Hematology/Oncology vs Pathology

[oncorpath]

I'm a 4th year med student making final residency/match decisions. I am torn between pathology vs. IM--Heme/Onc. I have years of research background, would enjoy some research in residency, but am planning on pursuing private practice type clinical jobs in the future. I am very good with patients and many people close to me are disappointed I have considered pathology due to the lack of patient interaction, and because I have always spoken of oncology. I can easily imagine being satisfied in either field intellectually and professionally. I am stuck on trying to estimate things such as the lifestyle considerations and even future job markets. I am a little older, have a family, etc...lifestyle is a consideration. I'll be doing a heme onc month in community setting soon, but would like to hear from anyone out there who can comment on any/all issues of lifestyle for community practice heme/oncs....as lifestyle favors pathology from what I know so far. Vacation? Flexibility? Days/Hours per week? Reading time to stay fresh? Lifestyle to me means being able to make to my kids games/activities whenever I have their schedule in advance, take some quality vacations, and generally be able to plan on some hobbies. Money is no big deal, I'm sure both options would work out fine monetarily, but comments on money are welcome for tiebreakers. THANKS!

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[Plue00]

Well im stuck between radiology and oncology.

My parents dont want me to become an oncologist because well you know...working with cancer patients and deliver bad news nonstop and having patients die on you. What type of oncologist are you trying to be? Rad onc? Surg onc? Ped onc? Gyn onc?

I would still go with oncology over pathology because there is a small small small small chance that youll find the cure for cancer lol (not funny...)

As for salary oncs make a lot more then paths and paths job is pretty boring like you said...no patient interaction might be a good thing if you cant handle stress much.

 

[caribstud]

I'm a PGY1 pathology resident who just matched in IM. I plan to persue Hem/Onc. I find cancer facinating but pathology feels too disconected from patients. It seems to dehumanize medicine; at least for me. That is why I have chosen to return to clinical medicine. I hope this helps.

 

[oncorpath]

Just to update, I did match into internal medicine and will be looking forward to the heme/onc match in a couple years.....