Recent content by j4pac

Did you take USMLE or COMLEX first?

Update: I've reviewed my recommendation on whether a DO student should take USMLE. Still a very difficult subject to study, but I have recently looked into COMLEX/USMLE conversion tables and how they were derived, which helped me understand the pros and cons of taking both tests.

We perform holistic review so we look at transcripts. But many schools have gotten away from class rank, and there are some that have gone to pass fail. So it’s still important but it’s probably deemphasized to a degree. Clearly, you want to study and do well for boards. But it’s also my...

It’s not for everyone. For me, and most people I know, it was fine. The tuition is cheap, location is nice, and match results are good. I think that you can argue whether their policies are dumb…but I don’t think that the strict policies are there for financial reasons. It’s a lot easier and...

I went to LECOM B. Some people really struggle. Unfamiliar with authority, discipline, professionalism, and independence. Interestingly, myself, friends, wife never had any issues with admin. Essentially, LECOM treats you like you are going to be treated as a resident. The clinical rotations...

That's my concern as well. There are only so many places in the country that can support a higher volume SCI practice and they are typically academic practices, where they will be looking for SCI training PM&R physicians. There are IM docs out in the community running rehab units, but they are...

The academic dildo is king! Lol I wouldn’t say lifestyle is the biggest factor. Some of the more competitive programs are not necessarily easy. I think competitiveness is largely an equation of prestige/quality plus location.

I made an update to the OP reflecting the change in signals from 5 to 8. It does change the math a little bit regarding how many programs to apply. The good news is that I estimate about a 18% reduction of applications for applicants around the 50th percentile. That translates to money saved for...

According to NRMP, this was the most successful year for DOs since the merger. Step away from the ledge. No…not every DO is going to get competitive residencies. Not every MD can either. The stats show that DOs have been pushing out IMGs. Thats really who should be concerned right now.

It’s frustrating because we are a specialty designed to treat individuals with impairments. So it would make sense that we would be more receptive and see the value in having physicians that are relatable to our patients. But the reality is that there is still a stigma in medical training toward...

Certain programs will give you more options than others. There are certain programs where you essentially name your fellowship. It’s not a matter of if you can get a fellowship, the question is whether it’s worth your time and where do you want to go? If you are a great applicant, I would try to...

I get quite a few questions regarding program quality or competitiveness. It’s a really tough topic because every program has strengths and weaknesses. Essentially every program fills yearly, so all are relatively competitive. If you’re interested in looking at a consensus list of program...

lol…if you ever want to open a YouTube page I’d do my best to contribute

Any of the areas are safe. The SE side is the rough side of town (near the mall)…but it would be the most secure/safe area in most other cities. Downtown has the most restaurant/bars and is the walkable area. I liked living in the NW end because they have really good grocery options…Aldi, Hyvee...

So…do people just not cover nights in psych residency…or if they do…how?