Job outlook in pathology

[kimchee]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hi

I am a current 3rd year med student in the US and considering pathology. I was wondering if anyone has any info regarding future job outlook in pathology. I visited the forum about job outlook and have some idea,but the last post was like 2-3 years ago. Any new changes?

I understand that there might be a massive number of pathologists retiring,but that prediction was made 2-3 years ago and it appears that it has not happen yet. what is going on with that?

I did some search and learned about the job scarce in pathology in the late 1990's and many pathologists were in dire situations having to look for jobs. I'd hate to be in that position after finishing 4-5 years of residency. I am getting alot of mix advice and info from people. Some say it is oversaturated and will get worse; others say there is and will be a short supply of trained pathologists. I am sure what to make of all this.

Does the future look bright or gloomy?

How much do most starting pathologist make in 1 year? ~200, is this right?

thanks

 

[djmd]

Hi

I am a current 3rd year med student in the US and considering pathology. I was wondering if anyone has any info regarding future job outlook in pathology. I visited the forum about job outlook and have some idea,but the last post was like 2-3 years ago. Any new changes?

I understand that there might be a massive number of pathologists retiring,but that prediction was made 2-3 years ago and it appears that it has not happen yet. what is going on with that?

I did some search and learned about the job scarce in pathology in the late 1990's and many pathologists were in dire situations having to look for jobs. I'd hate to be in that position after finishing 4-5 years of residency. I am getting alot of mix advice and info from people. Some say it is oversaturated and will get worse; others say there is and will be a short supply of trained pathologists. I am sure what to make of all this.

Does the future look bright or gloomy?

How much do most starting pathologist make in 1 year? ~200, is this right?

thanks

Last post was 2-3 years ago? Man this topic is constant... here is the most recent thread.. it was less than 2 weeks ago
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=452524

And you need to be more specific when you ask 'starting pathologist. Academics? Dermpath? private prac?
But in general 200k is a little high for starting pathologists. (or a lot high for academic starting)

 

[CameronFrye]

,but the last post was like 2-3 years ago. Any new changes?

 

[PathJet]

so what salary would prompt you to grace the field with your presence so 200K is it? so you are like not down with 190k? what about 180k? 😎

 

[EtOHWithdrawal]

Received an ad letter from a recruiting service just tonight. Offering $250,000 per year in Philadelphia area.
I'm sure you make partner on the second day. Probably double your salary by the end of the week. 🙄

 

[EtOHWithdrawal]

Seriously though, 250 ain't bad if there is even a hint of truth to the advertisement...

 

[CameronFrye]

Received an ad letter from a recruiting service just tonight. Offering $250,000 per year in Philadelphia area.
I'm sure you make partner on the second day. Probably double your salary by the end of the week. 🙄

If I remember correctly, pathdawg practices in Philly. I'm sure he'll be able to chime in.

 

[kimchee]

If anyone can give any info regarding future job outlook for pathology I'd really appreciated. Alright, i guess I misread the info about the last post. Do you think the field will grow or stagnate? I know that people are saying that molecular pathology will be the way of pathology, but it does not appeared to be definite.
Thanks

 

[kimchee]

My other concerns is that I have been hearing alot of different views on current job market, Many are saying that it is oversaturated or will be soon. Others are saying that there is shortage and will be more as many practicing pathologists will be retiring soon. I guess this would be a good place to post and maybe get some feedbacks, instead some BS.
thanks

 

[ygdrasil]

Kimchee, don't take it personally. You're getting crabby answers because this topic is hammered, probed, and chewed on this forum because it's a subject of real concern for everyone who's invested as much time and money into medical education as we all have.
If you look at the previous discussion http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=452524 , you'll see that there are many who think that the field won't have many vacancies in the near future.

But, on the other hand, there are lots of people who are reassured by the notion of mass retirings, pathologists going down to less than full time, and the continued expansion of medical testing.

So, to answer your question, the future of pathology is muddy and unclear. Don't go into it because it seems like a cushy job. If, however, you think you'll be happiest working in the field, go for it. If you're just not sure, get some experience in the field.

 

[Sulfinator]

I think ygdrasil just supplied the best possible answer/advice.

 

[pathdawg]

I do practice in the Philly area and I can tell you that the job market right now is very tight here. And nobody is paying a newbie 200k or more to start. Not in any metro area in the Northeast US that I have encountered.

If you received an ad for a job in Philly for that much, I would be curious enough to see it. I have found that, very often, if it sounds too good to be true, it isn't.

Please pm me with that ad if you don't mind. I'll let you know the skinny.

Thanks.

 

[LADoc00]

Seriously though, 250 ain't bad if there is even a hint of truth to the advertisement...

Not likely.

 

[NKcell]

in los angeles, the starting salary seems to be 160-200K, with approximately 20K more if you a board-certified subspecialty.

 

[univlad]

Received an ad letter from a recruiting service just tonight. Offering $250,000 per year in Philadelphia area.
I'm sure you make partner on the second day. Probably double your salary by the end of the week. 🙄

I had my first job interview last week in the midwest. First three years on salary starting at 180,000 for the first year. Then after three years you start buying into the group.

 

[EtOHWithdrawal]

Pathdawg - Pm'd you.👍

Just checked the web page of the recruiter, it's the only job posting they have in Path.

 

[kimchee]

Hey y'all

thanks for all your input, particularly ygdrsail. I am very interested in pathology and did some elective time in pathology. I am pretty certin that I want this field; however, I have a family to support. I just dont want to be in a position where after spending 4-5 years in path resideny with fellowship training and have some difficulty finding a job. Like most of you, I have school loans to pay back and family to support.

Is it unrealistic or difficult to earn 150k starting aftern completing a fellowship training in cyto, surgical, GI, GU, or hemepath? And after 2-3 years to earn approx 200 to 250k?
Thanks again for your input.

 

[trent05]

Is it unrealistic or difficult to earn 150k starting aftern completing a fellowship training in cyto, surgical, GI, GU, or hemepath? And after 2-3 years to earn approx 200 to 250k?
Thanks again for your input.

No it's not unrealistic in private practice. Especially with GI. Most would accept nothing less than those numbers.

 

[LADoc00]

Looking at starting salaries is meaningless IMO. I would have mounds more respect for a guy who started his own business/practice with an initial salary of zero dollars than someone who free loaded off a successful venture making 300K. Eventually that 300K will be chump change to the guy who started his own gig.

I really dont see paying anyone more than 150-160K because I could get 50 applications almost overnight for that amount, at least in California. Actually if I just cut someone back to say 60% time, I could guaranteed get a mom type for around 80K.

 

[kimchee]

Hi LADoc.

Your point is interesting. Could expand that little? What do you mean by cutting 60% time and able to find someone easily for 80k?
Are you implying that earing 250k/ year shouldn;t be a problem for most pathologist?
Thanks

 

[djmd]

Hi LADoc.

Your point is interesting. Could expand that little? What do you mean by cutting 60% time and able to find someone easily for 80k?
Are you implying that earing 250k/ year shouldn;t be a problem for most pathologist?
Thanks

Earning it, no problem. getting paid that... different story.

 

[LADoc00]

Hi LADoc.

Your point is interesting. Could expand that little? What do you mean by cutting 60% time and able to find someone easily for 80k?
Are you implying that earing 250k/ year shouldn;t be a problem for most pathologist?
Thanks

What Im implying is the current state of the market is such that we have ALOT of pathologists looking for jobs. This is a big have/havenot situation. The mean salary published by the CAP is worthless because the owners/prac partners are making 4x+ the worker salaries. There is such a supply of scope monkeys, groups often cycle new recruits in every few years to prevent having to really give anyone a share of the biz, and why would they? Free market is truly in action here.

What I meant about the "60%" is that there are so many women and semi-retired types looking for part time work, you could sub-contract out a portion of your caseload, offer no benefits and make a tidy profit off the whole thing and Im seeing that more and more often and not just from pathologist robber barons, GI, GU, Derm and even internists are getting into the act.