- Joined
- Jan 26, 2007
- Messages
- 129
- Reaction score
- 0
Is there a site to go to find surgery programs that aren't so competitive? I'd like to stay in Texas, but ultimately, I'll go anywhere...
Is there a site to go to find surgery programs that aren't so competitive? I'd like to stay in Texas, but ultimately, I'll go anywhere...
Okay, Surgdo, here goes, see if you like this better:
Hey!!! I am a 3rd year with a 192 step 1. I am at a Tier 1 school. My 1st and 2nd year grades are b's for the most part with some a's, which pretty much leaves me fighting to stay in the 3rd quartile of my class!!
My clinical evals are stellar, attendings love me -- I work like crazy to make for those numbers of mine. I will have great LOR's.
I'm going to fight like CRAZY to get that step 2 up, but only God has the answer to that, and yes, that is in his hands.
Now, do you think those numbers are REALLY going to get me into a competitive program, or do you just maybe think that I might be smart to have a back-up plan?????
You know what? I've had it up to eyeballs with top tier programs and the cut-throat attitudes. I want to be a surgeon SO BADLY that I'm willing to go ANYWHERE to do it. I don't think it has to be a really competitive program to get a good education. Anywhere in my post did I say ANYTHING about not doing it at all? And so what are you saying, that you have to go to a really competitive school, or you are a loser? Is that REALLY what you are saying?
So sorry to have discouraged you. I just hope you'll manage to get over it.
Now I would surely appreciate it if anyone out there has any helpful input. Thank you.
Well, talked to my P.D., and she is so, so nice, but really didn't have a lot of input other than "get your step 2 up" ...the obvious things. Suggested that she thought the grades were fine, clinical evaluations were great, but that the step 1 was -- how did she put it, "worrisome." Then suggested I might try FP or IM for a back-up.
I'm talking to some of the interns that I come into contact with, but gosh, it's pretty embarrassing to admit to that 192. I'm REALLY not used to that.
Oh, I'm in Texas, would love to stay here, but when it comes right down to it, I'll go anywhere.
I've got my surgery subI set up at the VA, which is not just a reach, it's a real leap! It's associated with UTSW, and it's REALLY competitive.
I'm just wondering if I should change that one to somewhere less competitive that I might have a chance at if I didn't get Baylor...
Just your ideas are helpful.
Gosh, I really thought heavy interview season was Nov, Dec and Jan??? If it's in Sept, I'm going to be pushing it --
Probably right. I guess I was just really looking forward to going back there. I would bet at this point it will be hard to find an opening at an away program for August....
The one thing I would tell you, don't apply for prelim spots. The reason I did not do this is because if it came down to it, then I could scramble into a prelim spot. I did not want to be placed into a prelim spot. It's possible that you could scramble into a catagorical.... you never know.
Good luck!