06-22-2017, 01:15 PM
Applying as a DO is an uphill battle on the same footing, if not perhaps harder (by sheer applied:matched), as applying as an FMG. Your application will need to be stellar all around and the objective measures will have to be superior to get through the initial screening process which means high USMLEs, killing your M3/M4 rotations with the letters to back it up, AOA or the DO equivalent, dean's letter stating you're (one of) the best in your class, etc. If you're serious about it and not getting great guidance from your school, reach out to DOs in academic neurosurgery positions and to current DO residents in ACGME programs (granted there are not many).
That said, a DO matched at UTSA this year, so it is possible. He came through our place for interviews and was awesome as a person. The DO neurosurgery match is still in place as the full integration of MD/DO COMs and GME is not done at this point. Definitely apply to the DO match as well.
Once you get to an interview, the credentials that follow your name or your USMLE score really have much less to do with how your ranked. Character, an attribute that is coveted in the selection process across surgical specialties, is hard to pinpoint and difficult to convey on paper--unless you happen to have a track record that is undeniable, i.e. extensive background in service work, military service, commendations/awards which speak to it; or prior professional career (sport, business, etc) that speaks to it. The new intern people often decry on this site would be an example. A lack thereof is one of the main reasons you read about applicants with superb metrics from excellent COMs not matching. Character issues are a primary reason resident come under fire or are terminated. While difficult to demonstrate, a lack of character can often be gleaned from your time at a program (sub I, interview dinner, interview day); your clerkship evaluations, particularly those not with "Neurosurgery" in the title; and in your LORs/Dean's Letter.
Best of luck during the cycle.
That said, a DO matched at UTSA this year, so it is possible. He came through our place for interviews and was awesome as a person. The DO neurosurgery match is still in place as the full integration of MD/DO COMs and GME is not done at this point. Definitely apply to the DO match as well.
Once you get to an interview, the credentials that follow your name or your USMLE score really have much less to do with how your ranked. Character, an attribute that is coveted in the selection process across surgical specialties, is hard to pinpoint and difficult to convey on paper--unless you happen to have a track record that is undeniable, i.e. extensive background in service work, military service, commendations/awards which speak to it; or prior professional career (sport, business, etc) that speaks to it. The new intern people often decry on this site would be an example. A lack thereof is one of the main reasons you read about applicants with superb metrics from excellent COMs not matching. Character issues are a primary reason resident come under fire or are terminated. While difficult to demonstrate, a lack of character can often be gleaned from your time at a program (sub I, interview dinner, interview day); your clerkship evaluations, particularly those not with "Neurosurgery" in the title; and in your LORs/Dean's Letter.
Best of luck during the cycle.
