Radiology -- Chicago -- MBashir (PGY2)

Questions sound good. How about a book to study from. What do people feel about Crush step 2 VS. First Aid step 2? I know first aid step 1 is the consensus choice for step 1 but there is no clear cut standard for step 2? Crush to me seems way too skimpy. Thanks.

And Odidy, thanks for killing the possible game winning rally yesterday with your violation of baserunning rules. What you think, its HS again and we are playin football and its ok to bowl over the 2nd baseman.

hehe...lots of questions man...lots of questions...do qbank, do any of the other good question books available now (it's been 3 years since i took it so i'm sure the books have changed). Standardized tests are all about understanding question format and likely tested info. Like i said, if you really study for it hard, you should be able to bump up your step 1 score 10-15 points...good luck.

Thanks for the help. Really appreciate it.

So if I wanna rock STEP 2 (not just get by), what do people recommend. So far Im considering using crush step2 + Kaplan Qbank. Is that enough to rock it. What do people think about first aid step 2 or any other books for step2. Thanks

monyc,

just a few general answers, though i'm sure one of the optho people can answer more completely...definitely do another month, preferably in a place in a geographic area away from your own. in competitive fields, programs start to hand out interviews based somewhat on who _they_ think will come. If you're in New York, for example, and you have no ties to Texas, very fe programs are going to interview you. However, let's say you did a month in Texas and got a good letter...it shows them that you're interested beyond the standard medical student apply everywhere in a competitive field interested. The buddies of mine that went into optho ranged from 230-255...which is probably a little on the high side but not excessively so. Do research if you can...it helps with your letters and programs like people that have a possibility of continuing in academics...Lastly, shouldn't have a problem with applying in optho/medicine. I wouldn't necessarily apply to all the same programs and I wouldn't advertise the fact. Also, the interviews for both are at different times (optho = early match). You can apply to many of the same programs and then try to go to medicine interviews at places you don't have optho interviews, though again I doubt you'll have any trouble.

if anyone is interested in ortho, feel free to contact me.

hassan mir, pgy-2
campbell clinic, memphis, tn

Some questions for Optho:

-How many months of optho are good to do before applying. 1 month at your own medical school is enough or should one do another month at an away institution? Does that even matter or all they care about is your board scores.

-What kinda board scores are most optho programs looking for? I heard its pretty competitive.

-Is research in optho standard practive for applicants? Everyone I spoke to seems to have done some optho research.

-Is optho in private practice totally different than Optho residency. I am doing optho elective right now and all the optho residents just refract all day and do glaucome checks. They never get to operate till 3rd and mostly 4th year. Is this standard practice at most optho programs or just at mines?

-Is it generally a very bad idea to apply to two separate fields. For example if I cant decide between medicine and optho and I apply to both through the match, will the med programs know about optho and vice verca. Is that even allowed. Are your choices secret or the programs know you are two timing. I doubt I will do this but just been wondering crazy things lately. Haha!

Basically my main concerns are what boards scores I need, do I need to do research, and how many optho clerkships should one do?

I got lots more questions but Ill wait till later. Thanks a lot, its greatly appreciated.

I am going into internal medicine in Massachusetts, I would be glad to answer any questions anyone has about the match process for both DO's and MD's.

I'm all about helping the youngins'

i have experience in the peds and ER world (chicago) if anyone has any questions :)

I never mind giving out advice - getting advice from a bunch of people will allow you to make a proper decision for yourself. feel free to get a village journal of questions started.

Khurram - Ophthalmology - Minnesota (PGY2)

come on, no one wants to help the younger ones?

Salam,

Im a soon to be 4th year med student at NYU who is either in need of a revelation or some good advice regarding what residency to pursue. I am considering Optho vs. Medicine. Anyone willing to help out with some veteran advice. Also need some guidance regarding STEP 2. Thanks.

Mo Ghumman