Future Prospects

[tetaoh]

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So, I first want to say that I'm grateful that I matched, because I know many haven't been that lucky this year. But yesterday I was really disappointed. I had a lot of great interviews, with excellent feedback but ended up matching to a community program low on my list (low step 1). My question is, what are my future prospects? Will I ever be able to get into academia? I got a PhD from a top 15 university prior to med school, did a post doc, and published very well. I went to a mid tier med school. What does my future hold?

 

[wolfvgang22]

It's not that hard to get into academia overall. If you want to teach, it is easy. Research is a little more challenging. Being at a lower tier program may mean resources and networking is more of a challenge, and there may not be people experienced in obtaining funding. But, it is possible that in some ways it can be easier at a lower tier program because you may have less local competition for resources and the attention of mentors locally. You will have to be more of a pioneer in establishing networks and doing research, but you may also receive more enthusiasm and be more valued at an up and coming lower tier program.
Just my observation as someone who did residency at a mid tier program and then fellowship a top 5 fellowship. I got a lot more support and enthusiasm to do research at the mid tier program to pursue my interests, because literally everyone was not competing with me. The hospital system made their only statistician available for my research! At the top tier program attendings involved in research were somewhat protective of their turf and resources and seemed self absorbed and unavailable. Your mileage may vary.

 

[tetaoh]

It's not that hard to get into academia overall. If you want to teach, it is easy. Research is a little more challenging. Being at a lower tier program may mean resources and networking is more of a challenge, and there may not be people experienced in obtaining funding. But, it is possible that in some ways it can be easier at a lower tier program because you may have less local competition for resources and the attention of mentors locally. You will have to be more of a pioneer in establishing networks and doing research, but you may also receive more enthusiasm and be more valued at an up and coming lower tier program.
Just my observation as someone who did residency at a mid tier program and then fellowship a top 5 fellowship. I got a lot more support and enthusiasm to do research at the mid tier program to pursue my interests, because literally everyone was not competing with me. The hospital system made their only statistician available for my research! At the top tier program attendings involved in research were somewhat protective of their turf and resources and seemed self absorbed and unavailable. Your mileage may vary.

Thank you so much for that reply. That makes a lot of sense and gives me hope.

 

[m2k]

So, I first want to say that I'm grateful that I matched, because I know many haven't been that lucky this year. But yesterday I was really disappointed. I had a lot of great interviews, with excellent feedback but ended up matching to a community program low on my list (low step 1). My question is, what are my future prospects? Will I ever be able to get into academia? I got a PhD from a top 15 university prior to med school, did a post doc, and published very well. I went to a mid tier med school. What does my future hold?

I'm always baffled with low, mid, top tier programs. At the end of the day you learn depends how much effort you put into. I know personally some residents at top tier programs like Harvard, Tufts etc. where they're unhappy with lack of skills they would need in real practice.

Getting into Academia will depend where you want to go and your specialty. You'll be doing at least few fellowship before. Since there are limited number of openings, it will be timing issue. But it should not hinder you. I think low tier program should be plus as top tier program attending don't know what's happening in most of the country.

 

[J ROD]

I'm always baffled with low, mid, top tier programs. At the end of the day you learn depends how much effort you put into. I know personally some residents at top tier programs like Harvard, Tufts etc. where they're unhappy with lack of skills they would need in real practice.

Getting into Academia will depend where you want to go and your specialty. You'll be doing at least few fellowship before. Since there are limited number of openings, it will be timing issue. But it should not hinder you. I think low tier program should be plus as top tier program attending don't know what's happening in most of the country.

 

[J ROD]

Getting into academic work is possible. Might not be at a top place but can. I personally know someone that came from a low tier did a good fellowship and now teaches and actually runs a department in an Ivy League program. Main thing is to learn and be competent. Name is only important if you have a clue.

 

[TexasPhysician]

First, you’ll be fine. You did it.

Second, fellowships in psych aren’t competitive. You can spend 1 extra year in fellowship and re-gain bragging rights forever.

 

[dl2dp2]

If u want to go back to academic research doing a fellowship at a high end place is the way to go. It’s not especially competitive and with your PhD it’s very feasible.

however by then u might be facing the choice between a chill clinical job that pays 350k+ and a research fellowship that pays at best 80-100k a year. The reality is, few choose the latter. Let’s be honest—if you only want research you never would’ve gone to med school. LOL