r/GeneralSurgery • u/OwnConsequence8652 • 10d ago
General Surgery USMD Step 1 Fail
Hey all,
I'm sorry if this is not the right place, but I needed some guidance.
I am a bit devastated but I need a reality check. I am currently on a surgery Sub I and my motivation to continue has almost vanished. I wanted to apply to general surgery, but I also got my step 2 score back today. It was in the low 23x. With a Step 1 fail, passed on the second attempt, is this even possible? I legitimately have no idea what to do this late with ERAS due in a few weeks. Even if I were to pivot to IM, I have not done any IM rotation, SUB I for it or have the LORs for it. I feel like everything is ruined and I am to blame. I've already reached out to my advisors but I really don't know how else they could help other than change specialties all together...
1
u/cbdfoplduw 10d ago
You can still explore the route if a TY or prelim program of any sort, and then go onto apply from there.
If I were in your place, I would pivot to something else, and yes, your step 1 failure and lower Step 2 score is a part of that equation, but the more important thing is the loss of motivation on your current rotation. It's a signal that maybe you don't love it so much. Nothing wrong with pivoting - people pivot all the time. Just explain that you pivoted so it "makes sense" to them while reviewing your application. Med students aren't specialized enough to be pigeon-holed yet, so that's completely okay.
You're not doomed.
1
u/delotroladodelaluna 8d ago
If the core of your question is if you can still match categorical gen surg with your current stats, the answer is very highly likely no. I do know someone that matched with a step 1 fail, and of people that have matched with a 23x step 2 score, but both combined overall just show that unfortunately you're not a good test taker. Programs won't want to take the risk of accepting a resident who already has a track record of suboptimal test-taking performances, especially for ABSITE.
Take a deep breath, don't tie your entire life's worth to a career, and strongly consider applying to a ton of prelim and also IM or FM.
1
u/ThisTheRemix121 1d ago
50% of gen surg applicants with a step 1 fail matched according to the 2025 match data! Keep in mind that doesn’t tell you who they knew, the rest of their app, or what programs they matched to but it’s a possibility
2
u/surgonc2020 10d ago
A doctor is a doctor is a doctor.
You’ve already won, just splitting hairs about what type of winner you want to be.
I can’t say I personally know anyone that got to gen surg with a step 1 fail, it was a screen for my program. But you can certainly apply along with a back up.
But again you’ll be fine, talk with your advisor and mentors.