all the way through or is the USMLE step 1 sufficient to apply to MD residencies. Thanks!

Definitely don't take the USMLE CS. It's pass/fail like the COMLEX PE