Mgh Questions

[gclax30]

---

Members don't see this ad.

What is the general attitude toward encouraging reserach-oriented/academic pathologists at MGH vs. some of the other programs in town? I've heard MGH is great preparation for either straight private practice or academics, and that residents feel completely confident to go into either upon graduation. Thoughts?

 

[DarksideAllstar]

What is the general attitude toward encouraging reserach-oriented/academic pathologists at MGH vs. some of the other programs in town? I've heard MGH is great preparation for either straight private practice or academics, and that residents feel completely confident to go into either upon graduation. Thoughts?

When I interviewed there last year, they had mentioned Dr. Louis wanted to get more "research-oriented" candidates into the program. The faculty however, are still eager to train pathologists who want to actually pratice pathology. I even got a spiffy letter saying they were interested in me a couple of weeks before ROLs were due (I am an MD-only candidate, non-committall towards academics). I think the place would provide good training if you wanted to be in academics or private practice.

Its funny that when I compared the three Harvard programs last year, only MGH and BID had verbally stated their desire to increase the number of physician-scientists entering the program, even though they have been the most "clinically-oriented" in the past. BWH didn't mention research to me once when I was there. Maybe its because I didn't have "AP-only, researcher" written on my face when I showed up.

 

[Neddy]

When I interviewed there last year, they had mentioned Dr. Louis wanted to get more "research-oriented" candidates into the program. The faculty however, are still eager to train pathologists who want to actually pratice pathology.

This about sums it up. Dr. Louis is a respected morphologist as well as a successful researcher, and he promotes that as a viable model for trainees. Research experience and/or interest in molecular pathology will definitely help you as an applicant. Pure research types still tend to go CP only, since the AP training here is pretty intense, and might be overkill for someone with no interest in practicing. The faculty & more senior trainees here are very protective of our traditional strength in morphology, and value private practice, even if it is not emphasized as much by our leadership.

 

[Mindy]

What is the general attitude toward encouraging reserach-oriented/academic pathologists at MGH vs. some of the other programs in town? I've heard MGH is great preparation for either straight private practice or academics, and that residents feel completely confident to go into either upon graduation. Thoughts?

I think that the only push in any given direction that you get at the General is to try to be a leader in your field, whether your focus is more clinical practice or academic. There are many many tools available at MGH at your disposal to move your career forward, regardless of what path you choose.

Ask around about how many programs encourage their residents to go into forensics, for example... I have talked to many people who have entered a pathology residency convinced they would be an FP, only to be dissuaded by the staff. I cannot believe how supportive my mentors at MGH were (and continue to be) in regards to my career choice. Even if it was something they wouldn't recommend or ever choose for themselves.

I really cannot speak high enough about my training at the General. It really is a cool place (with always the caveat that you do work for it.)

Mindy

 

[raspberry009]

Its funny that when I compared the three Harvard programs last year, only MGH and BID had verbally stated their desire to increase the number of physician-scientists entering the program, even though they have been the most "clinically-oriented" in the past. BWH didn't mention research to me once when I was there. Maybe its because I didn't have "AP-only, researcher" written on my face when I showed up.

sorry to invade the MGH forum with BID stuff. I applied to the physician-scientist program at BID and was actually discouraged from applying to this program since there is only one spot (kinda pissed the chairman off, because he cought wind of me changing to AP/CP before my afternoon with him). But I was told to apply AP/CP to increase my chances of getting accepted. Of course I told the chairman the truth, that I'm still very much interested in doing research, but have resolved myself to making my own track when it comes to research. But since I don't have a Ph.D. I was told by faculty the it would be less likely I would get that spot. I'll just have to find a back door like I always have to get my research funded... its just a pain in the caboose.