Just discovererd Rad Onc

[YOOOUK09]

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Forgive me naivety - I'm an MS4 but only just discovered Rad Onc this year while doing a 4th year elective.

I'm trying to devise a reasonable plan for next year and beyond.

I'm already applying to psych and would be happy being a psychiatrist, but would probably rather do Rad Onc if at all possible.

I'm considering doing a full-time research year next year, and then applying to psych and Rad Onc next year and see how things go.


Step 1: 217; Step 2: 244; several honors in clerkships; several "nice guy" awards in med school. Home institution has a good Rad Onc program with active research.

Even with research do I have any shot in heck? If so, is a full-time research year next year the best bet?

 

[Gfunk6]

The problem with doing a research year is that by the time you apply for residencies (Aug-Sept 2009) you will have barely started doing research. Therefore, you will be unlikely to have significant achievements by this time (e.g. publications).

It may be wiser to do an intern year instead. That way you can "slide" into a Rad Onc program tht is taking PGY-2's the following year. Many people have done this. Of course, in your specific situation, mitigating factors include a very late interest in the field w/ accordingly little experience. Perhaps you could do an away rotation or two before you finish med school. Since you have a strong home Rad Onc program you could spend a few months there as well perhaps completing a small research project.

Congrats on finding the field, it is one of the best in medicine IMO.