Not doing a fellowship

[nepath12]

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I was curious what people's thoughts were about not doing fellowships if they could get a job right away. There are quite a few job openings in my area of the country and not all require over trained pathologists. Would anyone skip doing a fellowship and feel comfortable signing out right away?

Another random question- is anyone aware of how difficult it is to get a fellowship after practicing for a few years?

Thanks.

 

[TMZ2007]

I think I might be comfortable enough in the right situation, like mostly AP with limited CP/lab director responsibilities, few autopsies, and a few more experienced colleagues that I could show stuff to. I wouldn't go into solo/geographically isolated practice without backup.

 

[2121115]

I wouldn't go into solo/geographically isolated practice without backup.

I wouldn't do this with or without a fellowship.

 

[Tissue issue]

I was curious what people's thoughts were about not doing fellowships if they could get a job right away. There are quite a few job openings in my area of the country and not all require over trained pathologists. Would anyone skip doing a fellowship and feel comfortable signing out right away?

Another random question- is anyone aware of how difficult it is to get a fellowship after practicing for a few years?

Thanks.

What kind of job do you want?

 

[nepath12]

I just want a job, I am not necessarily interested in being a huge deal. Unfortunately my husband is in a residency program for 6 years and is there are no pathology fellowships at our institution. There are a few job openings however at groups willing to take pathologists without fellowships. I was just looking for an opinion on if skipping a fellowship would, in hindsight, be a career ruining move.

 

[gbwillner]

I just want a job, I am not necessarily interested in being a huge deal. Unfortunately my husband is in a residency program for 6 years and is there are no pathology fellowships at our institution. There are a few job openings however at groups willing to take pathologists without fellowships. I was just looking for an opinion on if skipping a fellowship would, in hindsight, be a career ruining move.

Good god just get the job if it's available. The only reason people feel there is a NEED to do a fellowship is because of the nature of the job market. This is especially true if you want to be in a general practice.

 

[Tissue issue]

I just want a job, I am not necessarily interested in being a huge deal. Unfortunately my husband is in a residency program for 6 years and is there are no pathology fellowships at our institution. There are a few job openings however at groups willing to take pathologists without fellowships. I was just looking for an opinion on if skipping a fellowship would, in hindsight, be a career ruining move.

Oh, your question is actually more complicated. All other factors aside, given our job market, I would recommend doing a fellowship. I believe that without one you're too reliant on luck alone and I also believe it makes you a better pathologist, as much of a pain in the rear that it is. However, your situation has other factors. After thinking about this, my advice would be you need to talk to your husband about your career goals. I will gently remind you that you are going to be a very huge deal to every patient whose slides cross your scope.

 

[KluverB]

In the long-run (but in the short term, if that makes any sense), a fellowship might be useful. It will help you hone your skills, etc. Mostly it will just pad you CV. It may be helpful if you, or the group that's hiring is looking for speciality "expertise". But, if you think it's the right fit, even if it is temporary, then take the job. You can always go back and do a fellowship later! Besides, you can learn plenty on the job, and get paid to do it.

As to how difficult it is to get a fellowship later? I don't know. But, I've certainly met a few pathologists who have gone back to do fellowships after being in practice for years, even.

 

[lipomas]

I just want a job, I am not necessarily interested in being a huge deal. Unfortunately my husband is in a residency program for 6 years and is there are no pathology fellowships at our institution. There are a few job openings however at groups willing to take pathologists without fellowships. I was just looking for an opinion on if skipping a fellowship would, in hindsight, be a career ruining move.

For the purposes of getting a job, practice experience is often more important than fellowship for many places. Unless the job is a reference lab or huge group with subspecialty focus.

 

[KCShaw]

It's been my impression that experience generally trumps fellowship. Very few people walk out of either residency -or- fellowship and are prepared to confidently sign out on their own in isolation -- it's just the nature of pathology training these days -- and employers know this. Not every group is willing to deal with those in their first 'real' job, and at least some of those that are are willing to dump on them and take away most of what they make for the practice. So, IMO, unless you have other specific goals that are best supported by a certain fellowship (generally the boarded ones), get on with job experience and earning real money. As it is, most fellowships are non-boarded anyway.

 

[nepath12]

Thank you all for the input. I appreciate the advice of people who have more real world experience than I do.