deciding on path

[pathguy2010]

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Hey everyone, new SDN member here. Currently an MS-III leaning towards pathology. Throughout the first two years of med school I debated between path and rads. I currently have scores that can get me into either field (Step 1 249, mostly H's in school, etc.) After taking electives in each 3rd year, I am feeling that pathology is a better fit for me. From my limited experience, I just enjoy looking at slides more than rads images.

Can anyone who has ever had this common debate (path v rads) explain their reasons for why they chose one or the other and if their decision was the right one. Thanks!🙂

 

[Gyric]

Radiology and pathology are not similar beyond a superficial comparison (as discussed in many previous posts). If you like pathology more than radiology then the decision is easy, do what you like and excel at it.

 

[Dral]

The best advice I can come up with is to just shadow a Pathologist and a Radiologist for a day. It's too hard to explain the differences without putting biases and personal experiences into the mix.

 

[asmallchild]

I'd recommend doing a rotation in each as a 3rd yr if possible.

 

[Napoleon1801]

Hey everyone, new SDN member here. Currently an MS-III leaning towards pathology. Throughout the first two years of med school I debated between path and rads. I currently have scores that can get me into either field (Step 1 249, mostly H's in school, etc.) After taking electives in each 3rd year, I am feeling that pathology is a better fit for me. From my limited experience, I just enjoy looking at slides more than rads images.

Can anyone who has ever had this common debate (path v rads) explain their reasons for why they chose one or the other and if their decision was the right one. Thanks!🙂

I'd pick a project with a good person in either field and just see where it takes you. Do some extracurricular stuff with them and it will certainly pay off.

 

[LUCYMD5]

The thing that helped me the most when choosing, was making a list of pros and cons of each based on my rotation experiences. Then I made a list of my personal strengths and compared them to the attributes that I thought radiologists and pathologists would need to do their job well. As others have suggested, doing electives in each or finding good mentors are great. Everyone has their own reasons for their choices and you will find yours too, probably most of us have chosen our fields based on our own interests, lifestyle, and career goals so just try to see which one meshs the best, my guess is that you will know soon after you make your lists which path you should take ( no pun intended) . 🙂