Post-Doc Advice?

[Rivi]

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Hello everyone,

I have a question about post-docs. I have an interest in neuropsychology, SPMI (Schizophrenia in particular), as well as mood and anxiety disorders. I can't quite decide if I want to embark on the 2-year neuropsych post-doc path, or if I want to work my way in somewhere else, such as a VA or state/forensic hospital setting. My question for everyone is, how did you decide on which post-docs to apply to? What general advice do you have for individuals pursuing a post-doc? Thank you!

 

[docma]

Unless you are already tracked to do neuropsych, I would leave the already competitive rodeo of neuro post-docs to those focused there and concentrate on finding a position (VA outpatient/satellites, state hospitals, maybe HMOs like Kaiser of which there will be a new wave related to ACA) where your interest in SPMI will give you an edge over the waves of others seeking post-docs who do not have SPMI experience/interest. You can still use/develop psychometric testing experience relative to that (eg: assessments that identify strengths and help with Recovery Model treatment planninng) and you may actually be able to get a JOB where post-doc hours can be accrued and not be back in the hunt again in 12-24 months.

 

[WisNeuro]

If at the point of a couple months before postdoc applications are due, you are on the fence about whether or not to go neuro, I say the decision has pretty much already been made. Unless you've had the training up to this point, you probably aren't competitive for the real quality positions. We're not fond of neuro-dabblers in the field. It leads to a lot of poor "assessment" reports and mis-informed patients that we have to clean up after.

Edit: after re-reading that, I admit it sounds harsh. But it rings true, as most neuropsychs will tell you. There are far too many people out there doing testing and assessment who have no business doing so.

In all honesty, at this point in time, you should have a decent idea of career path. As for neuropsych, if you don't have decent background training there, trying to get it all in on post-doc is a terrible idea. If, however, you do have some decent background in neuro, you may be able to swing it just fine if you find the right fit.

 

[Rivi]

Thank you for the replies docma and WisNeuro.

As far as my background in neuropsych goes, I pursued coursework and a year of externship training in neuropsych assessment during my program. On internship, I am doing my outpatient rotation doing neuropsych evals as well, although this is only one day a week. I always had an interest in neuropsych and hoped to keep that door open, but the bulk of my experience is in SPMI treatment and assessment, which probably doesn't make me the best applicant in that respect. How else did you all decide on which post-docs to apply to? What other general advice do you all have for individuals pursuing a post-doc?

 

[AcronymAllergy]

You could try sending in the applications at sites that seem very interesting to you. Then, if you're competitive and land some interviews, you might have a better idea of whether or not you'd want to train at that site.

And not to harp on the neuropsych bit too much, but as WisNeuro and docma mentioned, if you haven't had a good bit of neuro training (including neuroanatomy) up to this point, then the postdoc could be a fairly rough experience...not only would you have the standard work load to manage, which at many sites is notoriously heavy, you'd also be catching up on some of the more intermediate-level stuff. It's possible (at some sites), but it may not be enjoyable.

Like docma mentioned, I think the SPMI interest could make you very attractive to a variety of sites (both postdocs and jobs). I'd personally consider going the formal fellowship route in that area just to make the hours tracking process easier, and to further differentiate yourself. It also might give you some additional time to figure out just what type of job you'd like to have.