AP/NP vs. DR/NR

[Primate]

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I posted something similar to this over on the rads board, but got very few (as in no) replies - perhaps none of them ever considered path. 😉

I'm a wet-lab, neuroscience type and have been seriously considering neuropath (my thesis PI is a NP) and neuro-ophtho (cool dev. neurobio and great NEI/NIH funding). However, recently a number of attendings (non-rads) have suggested I consider neuroradiology (and only one of them outright said for lifestyle - the rest were career oriented).

It seems that radiology and pathology share many characteristics, though I admit I don't know alot about the rads side of the house.

Question(s): Did anyone consider rads and choose path instead (and if so, why)? What are opinions/thoughts on the similarities and differences between them? Benefits/detractions to each?

(And I already know that rads is currently making bank, so let's take that issue as read)

Looking forward to any replies.

P

 

[pathstudent]

I know there are AP/NP programs are there DR/NR ones?

If you at all like radiology/neuroradiology, that would be a great way to go. The field is at its total beginning. Moreover, if you went into private practice at some point, you could make a million a year with ample vacation. So I have heard.

 

[rirriri]

Neuropath seems pretty cool!

I'd say the main technical difference between Neuropath and Neurorads is that Neuropath serves to diagnose during or after Neurosurgery (for the most part) whereas Neurorads serves to diagnose/analyze prior to/during and after surgery.

Since the Neuropathologist generally requires the tissue to be available, there is no way to get the tissue without surgery. (no such thing as an outpatient brain biopsy! LOL). Also other sensory organs (eye, ear, etc..) will probably be surgical related for the most part as well.

Neurorads would also deal with more benign problems (concussions, contusions, closed head injuries) and non-neoplastic related problems...whereas a Neuropathologist would rarely ever see that kind of stuff.

Lifestyle will be pretty good for both, i imagine.......Neuroradiology seems more susceptible to "emergent" care than a Neuropathologist would be.....but i'm not too sure about that.

either way, you can't go wrong.

CHEERS!

 

[pathologypete]

Interesting question... I am applying to (mostly) combined AP/NP programs so I am biased: NP rocks. I have spent a lot of time in NP over the past few years and can tell you that the NP's and neurorads work very closely, at least where I am. Once a week we have a big NP/radiology meeting with the neurosurgeons and go over cases; and the NP and neurorads are always in touch regarding patients and they work together to reach a diagnosis, often before surgery. From what I have heard there is a shortage of NP's, so that may be something to think about. Also if you are interested in doing research NP may be the way to go, lot's of cool molecular stuff happening. However, interventional rad is really taking off and because of this a lot of people that I know are going into it instead of surgery. You get to do cool procedures and have great hours. The really interesting stuff the neurorads do are the neurovascular stuff like coiling aneurysms. Neurorad is more than reading trauma films and saying 'yup, subdural' but from my experience they often turn to the NP and ask, 'what do you think' So, don't worry, you'll still get to see films if you do NP! I was considering doing neurosurgery, but after an elective (that was awsome) I decided that I wanted to see my wife once in a while. I thought about neurorad but realized that my true love was path and that I could combine my interest in path with the neuro i enjoy so much and get to see my wife. For me, an easy choice! Hope this helps.
Pete

 

[Doctor B.]

I considered rads but didn't choose it for a few reasons. The main reason was I simply enjoyed pathology more. I didn't want to do any IR procedures and sitting in a dark room seeing things in black and white didn't appeal to me (not ripping on rads here; those are just my personal reasons why I didn't choose it). Also, I didn't have quite the grades to match in radiology. Plus, in path you don't have to do a transitional year.

The money is probably better overall in rads but you can still make great money as a pathologist and have a great lifestyle.

My best advice is to do what you think you will enjoy the most. Both NP and NR have good lifestyles and the money is good in both.

 

[rirriri]

i think Radiology is the only other field I would consider doing if someone told me "you can pick any field, EXCEPT Pathology".

 

[Primate]

Thanks for the responses, all. Seems like there's enough commonality between the two that I'd be interested and content in either field. Looks like I'll have to do a couple of electives to figure it out.

Also, it still seems like AP/NP is more amenable to wet-lab research, but I need to talk to more people in rads to find out if that's really true.

Both are great fields - nice to be choosing between two winners!

Thanks again,
P