STEP 1

[MaduroUTMB]

I pulled a 237. I got a 247 on a diagnostic a few days before the actual test, which got my hopes up. Still, I know that I want to do general surgery so I consider everything above 220 to be gravy.

Anyone else take it this round?

 

[Texanne]

I am assuming this is one of the licensing examinations for a physician ...?

I wish you the best of luck taking them.

As a surgeon, you must always remember that there is a person connected to the other end of that body part you are cutting up. Surgeons too often think only of the procedure and forget that they are dealing with a patient who is frightened and intimidated. Be empathetic when you have to break bad news.

I consider myself to be very fortunate in that I get to work as a standardized patient for the Surgery resident program at a hospital here. I get to grade the PGYs on their ability to break bad news.

 

[Wild Bill]

Chin up! Maduro. Sounds like you did well. You're at the end of your 2nd year, right? If so, what really matters is how you do on the Surgery rotation 3rd year. BTW, is Townsend still there?

 

[BigboyDan]

There will be plenty of open GS slots, everywhere - a 237 is fine.

For those who like to sweat it out, the Residency competitiveness by specialty and USMLE score:
The Link

 

[Wild Bill]

Thanks for the link Bigboy. Things have changed a bit since I graduated in 1984. Back then we took basic science boards at the end of the 2nd year, the core board exam after every rotation (Surgery, Medicine, etc...), but they were not called USMLE as far as I know. After graduation, we took the "FLEX" which we had to pass in order to get a license after internship. Good to see what you young pups are up to. Best of luck to both of you.

 

[Math Mudrat]

Step 2: ???
Step 3: PROFIT

 

[ADMIRALSTOCKDALE]

Cut a hole in the box

 

[MaduroUTMB]

Actually, getting her to open the box is probably harder than the real Step 3.

 

[Wild Bill]

Maduro:
You peaked my curiosity, so I checked out the UTMB Surgery website just for old times sake. Damn. Courtney Townsend is still there. Chairman, no less. He was one mean SOB, but at least he gave me a good grade, so I can't complain too much. Herndon is still there too as a burn surgeon. I heard they were closing the Shrine Burn Center for Children where I spent every Friday for 3 years, so I knew him pretty well. 20 years ago he was pretty crazy, but good. I also noticed they hired Mike Silva who graduated with me in '84 from UTMB and now is a vasclar surgeon.

Kick butt on your surgery rotation and get a good grade. Do that, and you should have no trouble getting a residency spot unless things have radically changed. Obviously, overall class rank is important too.

 

[UT Spring Branch]

You take that first step
Ask her out and treat her like a lady
Second step
Tell her she's the one you're dreaming of
Third step
Take her in your arms and never let her go
Don't you know step by step
Step by step
You'll win her love