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DO student applying for MD residency program
Hi Prab,
I'm a third year DO student who will be applying soon for match 2008. I'm interested in IM and really really hoping can get into a competitive university-based allopathic program. My USMLE Step 1 score is 227/92. I'm in top 15% of my class and have great research and leadership experiences. I have a couple of LOR right now at hand, but don't know how good they are since I waived my right. I'm aware that LOR weighs HUGE in residency application. My feelings say my LORs are probably not the best in the world (although I'm still hoping they're great). I've tried the best I can to excel at my clinical clerkships, but I realize no matter how hard I've tried, I still could not impress the attendings b/c of my limitation being a 3rd year student, i.e lack of experience in formulating diagnosis and management plans. I don't know how other 3rd year students do this, but I feel I'm such a dumb medical student. Having said this, I'm now worried if this will affect my chance of getting into good IM allopathic programs. Prab, do you have any comments/ suggestions/ advice? How much of a chance of do I have getting into an IM MD programs? Am I at a disadvantage? Should I take USMLE Step 2 CK and CS as well? Thanks in advance for your help lipidic
I'm a third year DO student who will be applying soon for match 2008. I'm interested in IM and really really hoping can get into a competitive university-based allopathic program. My USMLE Step 1 score is 227/92. I'm in top 15% of my class and have great research and leadership experiences. I have a couple of LOR right now at hand, but don't know how good they are since I waived my right. I'm aware that LOR weighs HUGE in residency application. My feelings say my LORs are probably not the best in the world (although I'm still hoping they're great). I've tried the best I can to excel at my clinical clerkships, but I realize no matter how hard I've tried, I still could not impress the attendings b/c of my limitation being a 3rd year student, i.e lack of experience in formulating diagnosis and management plans. I don't know how other 3rd year students do this, but I feel I'm such a dumb medical student. Having said this, I'm now worried if this will affect my chance of getting into good IM allopathic programs. Prab, do you have any comments/ suggestions/ advice? How much of a chance of do I have getting into an IM MD programs? Am I at a disadvantage? Should I take USMLE Step 2 CK and CS as well? Thanks in advance for your help lipidic
From what I heard, if the program has some prior experience of dealing with similar students, they are more inclined to take than otherwise. I think you stand a fair chance if you apply to a good number of programs and be persistent with your efforts. Do keep DO residency as a backup or plan B. Our program - Abington Memorial Hospital has a lot of DO guys and it is a great program. Wish you all the best in your efforts.
You can do it, we can help!
Prab, Moderator
Thanks for a well formatted question. From your post, I can tell you that you are detail oriented person and that is a good trait for physicians. As for your feelings of feeling dumb as a 3rd year medical student, it is not an uncommon feeling, you just have to read up on a given topic that pertains the patient, some times right there before rounds and try to bring interesting points. It only takes a few inteligent points before they will recognize you. The key is persistence. Keep trying until you get into what you want. Do not go for something you do not like. As per the USMLE CK etc, yes, it is a good idea. I am sure you will make it if you are persistent and do not give up! All the best.
You can do it, we can help!
Prab, Moderator