1st year Rads Resident here....and a D.O. I am at a program in SoCal. I am starting to get very interesting reflections on my current training and what I thought was important when I was applying...as I also applied to DO programs and interviewed at a handful.
First of all, I had about 7 interviews and matched to my #1...in hindsight (after speaking with people once I matched), I guess I only needed to interview and rank 1 program, but needless to say I was very nervous before match day.
My program is busy although we see good cases. Sometimes we are so busy that teaching can get in the way....so it is put in the backseat.
I remember interviewing at a DO program and the interview committee asking me what percentage I thought reading contributed to learning in radiology residency. I answered something like 75%. He said more like 90%+. I thought that maybe that was because most DO programs are at community hospitals where you are buys and teaching doesn't necessarily become a priority. Point being, radiology residency requires so much knowledge that nobody will understand what kind of knowledge base is required to be a good radiologist unless they are......in radiology.
A couple of the DO programs I interviewed at weren't too bad...its all about seeing tons of cases during residency and reading a ton. On a side note, you have to go where you'll be happy, where you think you'll fit in, and get good training. Keep an open mind on the interview trail.
USMLE is of course...HUGE factor. Better Step 2 scores can help IMHO. Strong MSPE, and STELLAR letters of rec are a big help. I think a visiting rotation can really help a DO applicant....sort of make some head turns, but downside is that you are mainly a fly on the wall in most radiology med student electives...so it depends on where you go. I echo what the other poster said...be confident, but don't be cocky...and don't be hanging out all over the place trying to impress people.....there's one student at my program always hanging out...even after the rotation is over....and I think its a little extreme....
Remember, and I saw this on a post one time or overheard it...so I take no credit for it....but when you interview....nobody will speak your praises but you...so make sure people know what kind of person you are and that you would be a valuable asset.
Good Luck.
P.S. I'd rather be in a DO program in radiology than one of the best IM residencies anywhere.
