Need advice

[Nilf]

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Hi everybody,

I have just started 4th year, and 2 weeks into my pathology elective I have decided that that's where it's at, and I want to do path residency. However, I don't know many people who have gone into path, and I don't have much info about different programs. There are only 2 reviews of pathology programs on www.scutwork.com, so I am asking you for help. I am interested in a program with strong research and hours not too long, so I have time to pursue some projects. FYI, I am a pretty average student with low step I score, but hopefully I will improve on step II. Thanks in advance,

Nilf

 

[Non-Trad DO]

Nilf,
Let me preface what I'm going to say by tell you
I am just a lowly 2nd yr but, I did work as a Medical Technologist for 7 yrs in FL. If I recall properly Tulane has a pretty good reputation but as far as score and reqs I apologize, I don't know but it might be a good place to start.

 

[Global Disrobal]

Its awesome that you've decided. In terms of your question, can you be more specific geographically?

 

[GreatPumpkin]

Most all mid to large University programs will give you great training. Many of the real big named programs with emphasis on research will be tough to get into with low step I scores. But, some of these are University of Washington, Mass General, Brigham and Womens.etc...etc...

Though I know that at least one of these the work hours are "intense".

Let us know if you are thinking of a specific area of the country.

 

[cookypuss3]

go to www.pathologytraining.org. There is a book you can order for $5 (or free if signed by a pathologist) that details all the programs. It is awesome and completely invaluable. You can get an idea of the insitution's feel and emphasis.

 

[Nilf]

Thanks for responses. I would like to stay around Northeast. I guess Boston would be the northernmost latitude...
If you know any good websites that with residency reviews, please post them. I am in the process of making a list of programs to apply to, and any help would be greatly appreciated. I think I will also do an externship somewhere just to learn more about the program.

 

[Mindy]

Hello Nilf!

Congrats on your choice of path... it is the greatest field ever! I know quite a bit about the northeast programs. I interviewed at virtually all of the New England programs, and I am currently at MGH.

And for all curious parties, my hours do squeak under the 80 hour work week, but just barely. The best anectdote I have regarding our hours is this: Every night we have a free dinner that the hospital sponsors at 9:00 pm in the cafeteria. All on call residents are invited. Every night the first years of the path department (7 AP/CP residents) line up outside the cafeteria like a Pavlov litter. We always laugh because under "pathology" in the sign-in book there is only 3 spaces, so we have to write small. But every night we are the most represented specialty present. It took us a while to realize everyone else was "on call" and not just finishing up their day like we were.

In any case, if you want an intense program, at (in my humble opinion) the best hospital in the world, working with phenomonal pathology figures, and the best cases in the new world, then MGH is the place for you. You work hard, but you see things you would never see elsewhere.

Just for the record... 7 first year residents, and 40,000 surgicals done this year already!

feel free to ask q's about northeast programs (especially upstate new york and new england.)

Mindy

 

[Adrian Cocot]

Originally posted by cookypuss3
go to www.pathologytraining.org. T

I would just like to add that this site is *excellent*. It's the Green book online! Good Call, cookypuss

 

[Brian Pavlovitz]

Hey Nilf!

I am just a lowly second year, but I live in Rochester, so you may want to check out the University of Rochester's program. The institution on the whole is known for research...and as a side note, most of the pathologists I work for trained there. I'm not all that familiar with the surg. path side of things, but I know the director of cytopath. personally, and he is wonderful (Dr. Bonfiglio) to work for, and quite well-known in the field.

Best of luck to you! 🙂

Brian

---by the way, get that pathology training book--it is great!

 

[Global Disrobal]

Mindy is alive?

 

[GreatPumpkin]

----And for all curious parties, my hours do squeak under the 80 hour work week, but just barely.-----

Hehe, if she is alive now maybe not by the end of the year. 3 hospital meals a day will likely do her in.


Just for all curious parties, my avg work week on surg path is probably 50-55. 😛

We miss you Mindy come say hi more often.

 

[Mindy]

Hey guys!

Gosh, I do miss you all... but I miss my husband, rabbits, and sunlight, too!

We are working are butts off... but, it actually feels pretty good. For instance, I left work today (just got home), but I need to go back because I need to preview *240* skin slides. I am rotating through dermpath right now. My first day we had a bullous pemphigoid AND an linear IgA (with immunoflouescence) just for the benefit of my being able to compare and contrast, I think 🙂 About have of the skins are typical BCCs, SKs, etc. The other half are OUTRAGEOUS. And it isn't even consults.

Our class (7 ap/cp's) is full of wonderful people. One is from my home medical school (a fellow psf who I graduated with) and the rest are from across America. We have already developed a strong, non-competitive comraderie, which I think has lasting quality.

Pathology *is* where its at in medicine. I am convinced now more than ever. Okay, time for a big, fat-laden, artery-cloggin' pizza!

Howdy GP and GD, by the way...

Mindy