I've seen a trend...that I guess may not be limited to my geographic vicinity given some of the posts here. Is it just me or does there seem to be a lot more pressure (both self-driven and I guess from outside forces) to work on academic projects early in residency (ie. first year)?? Makes me stressed out just thinking about it!!
My advice for those who are just about to begin residency is simple. Start with an open mind, and absorb as much as you can. Pay attention during sign out and during conferences. It is guaranteed that you will not be able to understand everything that is happening, but with time you will. The main goal during the first couple of months is understanding workflow and basic histology. If you don't know what's normal (ie. what a nerve a looks like) then you won't be able to find out what's abnormal (ie. perineural invasion). With repetition you'll slowly be able to recognize things the next time they show up on your scope. Depending on your program (subspecialized or not), it'll be a while before you see that specific entity again, but at least it'll be familiar the next time you see it. I didn't feel things "coming together" until about the end of my SECOND YEAR of AP (AP-only). So don't despair if you feel like you don't know anything..it takes time.
As for projects...I would recommend NOT doing projects until the end of the first year..when you've finished rotating through mostly everything and can gather an idea on what specialty you're most interested in, and after you've met and worked with most of the attendings. It's the worst if you spend tons of time and effort on a project on a topic you don't care for, and with somebody you don't get along with. It's rare to find a first year with a new publication by the end of their first year. Abstracts to CAP are easier to put together (deadline is April) rather than USCAP (deadline is September) as a first year. But having publications or going to conferences does not make you a superstar. Knowing the breadth and depth of your field makes you a great pathologist.
Take time for yourself and your family/significant others. Don't forget the outside world...it's easy to get totally sucked into work, and think about pathology 24/7 (heck, I even dreamed about it) as a first year. Find time to relax, or do things that make you feel like yourself....where you don't think or talk about pathology.
And finally, and MOST importantly..remember that your #1 goal as a pathologist is patient care. This comes first and foremost. We are physicians, and we take care of patients.
It's a wild ride, you're going to love it, and it's worth every second. Enjoy and welcome to the field.
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