USMLE vs. COMLEX score release...

[khybs]

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I'll make it brief:

I'm a reapplicant to Rad Onc, doing my intern year right now...

USMLE Step one 220's. I'm a D.O. so I have taken step I and II of the COMLEX but as far as I know, none of the PD's know how to compare the scores (639 on step one and passed but not high on step two). Do I bother and even send out the COMLEX transcript or just the USMLE one?

Thanks!

In case some one asks about the rest of my app, I don't have my PhD or articles in NEJM but I have a prostate cancer research grant from the AMA and the grant abstract that they awarded the grant to. Hopefully a few more manuscripts this fall once the data rolls in...

 

[Vince]

I'll make it brief:

I'm a reapplicant to Rad Onc, doing my intern year right now...

USMLE Step one 220's. I'm a D.O. so I have taken step I and II of the COMLEX but as far as I know, none of the PD's know how to compare the scores (639 on step one and passed but not high on step two). Do I bother and even send out the COMLEX transcript or just the USMLE one?

Thanks!

In case some one asks about the rest of my app, I don't have my PhD or articles in NEJM but I have a prostate cancer research grant from the AMA and the grant abstract that they awarded the grant to. Hopefully a few more manuscripts this fall once the data rolls in...

No one had replied to you yet so I figured I'd chime in...even though I went with Diagnostic Radiology and not Rad Onc. My boards were probably similar, I did really well on COMLEX Level 1, more so than on USMLE...and my COMLEX Level 2 was lower than Level 1....but COMLEX is a horribly written test so who cares...I actually haven't met anyone yet who did better on Level 2 than Level 1...ha ha.

I submitted my COMLEX scores to the allopathic Rads programs...nobody mentioned them really. I don't see how it could hurt you....I'd submit them.

 

[stephew]

ill ask around here- i dont personally know the answer.

 

[stephew]

our guys say USMLE only.
S

 

[Pewl]

Hey, I've been bouncing around in forums looking for different input on this one redundant quesiton:

I'd like to get an idea of how many DO's go into Diagonostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology? I got my graduate degree at UCLA in Biomedical Physics and my area of specialty right now is pretty much in radiation oncology. I understand that both are a highly competitive field, and if going to a DO school will seriously hurt my chances, I was thinking of just going the MD route.

What do you guys think?

 

[Vince]

Hey, I've been bouncing around in forums looking for different input on this one redundant quesiton:

I'd like to get an idea of how many DO's go into Diagonostic Radiology and Radiation Oncology? I got my graduate degree at UCLA in Biomedical Physics and my area of specialty right now is pretty much in radiation oncology. I understand that both are a highly competitive field, and if going to a DO school will seriously hurt my chances, I was thinking of just going the MD route.

What do you guys think?

See osteopathic forum for my reply.

 

[stephew]

There are biases against IMGs and DO's. Its just the reality. However that doesnt mean its a lock out. But youd have to be top of the pile.

 

[UHS05]

To be honest, I don't think anyone cares about COMLEX scores in rad-onc right now...its just too competitive and they aren't going to put in the effort to decipher the NBOME score report or compare it to the USMLE. I was actually told by a PD that they really don't know what to do with COMLEX scores so they just ignore them. As for a DO getting in, I did last year and I know someone got in the year before. It really is up to you to go for it and not sell yourself short...

I'll make it brief:

I'm a reapplicant to Rad Onc, doing my intern year right now...

USMLE Step one 220's. I'm a D.O. so I have taken step I and II of the COMLEX but as far as I know, none of the PD's know how to compare the scores (639 on step one and passed but not high on step two). Do I bother and even send out the COMLEX transcript or just the USMLE one?

Thanks!

In case some one asks about the rest of my app, I don't have my PhD or articles in NEJM but I have a prostate cancer research grant from the AMA and the grant abstract that they awarded the grant to. Hopefully a few more manuscripts this fall once the data rolls in...

 

[khybs]

our guys say USMLE only.
S

Thanks for all the help guys. I figured I'd only send the USMLE scores but then I thought about one thing: I didn't take step II USMLE so I have no proof that I passed a Step II/Level II board unless I send the COMLEX transcript. With Duke asking for my undergrad transcripts will some programs care that much about making sure I've passed a level II board exam?

BTW, thanks Stephew for looking into that with your department!

As for Diagnostic Radiology, I thought about it and I think it would be easier to just get a Osteopathic spot... but after long deliberation I came to the conclusion that I just wouldn't be happy with myself knowing Rad Onc is truly what I want to do... can I have the keys to the linac now Daddy?

 

[Pewl]

Thanks for all the help guys. I figured I'd only send the USMLE scores but then I thought about one thing: I didn't take step II USMLE so I have no proof that I passed a Step II/Level II board unless I send the COMLEX transcript. With Duke asking for my undergrad transcripts will some programs care that much about making sure I've passed a level II board exam?

BTW, thanks Stephew for looking into that with your department!

As for Diagnostic Radiology, I thought about it and I think it would be easier to just get a Osteopathic spot... but after long deliberation I came to the conclusion that I just wouldn't be happy with myself knowing Rad Onc is truly what I want to do... can I have the keys to the linac now Daddy?

HAHA rad oncs are lazy. That's the Medical Physicist creed. We do all the ----work for you and you just sign your name off on the plans we make.
ah, j/k. That's why I'd like to get into rad onc too. I have the full understanding of the physics and technology involved. Might as well go the full 9 yards with oncology =D

 

[stephew]

Thanks for all the help guys. I figured I'd only send the USMLE scores but then I thought about one thing: I didn't take step II USMLE so I have no proof that I passed a Step II/Level II board unless I send the COMLEX transcript. With Duke asking for my undergrad transcripts will some programs care that much about making sure I've passed a level II board exam?

BTW, thanks Stephew for looking into that with your department!

As for Diagnostic Radiology, I thought about it and I think it would be easier to just get a Osteopathic spot... but after long deliberation I came to the conclusion that I just wouldn't be happy with myself knowing Rad Onc is truly what I want to do... can I have the keys to the linac now Daddy?

good luck Khybs.

 

[khybs]

good luck Khybs.

Thanks Stephew, I'll need it!