Posted this on the old forum, but thought I'd try it out here as well!:
I understand the match is coming up quickly, and wish everyone the best!
I have a few questions regarding ortho as a residency. My school does not have a residency program affliliated with it, so there is no co-ordinator that can give me some advice.
Upon entering med school, I had NO IDEA of what specialty I wanted to pursue. I did very well throughout my first 2 years of school, but 2 weeks before the boards, my wife and I lost our baby, which almost destroyed me.
I postponed my boards a month, and when I finally took Step 1, I recieved a 227....certainly a disappointment after doing so well in the basic sciences.
I realize that Step 1 scores are not everything, and neither is AOA, but these really boost your chances of landing a position. I have done well so far during my clerkships, but on my last clerkship (medicine) I recieved a high pass. I couldn't put all of my efforts into the rotation, my wife was again pregnant, and hospitalized for the same reason she was 9 months ago when she lost our first child.
Currently I am in a state of confusion, having to submit my 4th year schedule. I really want to do ortho, but am worried now that my AOA hopes are shot and my step 1 scores are not as high as I would like them to be....without a ortho co-ordinator to talk to, I have no idea of my chance of matching....
If I have very strong letters of recommendation, do well on step 2 (I plan to take it in late JUNE), and do well on my ortho rotations away, would these points offset my lower Step 1 scores, lack of AOA, and lack of all honors in my clerkships?
How many programs should I apply to?
What advice would you give an MS-3 that decided later in his med school career to pursue ortho?
I realize this post is long, and many before me have asked the same old, if I have a 230 and AOA, will I get ortho? I appreciate ANY input from those more experienced!
thanks, and GOOD LUCK with the match!
