MS4 -- Help, I think I might want to do RadOnc!

[SockPuppet]

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So I'm almost done with my neurology applications when I end up spending a couple of days in RadOnc. And I'm hooked, but it's August of my fourth year. What can I do?

About me: good school, nominated AOA but probably won't get it, Step 1 245. I did a year of research before med school and am doing a clinical neurology research project now, but no publications. I haven't even taken a RadOnc elective, and all my letters are from neurologists. The earliest I can get into an elective is the middle of September. Also, I only passed my preclinical heme/onc course.

Am I totally shot for the 2008 match? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks!

 

[stephew]

call your radonc dept. set up a rotationl take it from there. do an away elective if a home one can't be done soon enough. but it seems as though it could.

So I'm almost done with my neurology applications when I end up spending a couple of days in RadOnc. And I'm hooked, but it's August of my fourth year. What can I do?

About me: good school, nominated AOA but probably won't get it, Step 1 245. I did a year of research before med school and am doing a clinical neurology research project now, but no publications. I haven't even taken a RadOnc elective, and all my letters are from neurologists. The earliest I can get into an elective is the middle of September. Also, I only passed my preclinical heme/onc course.

Am I totally shot for the 2008 match? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks!

 

[Thaiger75]

So I'm almost done with my neurology applications when I end up spending a couple of days in RadOnc. And I'm hooked, but it's August of my fourth year. What can I do?

About me: good school, nominated AOA but probably won't get it, Step 1 245. I did a year of research before med school and am doing a clinical neurology research project now, but no publications. I haven't even taken a RadOnc elective, and all my letters are from neurologists. The earliest I can get into an elective is the middle of September. Also, I only passed my preclinical heme/onc course.

Am I totally shot for the 2008 match? Is there anything I can do?

Thanks!

First of all, I'm glad to hear that you stumbled upon rad onc and like it. Yes, you are a bit late in the game and are probably at disadvantage compared to some of the other applicants that have been interested in rad onc since being in the womb. But does that mean you can't match? Of course not. You just have to get going...like now. If you know this is what you want to do, then you have to divert your applicant course.

First, as steph has said, get into a rad onc rotation ASAP and perhaps another away one in October, if you school allows it. Sounds like you have already been met with some of the folks at your home rad onc dept. If you haven't already, express to the faculty (esp PD) that this is what you want to do and are committed to it.

But if you're still not sure, I would talk to some more people...the residents...faculty, etc. In alot of ways, rad onc is very different in general principle than neurology. Neurology is very diagnosis-driven (with very little in the ways of effective therapy) and rad onc is very therapeutic-drive (with little in the ways of diagnosis). This is one major distinction you have to decide for yourself. Some people may miss the "figuring out the puzzle" that is inherent in doing neurology or medicine.

Originally being interested in neurology won't necessarily hurt you. And getting a "pass" in heme/onc preclinical likely won't hurt you either.

You can PM me if you have any other questions....

 

[Bruce Banner]

But if you're still not sure, I would talk to some more people...the residents...faculty, etc. In alot of ways, rad onc is very different in general principle than neurology. Neurology is very diagnosis-driven (with very little in the ways of effective therapy) and rad onc is very therapeutic-drive (with little in the ways of diagnosis). This is one major distinction you have to decide for yourself. Some people may miss the "figuring out the puzzle" that is inherent in doing neurology or medicine.

I would add that it's better to pick the field you enjoy rather than a field you have to work the least amount of hours. Maybe not you SockPuppet, but a number of people I met during interviews last year would only talk about how little they had to work and how much they would be making. I think that's a pretty poor attitude that will effect your ability to be a happy and compassionate doctor.

You can work out good work hours in ANY FIELD if your willing to make sacrifices. But pick the field that you truly enjoy and going home early probably won't be a problem for you.

 

[SockPuppet]

Thanks so much for the replies!

In alot of ways, rad onc is very different in general principle than neurology. Neurology is very diagnosis-driven (with very little in the ways of effective therapy) and rad onc is very therapeutic-drive (with little in the ways of diagnosis).

Yeah, that's one of the big draws for me. I like neurology a lot, but as I do more electives, I'm not a big fan of how much time you spend knowing what (or at least where) the problem is, but not having any meaningful interventions to offer. Also, I realized that I'm most interested in neoplasms, rather than stroke, dementia, etc., which is what got me to consider rad onc in the first place.

I would add that it's better to pick the field you enjoy rather than a field you have to work the least amount of hours.

I totally agree. The lifestyle is definitely a bonus, but it's not at all the reason I am interested.

 

[napoleondynamite]

Hey SockPuppet, I'd throw your hat in the ring and see what happens. If you've truly tasted the fruit as many have, not matching the first go round won't deter you.. But you sound very earnest and you will certainly look good on paper with your research and great step 1 score. I think the key for you, as others have stated, is to spend the next few months making connections, doing rotations (at home and also at other programs) and getting radonc letters. If I were you, I would probably submit the neuro letters that you have now just so you can "complete" your ERAS app. Then when you get some radonc letters rolling in (this is an absolute MUST..you gotta get at least a couple solid radonc letters) you can replace the neuro letters. Good luck! While you found it late..you certainly found the very best field in all of medicine..hands down, no competetion.👍

 

[SockPuppet]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I think that I might have to take a year off, since I can't get into an elective until the middle of October. In the mean time, I'm going to try to set up some shadowing and see if I can get my hand in some rad onc specific research. Wish me luck!