To make a long-story short, I failed my first year of medical school. I have learned from my mistakes and will be a much better surgeon because of it. Based on the opinion of an orthopedic attending at my institution (a strong academic orthopedic program), this has severely lessened my chances of matching into an academic orthopedics residency program. To contrast, the department chair told me that a good boards score would offset the failed first year.
At the moment, I have conducted 3 separate orthopedics-related research projects that have allowed for several presentations, and a publication. I have also scored in the 240ish/99 on step 1, and I am receiving very good evaluations (no grades yet) on my clinical rotations.
Assuming that I can get about 3- 4 Honors (esp in Surg and Medicine), does anyone have any opinion as to whether I am reasonable candidate for an academic orthopedic residency program? I'm also trying to understand whether a year of research would be helpful for my application? or if none of these efforts would offset the failed first year.
As we always try and point out on this site it is impossible to determine one's "matchability" based simply on scores, grades, etc... It is ultimately a compilation of the whole package including your acting internships, letters of recommendation, and support from your chairman who seems to be supportive of your goals and aspirations.
I would equate your situation to the current college football ranking system - a loss early in the year is looked upon much more favorably than a loss in the last game of the season.
Keep up the hard work and of course as always the more 3rd year clinical honors you can achieve the better it will be for your overall package.
