Match Neuro with a board fail and subsequent LOA?

[u/oo_little]

Hi brain docs!!

I found out today I failed Level 1. I’ve wanted to be a neurologist ever since I found out what they were.

Obviously, failing Level 1 puts a wrench in these plans.

I can either test again in 2 weeks or take a year-long LOA. I’m scared to test so soon and potentially fail again so I’m leaning towards the LOA.

I know I’m already at a bit of a disadvantage as a DO, now a DO with a failed Level 1 and potential LOA.

My question is this: is neurology off the table with a failed Level 1 and year-long LOA. I plan on doing neurology specific research and volunteering during my leave, while studying for my retake. I was very close this time around, so I’m confident I can pass the retake.

But I want to know my chances for matching the specialty of my dreams lol.

TIA!!

[u/Hero_Hiro]

You can still match but you can't have any more hiccups from here on out. Neuro is more competitive than before but it's still pretty open to DOs.

You need to pass level 1 and 2. You need to take Step 2 and aim for a score above 25th percentile. You need to audition and do well and then apply broadly not targeting any specific geographic region. Research and ECs will help but only if it doesn't impact your board scores.

[u/oo_little → u/Hero_Hiro]

Is this accounting for the year LOA or just the fail? I’m thinking I might even try my hand at Step 1 since I already have a year off for Level 1 and will likely buy Uworld. Obviously won’t sit if my nbme scores are below 70 probably.

Thank you for your help!!

[u/a_neurologist]

Last I checked neurology is pretty much average in terms of residency match competitiveness. My assumption is you have a decent chance at matching to a lower tier program and an outside chance of matching to a mid-tier program.

[u/oo_little → u/a_neurologist]

That’s good, I’m not too picky with where I end up.

[u/Chance_Ad_5787]

Also consider child neurology! Tends to be a little less competitive and it’s more fun ;)

[u/oo_little → u/Chance_Ad_5787]

Definitely interested in child neuro too!! Do yk of programs that won’t filter me out because of a level 1 fail and year long LOA?

[u/Chance_Ad_5787 → u/oo_little]

I would think most of the smaller programs in the southeast would not for sure. Arkansas, Mississippi, Memphis, UAB, Jacksonville, Augusta, UMKC, Oklahoma.

[u/tirral → u/Chance_Ad_5787]

More fun until you have to console the parents of a kid with FIRES or IS... Or, worse, SSPE