USMLE CK and CS needed for DO app at non-DO friendly program?

[sophiejane]

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I know the familiar chorus from my fellow DOs, "Why would you want to go to a non-DO friendly program?"

The reason is that I can't be away from my family for another second, have been doing it for 3 years and I'm tired of the road. Lots of insurmountable factors why they can't follow me.

Anyway, the only residency program in my hometown is allopathic and has a history of actually tossing DO applications out (yes, even for FM), according to a former faculty member there who happens to be my family doc. There has been the occasional DO resident there over the years, but my guess is you really have to shine.

It's ironic that they are so picky because it's not the greatest program ever, but it's fine for what I want to do, and it's 10 minutes from my house, which is bliss...I think the main factor in its competitiveness is that it is located in a great city that a lot of people want to live in.

So....to the point: Should I take BOTH USMLE Step II CK and CS?

My USMLE Step I 2-digit was 85, got an 82 on the COMLEX. Applying FM or IM. Top 1/2 of class. Doing well on rotations so far (3rd year). A few good letters already in my file.

I have to take COMLEX II CS, so is it going to give me enough of an advantage to take the USMLE CS in addition? The COMLEX CS is a new exam, they are still working out the kinks--in fact my class is the first class who will have to pass it to graduate. Is it going to be respected enough to have any merit at an allopathic program with a history of DO unfriendliness?

Would love to hear from residents or PDs or people with firsthand experience -- facts, not rumors, please! Thank you!

 

[Sugar72]

I know the familiar chorus from my fellow DOs, "Why would you want to go to a non-DO friendly program?"

The reason is that I can't be away from my family for another second, have been doing it for 3 years and I'm tired of the road. Lots of insurmountable factors why they can't follow me.

Anyway, the only residency program in my hometown is allopathic and has a history of actually tossing DO applications out (yes, even for FM), according to a former faculty member there who happens to be my family doc. There has been the occasional DO resident there over the years, but my guess is you really have to shine.

It's ironic that they are so picky because it's not the greatest program ever, but it's fine for what I want to do, and it's 10 minutes from my house, which is bliss...I think the main factor in its competitiveness is that it is located in a great city that a lot of people want to live in.

So....to the point: Should I take BOTH USMLE Step II CK and CS?

My USMLE Step I 2-digit was 85, got an 82 on the COMLEX. Applying FM or IM. Top 1/2 of class. Doing well on rotations so far (3rd year). A few good letters already in my file.

I have to take COMLEX II CS, so is it going to give me enough of an advantage to take the USMLE CS in addition? The COMLEX CS is a new exam, they are still working out the kinks--in fact my class is the first class who will have to pass it to graduate. Is it going to be respected enough to have any merit at an allopathic program with a history of DO unfriendliness?

Would love to hear from residents or PDs or people with firsthand experience -- facts, not rumors, please! Thank you!

First of all, I am an MS4 at a DO school - not a pd or resident. I have taken USMLE steps 1 and 2 because I am applying to allopathic residencies and I think those exam scores are an important asset to your application. I think the general consensus among residents and probably faculty is that a pass/ fail physical exam test is a complete waste of time and money. If you can pass the DO one, you will pass the MD one. I wouldn't waste the $1000. WHen you do your away rotation at this do-unfriendly school (which you will absolutely need to do!) ask the PD what hoops he would like you to jumpt through. Good luck!

 

[sophiejane]

First of all, I am an MS4 at a DO school - not a pd or resident. I have taken USMLE steps 1 and 2 because I am applying to allopathic residencies and I think those exam scores are an important asset to your application. I think the general consensus among residents and probably faculty is that a pass/ fail physical exam test is a complete waste of time and money. If you can pass the DO one, you will pass the MD one. I wouldn't waste the $1000. WHen you do your away rotation at this do-unfriendly school (which you will absolutely need to do!) ask the PD what hoops he would like you to jumpt through. Good luck!

Thanks--I have done step I and planning step 2 USMLE, and have applied for 3 different rotations at the hospital in question, so they will know me well...🙂

I was just curious since one PD on these forums recently said they put a lot of weight on Step 2 CS, which I had never heard before. Since we take our equivalent of the CS exam so late in 4th year, it won't even be relevant for applications.

Appreciate your input. Good luck to you as well.

 

[Flea girl]

Thanks--I have done step I and planning step 2 USMLE, and have applied for 3 different rotations at the hospital in question, so they will know me well...🙂

I was just curious since one PD on these forums recently said they put a lot of weight on Step 2 CS, which I had never heard before. Since we take our equivalent of the CS exam so late in 4th year, it won't even be relevant for applications.

Appreciate your input. Good luck to you as well.

I am MS4 at a DO school and our class has to pass the CS/PE exam in order to graduate. With that said, our school wanted us to have taken the exam by 10/31/05. So, that in case you fail you have time to retake it before graduation. If you fail the exam and can't get your retake score before graduation you can't even walk. Crazy. Some people in my class have pushed the envelope and took it this month. I took mine in Sept. Others in my class took it in Aug or even in July. So, in theory they can use it to rank you. Does you school require you to take it or pass it for graduation? The NBOME is taking anywhere from 10-14 weeks to get scores back this year, if you need to pass the exam, keep that in mind. The NBOME is saying they are working on get the scores back sooner but even then 8-10 weeks.

 

[DrMom]

Since we take our equivalent of the CS exam so late in 4th year, it won't even be relevant for applications.

You can take the PE early in the year (ie: summer/fall of 4th year) and your score will be back in plenty of time for rank lists. What I've been hearing this year is that some PDs want to have a score back on CE & PE (or USMLE equivalents) by the time they're doing rank lists...so that they know they're ranking people who will be licensable when they start residency.

BTW: I took the PE on Oct 3 & got my score a couple of days ago.

 

[sophiejane]

Thanks--that helps a lot. I didn't realize I could take the COMLEX PE so early.