Early Curiosity

[marichar]

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This is very much a question of curiosity and not of immediate necessity but I was bored and wanted to see if I could get some answers. I am a MS-0 that will be starting in a couple of months. I am very much looking forward to the journey ahead of me and wanted to get a few questions answered.

I have always known that pediatrics was a field that I am interested in. Recently, I was exposed to pediatric hematology-oncology and fell in love with it. These two fields combine two fields that have peaked my interest. I will always keep my mind open for other specialties and subspecialties, but I know that I am interested in this currently.

My questions are relating to the relative competitive nature of fellowships and residency programs. I basically am curious as to what I need to do throughout medical school, and residency to be able to be a strong applicant for this fellowship or any other fellowship. I am partial to staying in Texas for both residency and fellowship but I will not limit my pursuit to Texas. I want this to be my career whether or not I live in Texas.

If anyone could provide some insight I would love it. As you can tell, I am definitely type A and need information early. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[TexasRose]

This is very much a question of curiosity and not of immediate necessity but I was bored and wanted to see if I could get some answers. I am a MS-0 that will be starting in a couple of months. I am very much looking forward to the journey ahead of me and wanted to get a few questions answered.

I have always known that pediatrics was a field that I am interested in. Recently, I was exposed to pediatric hematology-oncology and fell in love with it. These two fields combine two fields that have peaked my interest. I will always keep my mind open for other specialties and subspecialties, but I know that I am interested in this currently.

My questions are relating to the relative competitive nature of fellowships and residency programs. I basically am curious as to what I need to do throughout medical school, and residency to be able to be a strong applicant for this fellowship or any other fellowship. I am partial to staying in Texas for both residency and fellowship but I will not limit my pursuit to Texas. I want this to be my career whether or not I live in Texas.

If anyone could provide some insight I would love it. As you can tell, I am definitely type A and need information early. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Sorry you haven't gotten any replies yet. I can't remember if we have any regular posters who are in or plan to go into pedi heme/onc. Sometimes it just takes a while for residents & fellows to see the posts.

Regardless, your main concern now is to do well in your preclinical years. It may be worth your while to look into a summer research position between 1st & 2nd years if your school's scheduling supports that. Certainly you don't need to do this to get even a top Pedi residency, but I think it's easier to get research under your belt in med school than in residency.

If you have good preclinical grades and strong Step scores, then there's that much less to worry about if you decide to apply for a competitive residency. Preclinical grades matter very little for fellowship, as I understand it, but they do set you up to do better in licensing exams.

No need to freak out and think it's AOA or nothing, though! 😉

Good luck. 🙂

 

[marichar]

Thank you very much for your reply. I will keep that in mind.

 

[Marigold]

I agree with TexasRose. The best things for you to be focusing on right now are just doing well in your pre-clinical years, and exploring research opportunities that may be available to you. Of course, good grades in your pre-clinical years will help you, as will research experience. BUT as TR mentioned, don't beat yourself up if you don't make AOA or aren't at the tip-top of your class. Just focus on doing your best and keeping your eyes/ears open for opportunities to learn more about fields that interest you. Perhaps you could find an attending who would be willing to act as a mentor to you...mentors who have been there/done that can provide excellent advice/guidance along the way!

 

[andyh]

Just to echo the great posts from TexasRose and Marigold -

First off, it is great to hear your interests in peds and hem/onc. I was in a very similar situation as well.

If you are looking to stay in Texas, you have a number of fantastic opportunities. One in particular is Baylor's program with Texas Children's. Some of the biggest names in peds h/onc are there. Outside of Texas, there are a ton of amazing programs all with great h/onc programs.

As for things you can do during med school - I think the most important thing is to find things that you are passionate about. If you think you may be interested in research for example, explore that. Don't be counting on a publication. If you get one, great but it isn't what will make or break your application. If you are interested in international health, find time to travel and set up experiences to develop that passion. From your passion, you'll naturally excel and letters of rec will be strong.

Of course doing well is always helpful but as stated above, don't get too focused on that. While grades and scores can help with getting the interview, remember that compassion and empathy are just as important especially in a field such as peds. And even more so in peds h/onc.

Just 2 cents from a new intern.