Chemistry

[EtOHWithdrawal]

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Just wondering if anyone has any insight into the clinical chemistry fellowships.
I really enjoy the theory, and have enjoyed my rotations thus far. I have to say that I am worried about being gainfully employed after one of these fellowships...
I know, I know, do what will make you happy, etc.
That's what I would like to do, but there are practical considerations also...
Any banter appreciated.
Maybe LADOC has some depressing reality check for me?

 

[yaah]

It depends - what are your goals? Why are you doing it? I don't think there's any reason to do it unless you want to be a clinical chem lab director for a major institution. First off, there are only 2-3 fellowship programs in existence, as far as I can remember. And industry/private labs are unlikely to hire you based on doing a one year clinical chem fellowship when they can hire a PhD in chemistry for less.

I guess I would ask why you would be doing this fellowship? If you do a lot of research and are going to do this as a career it could be an option, although doubtful you would need to do the fellowship at all in this situation.

Doing a fellowship in something because you like the area is ok if it is something that is useful for the community (and in demand). But if it isn't, not so much.

 

[deschutes]

From a purely logistics and time-saving POV (i.e. you're on your own when it comes to job outlook), you could switch into CP-only and do all your advanced electives in clinical chemistry.

 

[EtOHWithdrawal]

From a purely logistics and time-saving POV (i.e. you're on your own when it comes to job outlook), you could switch into CP-only and do all your advanced electives in clinical chemistry.

This is actually the reason I was asking. "CP only" gets routinely bashed on these forums for the simple fact that you may be resigned to working only in large academic centers, which severely limits your employability.
On the other hand, if AP doesn't necessarily float the boat...
I'll think about it.
Thanks for the well thought replies.
BTW the goal would be to be lab director at a major institution. Our CP guy here loves his job, but a potential problem is that there is no way anyone is getting his job until he retires. Might be a long wait.

 

[yaah]

BTW the goal would be to be lab director at a major institution. Our CP guy here loves his job, but a potential problem is that there is no way anyone is getting his job until he retires. Might be a long wait.

You also need to be aware that many lab directors have other interests (i.e. research). Just having the fellowship and having an interest may not cut it for lab directorships.

 

[PathJet]

i agree
if you are going to go chemistry only you need to do it up right as they say

most MD who do only chemistry have very very very impressive resumes

so

make us all proud!!!
😍

 

[Mindy]

Hi:

I don't have great advice for your question. My dirty little secret is that chemistry is actually my favorite pathology topic behind only forensics. Which naturally places forensic toxicology high on my favorite subjects list. To do over, I would love to have been a clinical chem lab director. Obviously this comment is not remotely helpful to you.

Mindy