Fellowships - Are They "Worth" It?

[brotherbloat]

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I'm in my last month of my CA2 year, and I'm debating this whole fellowship thing. I'm so tired of being a poor resident and am foaming at the bit to get out there and start making some decent money and pay off my loans. The thought of delaying that for yet another year of being a lackey to an attending just doesn't appeal to me. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on "why should I do a fellowship?" Yes, I know that I should choose a fellowship because I'm genuinely interested in learning that subspecialty for a year, but let's talk about other reasons, like...

1. Is an anesthesia fellowship worth it financially? Do fellowship-trained anesthesiologists necessarily find better jobs or make more $ than those who don't? My impression is that it doesn't, since cardiac cases are generally Medicare and critical care pays less than the OR. Remember: a fellow makes about $50k. A new anesthesiologist makes $150-250k in the first year. That difference of $100-200k, if theoretically invested for retirement, could mean the difference of $1 million less dollars 30 years down the road. That's a big hit for "just one year," like everyone says. After all, the salary of a cardiac anesthesiologist is probably not much different than a general anesthesiologist, vs. a cardiologist compared to a general internist.

2. Will doing an anesthesia fellowship provide something to "fall back on" in 10-20-30 years if (and that's a really BIG if, MacGyver) the doomsayers seem to imply that anesthesiologists won't be needed anymore in the future because of CRNAs.

3. What fellowships are better geared toward private practice opportunities? I'm particularly thinking about either cardiac, critical care, or regional.

Thanks!

 

[militarymd]

If you're thinking money, then don't do it.

Do it if it truely interests you. I have a true interest in taking care of sick patients and making a difference in outcomes as measured in chances of survival vs whether you have PONV, so I did a CCM fellowship.

If you are really interested in making money now, then go into private practice like I am doing right now.

 

[jetproppilot]

If you're thinking money, then don't do it.

Do it if it truely interests you. I have a true interest in taking care of sick patients and making a difference in outcomes as measured in chances of survival vs whether you have PONV, so I did a CCM fellowship.

If you are really interested in making money now, then go into private practice like I am doing right now.

I totally concur with military. Fellowships are overrated unless you have a true interest, or you wanna become the next John Tinker-published-academic-stud, or if you want to do pain.

 

[GMO2003]

I totally concur with military. Fellowships are overrated unless you have a true interest, or you wanna become the next John Tinker-published-academic-stud, or if you want to do pain.

or you could follow GooseFraba's advice and go up to your residency director...kick him summarily (?sp) in the balls and scream at the top of your lungs....." I LOVE PAIN, BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!! " 👍

 

[humuhumu]

I'm in my last month of my CA2 year, and I'm debating this whole fellowship thing. I'm so tired of being a poor resident and am foaming at the bit to get out there and start making some decent money and pay off my loans. The thought of delaying that for yet another year of being a lackey to an attending just doesn't appeal to me. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on "why should I do a fellowship?" Yes, I know that I should choose a fellowship because I'm genuinely interested in learning that subspecialty for a year, but let's talk about other reasons, like...

1. Is an anesthesia fellowship worth it financially? Do fellowship-trained anesthesiologists necessarily find better jobs or make more $ than those who don't? My impression is that it doesn't, since cardiac cases are generally Medicare and critical care pays less than the OR. Remember: a fellow makes about $50k. A new anesthesiologist makes $150-250k in the first year. That difference of $100-200k, if theoretically invested for retirement, could mean the difference of $1 million less dollars 30 years down the road. That's a big hit for "just one year," like everyone says. After all, the salary of a cardiac anesthesiologist is probably not much different than a general anesthesiologist, vs. a cardiologist compared to a general internist.

2. Will doing an anesthesia fellowship provide something to "fall back on" in 10-20-30 years if (and that's a really BIG if, MacGyver) the doomsayers seem to imply that anesthesiologists won't be needed anymore in the future because of CRNAs.

3. What fellowships are better geared toward private practice opportunities? I'm particularly thinking about either cardiac, critical care, or regional.

Thanks!

Do you and your significant other post under the same username?

 

[OrthoFixation]

1. Is an anesthesia fellowship worth it financially? Do fellowship-trained anesthesiologists necessarily find better jobs or make more $ than those who don't? My impression is that it doesn't, since cardiac cases are generally Medicare and critical care pays less than the OR. Remember: a fellow makes about $50k. A new anesthesiologist makes $150-250k in the first year. That difference of $100-200k, if theoretically invested for retirement, could mean the difference of $1 million less dollars 30 years down the road. That's a big hit for "just one year," like everyone says. After all, the salary of a cardiac anesthesiologist is probably not much different than a general anesthesiologist, vs. a cardiologist compared to a general internist.

Let me guess: Never worked full time yet? I mean for more than $10/hr.

Your logic totally ignores the Tax Man. This is a major hit. Think 30-40% of your gross income.

What about housing. New Anesth Doc's pulling $300K+ / year will likely not enjoy living in a 800 SF apartment. My point is you will not have full use of the difference in pay.

 

[drtt2bear]

I'm confused, didn't you say in previous threads that you were just taking your MCAT? How is it that you are suddenly now a resident? Am I missing something?

 

[humuhumu]

I'm confused, didn't you say in previous threads that you were just taking your MCAT? How is it that you are suddenly now a resident? Am I missing something?

I think husband and wife are posting under the same username...

 

[Goose...Fraba]

or you could follow GooseFraba's advice and go up to your residency director...kick him summarily (?sp) in the balls and scream at the top of your lungs....." I LOVE PAIN, BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!! " 👍

Yes! Yes! Finally someone remembers my advice!!!!! Thanks GMO2003 I feel much better now (my momma always told me I would be good for something)! 👍 😍 👍

 

[humuhumu]

Yes! Yes! Finally someone remembers my advice!!!!! Thanks GMO2003 I feel much better now (my momma always told me I would be good for something)! 👍 😍 👍

OK, I've just gotta know: who's the guy banging the cowbell in your avatar??

 

[bigdan]

humu-

That's the immortal Gene Frankel (as spoofed by Will Farrell), from Blue Oyster Cult. Easily a "Hall of Fame" level SNL skit...responsible for all the "more cowbell" comments that people in the know are using...

Goose-

Great avatar; sorry for stealing your thunder.

dc

 

[PainDr]

I NEED MORE COWBELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry...I just couldn't resist.

 

[humuhumu]

Thanks for enlightening me... I love SNL but haven't watched it for many years...

 

[Goose...Fraba]

humu-

That's the immortal Gene Frankel (as spoofed by Will Farrell), from Blue Oyster Cult. Easily a "Hall of Fame" level SNL skit...responsible for all the "more cowbell" comments that people in the know are using...

Goose-

Great avatar; sorry for stealing your thunder.

dc

Bravo, Big Dan, I am always glad to share my thunder

 

[humuhumu]

OK, I'm up to speed now: http://mknx.com/v/cowbell.wmv

👍

 

[Goose...Fraba]

OK, I'm up to speed now: http://mknx.com/v/cowbell.wmv

👍

You wonderful, resourceful, bizzo's make me proud. Rock on Humuhumu (can I call you hummer for short? just kidding )

Man I feel like watching it again...I hope I dont shat myself!
Goose

 

[Justin4563]

IF you want to better yourself as an anesthesiologist.. Do a fellowship? I mean one more year of some heavy stuff can never hurt you. you will become more confident and will be a better clinician.. Its not worth it financially, however.

 

[jetproppilot]

I'm in my last month of my CA2 year, and I'm debating this whole fellowship thing. I'm so tired of being a poor resident and am foaming at the bit to get out there and start making some decent money and pay off my loans. The thought of delaying that for yet another year of being a lackey to an attending just doesn't appeal to me. I'd like to hear everyone's thoughts on "why should I do a fellowship?" Yes, I know that I should choose a fellowship because I'm genuinely interested in learning that subspecialty for a year, but let's talk about other reasons, like...

1. Is an anesthesia fellowship worth it financially? Do fellowship-trained anesthesiologists necessarily find better jobs or make more $ than those who don't? My impression is that it doesn't, since cardiac cases are generally Medicare and critical care pays less than the OR. Remember: a fellow makes about $50k. A new anesthesiologist makes $150-250k in the first year. That difference of $100-200k, if theoretically invested for retirement, could mean the difference of $1 million less dollars 30 years down the road. That's a big hit for "just one year," like everyone says. After all, the salary of a cardiac anesthesiologist is probably not much different than a general anesthesiologist, vs. a cardiologist compared to a general internist.

2. Will doing an anesthesia fellowship provide something to "fall back on" in 10-20-30 years if (and that's a really BIG if, MacGyver) the doomsayers seem to imply that anesthesiologists won't be needed anymore in the future because of CRNAs.

3. What fellowships are better geared toward private practice opportunities? I'm particularly thinking about either cardiac, critical care, or regional.

Thanks!

thread revived

 

[pinkeclipse]

I'm interested in this topic as well.