equipment

[jeesapeesa]

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greetings

i have not extensively used microscopes or any other equipment to view specimens/samples, etc, but i am gaining an interest in pathology and i was just wondering if you learn how to use these things during rotations or will you learn most of it in residency? will this be a huge factor in selecting a resident candidate?

thanks

 

[Autopsy Sweet]

I think most residencies will assume that you're inexperienced and train you from the beginning on things like scopes, etc. Many people will pick up tricks and experience on rotations, but you need a good foundation about the functionality of your instruments before you can master them. This was something my program did for us in the first week of residency.

Basically, don't stress about it. If it's that important to you, ask during your interviews about the basic training you get in the prospective residency program.

 

[112641]

greetings

i have not extensively used microscopes or any other equipment to view specimens/samples, etc, but i am gaining an interest in pathology and i was just wondering if you learn how to use these things during rotations or will you learn most of it in residency? will this be a huge factor in selecting a resident candidate?

thanks

You can learn it in rotations if you want to, mostly elective rotations in pathology. I did some but not much scope work in med school when I rotated through, but most of the work was on multiheaded scopes in conferences.

If you know you like pathology already then I'd say do as much of whatever you can without neglecting other things. If you know your way around a microscope and slides by the time you interview I'm sure that would be a plus. On the other hand, I doubt that not knowing how to use the equipment would be a minus if you're strong in basic medical school type qualifications.

 

[green mantis]

I'm not sure about the rest of you, but I can't say I've ever been trained how to use a microscope. Considering how important this piece of equipment is to our livelihood, I'm kind of surprised I haven't. Fortunately for me, I've picked up lots of helpful information from Olympus reps.

What do the rest of you think?


----- Antony

 

[pathgrrl]

greetings
i have not extensively used microscopes or any other equipment to view specimens/samples, etc,

If no one explicitly teaches you, you will need to ask someone to show you how to align the light microscope. Probably the oldest pathologist around would be happy to give you a 5 min tutorial, or you can google it and read it on your own.
At my program the first two months one of the older residents gave us a weekly "Path for Dummies" informal conference. He started with the microscope.
Other equipment things to consider:

• Quality multi-headed microscopes in good condition in the sign-out and conference rooms are an absolute must.
• Equally important is your safety in the gross room -- what does it smell like? Consider whether the ventilation is adequate; ask if they have had any problems with it.
• Look at the grossing stations and autopsy suite and see if they are ergonomic. (Cushion pads? Adjustable table heights?)
• What's the dictation system like? Compare and contrast different programs. Meet the head of transcription; he/she can be a jewel or a rotten apple, and this will affect you more than you realize.
• Invest in a good pair of shoes for grossing; you'll be standing a lot.
• If you wear glasses, consider getting a pair of Rx safety goggles.
• Try to notice or ask if the program provides plenty of access to safety measures: formalin neutralizing pads, cut-proof gloves, disposable scalpels, etc.
• Finally, personal microscopes, computers and desks -- will you have your own desk and microscope? Do you have enough room on the desk to do your work? Do you have your own phone?