I am an MS0 going into a DO school from a computer science bachelors. I have 2 years of undergrad research in bioinformatics (unfortunately not published, but presented twice at conferences). I am no CS wiz, but obviously I am competent (graduated, have applied the skill multiple times in real world outside of research too). And FWIW I also have a psychology research poster that was round-aboutly computational and my presentation won a conference first prize for its category. My questions:

1) So, what reasonable independent CS-NSG projects do you think I could pursue in med school to really stand out—that are realistic in terms of creating demonstrable projects and ideally as many pubs as possible? I’m interested in graphical simulations that make use of physics engines similar to those in video games, and I don’t have experience in A.I. (elective I didn’t take), but I’m confident that I could get good enough at any CS topic apart from electronics (hardware, electrical engineering—not CS categorically) IF it would yield good returns or wow PDs. At least within the 4 years of med school. Also interested in VR/AR and 3D printing, web apps, mobile apps, and genomics. 

2) how might my app be received if my only research was computational—whether NSG or not? Disregarding sheer quantity of pubs/posters/etc.

3) Would it be wise to go for some low hanging fruits in other specialties in terms of CS projects, or would an app of entirely NSG research be fine? I ask because my backup isn’t research heavy and I’d probably tailor my residency apps to not let them think they’re just a backup.

I’m not shooting for big academic programs or even historically only ACGME ones tbh, I’ll be fine applying to former AOA programs where I see many if not most Current residents are still DOs, even some from my school here and there.

I might as well group my unrelated Q in this thread as well...

4) is being a self-taught Spanish bilingual helpful for my app? I have a ton of experience and interest in helping underserved Hispanics... or is this just the bit that got me into DO school and the luck runs out there?

as someone looking to go down the path of neurosurgery next year, I was wondering how much leisure time is typically present during the 4 years of med school, between the studying, research, and rotation s

What are they like? How long are they typically? Who conducts them? Do you have to give them your phone number or does that happen only once you match? I really don’t like giving out my phone number to many people. Are they crucial to your match chances? What are dinners like beforehand? Also would stealing when you were 15 Be a huge red flag?
Thanks

How do graduates from top programs end up at mid/low tier institutions? Is it hard to get a job lined up at the same institution after residency, is that like a 7 year audition of your performance?

How do non-US IMGs stay in the US without US residency? Over the years I’ve seen quite a few non-US IMG neurosurgeons who completed their residency abroad and have stayed in the US after fellowship. An example that comes to mind is Fernandez-Miranda at Stanford.

Any one aware about opening position for PGY1 or PGY 2 nationwide ? 
Thank you

Spoke to my PD and Chairman about the match- Current US MD from a low tier school, 243 Step 1, 20+ pubmed cited papers (currently coming off a research year so thats not an option for me this cycle).

According to them, early predictions are that Step 2 will not be required in order to grant interviews due to mass cancellations by Prometric, although scores will still be needed to rank applicants in 2021 (as of 4/27/20 USMLE has been exploring the option of administering licensing exams at medical schools so I suspect that one way or another we will be able to complete CK/CS before December- https://usmle.org/announcements/?ContentId=270). Grades that are P/F in key clerkships of neurology/surgery/IM will have to be interpreted in the context of the given national situation. Conversations within SNS are being held regarding the status of away rotations so updates should be forthcoming. 

What feedback insights have fellow applicants heard from their respected advisors if they are applying this cycle? Despite the uncertainty so far, perhaps a general trend of how we will be evaluated this year can be established with updates from neurosurgical hopefuls from varying geographic regions. Wishing you all much success this cycle, post your updates below!

Hey Guys, 

Is anybody aware of a vacant spot in their residency( or soon to be), I'm desperately looking for an advanced position, HELP! 

Thanks

Quick question for the resident crowd that does 24h calls (not night float) -

On a day that you're "on call" what time do you pick up the pager and take over? Who typically has the pager throughout the day - interns, PGY-2/3, APPs? When you take the pager, are they still around working for a few more hours to finish their shift?

Trying to get a sense of what's normal. Thanks-

ABNS - American Board of Neurological Surgeons
AANS - American Association of Neurological Surgeons (JNS)
CNS - Congress of Neurological Surgeons (Neurosurgery)
WFNS - World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (World Neurosurgery)
SNS - Society of Neurological Surgeons
CSNS - Council of State Neurosurgical Societies
AAcNS - American Academy of Neurological Surgeons
NSA - Neurosurgical Society of America
SUN - Society of University Neurosurgeons
NREF - Neurosurgical Research & Education Foundation