Anyone pick path for research?

[Primate]

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Hi,

Just wondering if anyone picked path in large measure because it fit well with research. Anyone?

If so, how's it been working - or why do you think it will work for you (if you haven't started residency yet)? Also, what field of research are you interested in?

P

 

[pbp4]

I am matching in path largely due to the research potential. There is really no other residency and career that has as good a fit with research. In addition, I believe that over the next few decades diagnostics and imaging will have the greatest impact on the practice of medicine. You can really already see this on a smaller scale- I mean how many clinical decisions are made with imaging and labs. Personally, I am most interested in infectious diseases and oncology but who knows- I am now a fourth year med student so there is always time. If you truly enjoy research you should look into path. One of the coolest things about path is that most people in pat are at least interested in research even if they are not actively involved- many other specialities give lip service to research but they are talking a month here or there and I doubt that attitude changes as an attending.

 

[gdtrfb]

tonka, i think that its too simple to breakdown research -v- clinical training to a simple black and white scenario. i

ts important to have physician scientist in the USA. path training complements research. it puts cancer, inflammation, etc, in perspective; allows you to ask clinically relevent questions; and gives you access to excellent samples and equipment.

a post doc takes around 4 years, the pay sucks worse than residents salary, and the job offers are much worse- very talented people often end up at a place they don't want to be. if you loose your grant, you're screwed.

path is a nice golden parachute and most programs offer a guaranteed 5th year funded for research.

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by tonkatruck
if you want to go into research why not just go get a post-doc and then your own lab once you can get funding?

If someone wants to study the mechanisms of cancer or inflammation, then why waste time spending two-four years doing autopsy, grossing skin tags and learning how to manage a lab.

If you want to do reserach then go do reaserch.
If you want to become a diagnostician then do a path residency.

I've got an even better idea, why not just do MD/PhD both in Pathology and get the best of both worlds?😉

 

[Primate]

An MD in pathology?

I can see how, when viewed through the appropriate lens, that all PhD's are in pathology. 😉 😀

Anyone doing neuro research?

P

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by Primate
An MD in pathology?
P

Common now, you KNOW I meant 4th year electives in as many pathology rotations as is allowed, followed by a residency and fellowships in pathology😛

 

[Primate]

Don't you want to do as many transplant electives as possible?

Just yanking your chain. No offense intended. 🙂

P

 

[pbp4]

to reply to just do research- Just doing a post-doc after med school would be like training for the Olympics and not showing up. In addition, there are many research questions that are translational in nature-- these questions require a consultant background to understand the major issues. But if you know of a place that is just handing out lab money and space please let me know. Perhaps Mountain Sinai.....or one of your other many "interviews"