We’ve worked with hundreds of medical students, many of whom come from DO schools, and we’ve learned of the many different ways in-house advising leads students down the wrong path away from reaching their maximum potential.
Here are the red flag pieces of advice to watch out for from your medical school:
1. “USMLE is not needed, only take the COMLEX”
Unfortunately, USMLE is critical to being evaluated on a similar playing field as MD colleagues competing for the same residency positions. Unless applying to 100% DO Family Medicine programs, everyone else benefits from taking the USMLE. Students who do not take the USMLE consistently see lower interview yields and thus worse potential match outcomes1..
2. Telling students to not use board relevant study resources
From Day 1, you should be getting acquainted with the high yield USMLE resources and integrating them into your daily study routine. First Aid, Anki, Boards/Beyond, and other resources should be leveraged to not only help you learn what is most important for the board exams, but also as ways to assist you with consolidating and retaining high volumes of information in an organized fashion. School lectures alone are NOT enough.
- During MS3, use board resources as well as rotation companions such as the white coat pocketbook, Devirgillos surgery, and others, to not only master USMLE content but also excel on classic rotation scenarios/pimp questions. Ask residents about their favorite resources to prep for cases/rounds!
3. Lack of guidance for obtaining research experience
Most osteopathic schools lack any significant in-house research opportunities, and ones that do will only have very limited opportunities. If you are interested in research or a competitive specialty, getting in contact with high-output research mentors from other institutions is critical for publishing and building your CV. If your school cannot guide you here, seek out mentorship from someone that can.
4. Lack of guidance on networking within your future specialty
On a similar note to research, networking is absolutely critical for obtaining LORs, away rotations, and even matching into residency. If your school alumni network is a dead-end, don’t give up. Reach out to residents and faculty at programs you are interested in via cold email, social media (Twitter/LinkedIn), or by participating in formal mentorship programs facilitated by local or national specialty societies/organizations.
5. Lack of transparency and guidance on the process of securing away rotations
Especially as a DO student without a home residency program, away rotations are a critical opportunity to network with programs and showcasing your enthusiasm and work ethic. Up to half of DO students report matching into a program that they rotated at. It is important to become educated in the away rotation application process, gather documents EARLY, and email your top choice programs ahead of applying to demonstrate your interest.
6. Lack of guidance of how to optimally structure your MS4 schedule
July-October should be reserved for rotating as a sub-intern at programs in your primary specialty. November-January should be reserved for lighter elective rotations or online rotations if available so that you have ample time to prepare for and attend interviews.
Like what you’re reading?
Schedule a free consultation with someone from our team to learn more about how we can help you with:
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USMLE/COMLEX Tutoring
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Specialty-specific Mentorship and Strategic Advising (including navigating VSLO)
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ERAS and Personal Statement Editing
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Residency Interview Preparation
