[neuromat]

I'm still a med student but in my final year so I think I have to decide things fast as long as I am still in med school.
I really want to try to get into neurosurgery.

Now I know people say it's impossible but I owe it to myself to at least do my best and try :notsure: not sure what that would be right now or what a better path would be? (surgery first and then...?)

I am searching for an elective now. My step 1 score is a 261, gave my TOEFL. Looked at mayo, Cleveland and Harvard. Harvard costs a lot, actually don't have the money but I can do some loans or something to try to raise it. Other two do not cost that much.

Should I apply to all three of them? chances of getting an elective position in July there? if I were to choose which one should it be? I can manage just one month in summer.

What should my plan be for the next two-three years to raise chances to at least a 1%? research, I know, but how can I find that? neuroscience or clinical is better?

I know, many questions...but I feel so disappointed after reading the three neurosurgery threads here.

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[lee-usmle]

Great ambition but be realistic

I like your ambition and I applaud your perseverance.

I'd say an elective in any of the names you mention certainly would take you big steps towards your goal.

Finding research opportunities is all about connections in US. Once you are here doing electives try to mingle with attending neurosurgeons and see if they have positions for research. Ask for volunteering to show them how much you are interested.

You have to also get above 260 in your Step 2 CK Exam and pass the CS from the first attempt.

To be honest with you. Even after all these strides your chances of getting neurosurgery match is close to zero.

So you have to be realistic and know the game. Are you willing to waste one or two years of your precious career life then get to face the reality! I think you should have a backup plan B. Like what are you going to do when you don't get it.

All the best wishes to you.

 

[neuromat]

Thanks a lot for the quick reply. Really answered all my questions super clear.
One more for the road though :if I do get a surgery residency position is there ANY way to somehow switch to neurosurgery along the way?
I know you told me that one cannot do neurosurgery fellowship after surgery residency.

Thanks!

 

[lee-usmle]

Yes you can .. but

Every year there are residents who switch residencies from specialty to another specialty (this is specially common among US grads) like for example after doing a year in surgery they find themselves do not like it and would then switch to another residency.

So theoretically speaking yes you can switch your surgical residency to categorical neurosurgery residency but the odds would still be the same at that point. You'll still be wanting to go to neurosurgery and still have the same chances (close to zero). Your surgical residency at that point maybe a plus in your CV and considered a strong USCE/LoRs but still I don't think you'd be able to get neurosurgery.

 

[neuromat]

Thanks a lot! Damn...

 

[badbell]

I need a study advice. I have been talking with my academic advisors about doing the Study Abroad program from school and taking classes in the USA next summer semester. Just curious what y'alls thoughts are on studying abroad. I particularly want to hear from those who have actually done studying overseas while enrolled in an American university; however, I'm open to all comments on the subject of "Studying Abroad"...

Any advice/help is greatly appreciated.