Peds hem/onc...competitive

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TJDoc7

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Hello,

Was writing with a question about getting the chances of getting a decent residency in peds, that would ultimately allow me to move on to a fellowship in peds hem/onc...I am an american, carrib. student, and just received my step one score yesterday (212/89)...know it isn't too great, wanted to know what the odds of me still being able to at least get a look from a somewhat decent peds res/fellowship (I'm aware that LOR's, clinicals, research and a bunch of other factors come into play here, but assuming those all go well, maybe can get my name in a few places w/research, etc...have also heard the importance of step 1 making/breaking chances of getting certain spots)...Know it's not as competitive as surgery, but would something like that still be attainable given my step I score?

Also, what would be the best way to be boosting my resume to get into this field, and increase my chances of securing a solid res./fellowship...I have shadowed a ped. hem/onc in ny ever since high school...keep going with that, start building more of a research resume? Go to a lab or something...what generally would work best/look best here?

Also, if anyone has some legit, first hand info on the subject, would really appreciate it...i'm certainly NOT looking to get into medicine/peds hem/onc for the money, but also need to be somewhat "prepared" for what I could expect to be making with 200k of loans hanging over me and a potential family strarting in the next few years...I have read (and heard second hand reports) of peds and peds hem/onc docs making anywhere from 200k+ (and have seen projections on salary websites that are somewhat similar, but not sure if reliable)...again, not in this for the money but to get an accurate read...where would I be looking to end up (ballpark for a northern region, hopefully tri-state, ny area)?

Finally...dumb question, but generally peds hem/onc are working out of hospitals? Not many private practices, their own setups, correct? I only assume that because all the peds hem/onc I have worked with/seen see patients out of the hospital, and possibly have a regular peds practice on the side...is that common/how it works for the most part? What generally works best?

Appreciate any advice and info. on the subject, thanks for time and help.
 
I'm interested in this as well. In addition to all the questions the OP had, I was also wondering, if you do your residency and fellowship at the same place are you likely to be hired there?

Thanks!
 
Hello,

Was writing with a question about getting the chances of getting a decent residency in peds, that would ultimately allow me to move on to a fellowship in peds hem/onc...I am an american, carrib. student, and just received my step one score yesterday (212/89)...know it isn't too great, wanted to know what the odds of me still being able to at least get a look from a somewhat decent peds res/fellowship (I'm aware that LOR's, clinicals, research and a bunch of other factors come into play here, but assuming those all go well, maybe can get my name in a few places w/research, etc...have also heard the importance of step 1 making/breaking chances of getting certain spots)...Know it's not as competitive as surgery, but would something like that still be attainable given my step I score?

Also, what would be the best way to be boosting my resume to get into this field, and increase my chances of securing a solid res./fellowship...I have shadowed a ped. hem/onc in ny ever since high school...keep going with that, start building more of a research resume? Go to a lab or something...what generally would work best/look best here?

Also, if anyone has some legit, first hand info on the subject, would really appreciate it...i'm certainly NOT looking to get into medicine/peds hem/onc for the money, but also need to be somewhat "prepared" for what I could expect to be making with 200k of loans hanging over me and a potential family strarting in the next few years...I have read (and heard second hand reports) of peds and peds hem/onc docs making anywhere from 200k+ (and have seen projections on salary websites that are somewhat similar, but not sure if reliable)...again, not in this for the money but to get an accurate read...where would I be looking to end up (ballpark for a northern region, hopefully tri-state, ny area)?

Finally...dumb question, but generally peds hem/onc are working out of hospitals? Not many private practices, their own setups, correct? I only assume that because all the peds hem/onc I have worked with/seen see patients out of the hospital, and possibly have a regular peds practice on the side...is that common/how it works for the most part? What generally works best?

Appreciate any advice and info. on the subject, thanks for time and help.

There are a lot of questions buried in this, but I'll attempt to answer some of them after just going through the match process.
1. What are the odds of you getting into a "decent" peds residency program with a Step 1 of 212 and being a Caribbean grad?

It depends on your definition of "decent" residency program, but I do think that if you have US clinical experience, good peds sub-i grades, and pass both parts Step 2 on your first attempt, you should be able to match somewhere in the US in peds. It may not be your ideal location or your first choice, but with no other red flags you should match. Make sure to apply broadly and early for the match! You will probably get screened out from some places based on your Step 1 along with being a Caribbean grad, but I think that will only be a portion of the many peds residency programs. It seems like everybody gets 1 or 2 interviews from places you never thought you would and get rejected from a few that you thought you would get interviews from so you really never know until you apply. Your ability to land a peds heme/onc fellowship is going to be much more dependent on your performance in residency. Peds heme/onc is not has competitive as peds cards or GI, but it is one of the more popular peds fellowships.

2. You will need to clarify whether your question about boosting your resume is in regards to landing a peds residency program or peds heme/onc fellowship, because they entail 2 very different answers. Your ability to land a peds heme/onc fellowship is going to depend on your performance and recommendations in residency so I would focus on landing the peds residency first. In regards to boosting your resume for gen peds residency, you need to do really well on your Step 2 (since your Step 1 score sounds like one of your weaknesses) and certainly pass both parts of Step 2 on your first attempts. Without any more information about your stats and experiences, it is difficult to say. Research is helpful but not essential. Certainly landing good LORs from pediatricians from sub-i/peds electives are very important. Get good grades on your peds sub-i's. Try to do audition rotations at programs you are interested in if possible.

3. Unsure about starting pay for peds heme/onc
4. Unsure about peds heme/onc setups..... During my peds heme/onc elective, the peds heme/onc docs worked both in clinic and rotated being on call and being the attending on the heme/onc floor in the hospital. They were employed by the hospital I believe. I'm sure there are some peds heme/onc docs that just do outpatient work/clinic though.
 
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I know this is an old thread, but I also would like to hear from any peds residents out there who can shed some light on the process of applying to peds hem/onc fellowships. I'm an MS3 with a definite desire to someday pursue a career in peds hem/onc and would appreciate any info regarding the ability to engage in quality research in residency, competitiveness of the field, etc. I've heard of numerous physicians in this field having various other degrees such as a PhD, MPH, and so forth. I know that such training may not be required, but I was wondering what the typical process is like preparing for the next step during residecy.
 
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