Thread: Questions about Step 1 and Clinical rotations

I have a dilema, that I was hoping to get some advice about.
I'm currently in Term 5, scheduled to finish Basic sciences. However, 8 weeks isn't enough for me to study for the boards, so I decided that taking time off is the best option, because I am not ready to mess with the step 1, and i know myself; 8 weeks will not be enough for me, maybe 12 or 16 weeks, but certainly not 8 weeks. Am not an A student, but when I have time to study, i can get some pretty good grades. But I need to put time in to study, and I work best under LOW pressure.

However, taking more time to study for the boards will mean that I wait until next year to start clinicals. (If this is the only option i have, I am willing to take it).

I have also been advised that I can start clinicals in the UK in October, and transfer back to the US (home for me), after 6 months, for the remainder of the clinicals. My questions is; is this even possible?

The other issue is that I once re-took a class, so I am not sure if I will be allowed to take anymore time from Medschool. please advise me accordingly.

Any suggestions are welcome.

I know that if I put time in, I can get a good Step 1 score, but first I need to actually put in the time. Am not ready to bet on 8 weeks.

Originally Posted by RussianJoo

When I was starting my 3rd year rotations, SGU wouldn't even schedule you to start your rotations at a NJ hospital before they got your passing step1 score and it would take them a couple of days to schedule you which then depended on availability of a spot. Add to that at least a few days to find an apartment to live in.

Just this past week we got our assignments and I know for sure that there were people placed in NJ that don't have their scores back yet.

Originally Posted by Salama

Just this past week we got our assignments and I know for sure that there were people placed in NJ that don't have their scores back yet.

that's preliminary placement. Those people got an email saying they won't be get final placement until they send in their passing score report.

Originally Posted by Salama

Just this past week we got our assignments and I know for sure that there were people placed in NJ that don't have their scores back yet.

not if they are placed in NJ...NJ LAW requires a PASSED step scores for foreign students to start clinical rotations...if someone had a prelim placement in NJ and their score is not back yet, they lost that placement...they may regain it if the score comes back before the rotations start, but i wouldn't hold my breath.

[QUOTE=RussianJoo;1444636]

Originally Posted by Oa2k

I've been out of med school for a few years now and the OP saying I am a current 5th termer means nothing to me, that's why i asked.





As for the OP being in the Aug class, you'll definitely have more of a time crunch then those in the Jan class that's a known fact, but thousands of students do it all in time and so can you.

I personally think that staying back and as a result matching 1 year later, is far less damaging if you can get 10 points more on your step1 and step2 scores because you had an extra month or two to study for each exam.

If you take the time off you'll be in the Jan class and will have plenty of time to study for step1, step2's and have your whole application complete so that you can apply with more or less a complete application on Sept1st, I think that this is much better than getting a lower score on your steps and possibly applying late for residencies. Many programs won't care about the fact that you needed extra time if your grades and step scores are strong but the ultimate decision is yours.

i've been out of med school longer than you and still remember when jan and august terms finish on the island....

and UK rotations DO count for cores...they are governed by the fact they are GMC (the UK equivalent to the ACGME) and are considered ACGME equivalent so they are not a strike against you in that regard ...however they are not the same as USCE and don't allow you to get LoRs from US attendings and give you familiarity to the US health system...something residency programs want to see...wouldn't suggest doing many 3rd yr cores in the UK for the latter reason, but its not going to hurt you for licensure even in the pickiest states...

Originally Posted by RussianJoo

If you only stayed back once then you can stay back one more time/semester. The rule is that you need to finish basic sciences in 3 years or less.

so there were sgu students who finish basic sciences for more than 3 years? that is really lenient comparing to other schools who just kick out students if they fail some classes, etc.

Originally Posted by BrightFuture

so there were sgu students who finish basic sciences for more than 3 years? that is really lenient comparing to other schools who just kick out students if they fail some classes, etc.

Where did I say more than 3yrs? It's 3yrs or less, meaning you can decel or repeat a class two times. I am sure if you fail more than one class they'll kick you out.

Originally Posted by BrightFuture

that is really lenient comparing to other schools who just kick out students if they fail some classes, etc.

For the most part, the school would rather see a student decel than fail. And they really do push it on those students who underperform. From those I know who failed classes... most were dismissed and then appealed. A few appeals were accepted right off the bat, but most people I know, came to Grenada a week or so before the semester and appealed in person, and were only allowed to retake the failed class/es just before the term started. It's gamble, but it happens. I wouldn't call that lenient.