Question about going back for fellowship

[tatabox80]

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Hello there,

I've asked about going back for fellowship in the past but have recently been thinking about it again. I currently work in a Pediatric ER setting as a general pediatrician. I've always had a special interest in adolescent medicine and I am still seriously considering going back (despite being out of residency for 4 years). My question is, since I've been away from residency for some time, I don't know if I would be able to obtain a letter of recommendation from an adolescent attending as I don't work with them often. I know adolescent medicine isn't the most popular field ATM but I'm wondering if I would still be considered despite a lack of a "connection". Any help is appreciated.

 

[Homunculus]

my question is why? as a general pediatrician you can already see adolescents-- is there something specific you are looking for? it's one of the few ways i know of to make less money than gen peds, and spend 3 years as a fellow to do so 🙂 i have some friends that went into it, but they're in the military so their practice is a little different (and pay scale the same).

in general though-- life experience and being "out in the real world" should not work against you. your best bet would be to contact some adolescent program directors and ask-- subspecialists are hard to track down and there are some that only "live" at big academic centers, so your situation can't be unique.

good luck and keep us posted,

--your friendly neighborhood HHHHEEEEAAAADDSSSS examining caveman

 

[oldbearprofessor]

There would be no real problem going back. Best reason to go back is that you want to get involved in research of some form or be active in various public health initiatives. Follow your heart and go for it.

 

[BDUS]

Hello there,

I've asked about going back for fellowship in the past but have recently been thinking about it again. I currently work in a Pediatric ER setting as a general pediatrician. I've always had a special interest in adolescent medicine and I am still seriously considering going back (despite being out of residency for 4 years). My question is, since I've been away from residency for some time, I don't know if I would be able to obtain a letter of recommendation from an adolescent attending as I don't work with them often. I know adolescent medicine isn't the most popular field ATM but I'm wondering if I would still be considered despite a lack of a "connection". Any help is appreciated.

I am probably going to be in this boat in a few years. Going to be in private practice for a few years and hoping to do peds endocrine in the future. I am wondering also about recommendation letters after being out of residency for a few years. I will not be interacting with any pediatric endocrinologist in this private practice setting.