Welcome to the path forum! I think you'll find most of us helpful. We've had a few people post with the same type of questions.
First, I'll direct you to my website:
http://pathdoc.blogspot.com. There's an article there called choosing pathology (
http://choosepath.blogspot.com) that you might find helpful; it's geared towards medical students interested in path but some of it may be applicable.
Second, I'd written a long post twice, accidentaly deleting it each time, so I'll give you the highlights b/c my hands are tired
1. Private practice pathology- mostly surg path with a smattering of some other areas such as cyto, heme, and CP stuff depending on the pathologist's training and the needs of the group. Salary is good, probably starting in low to mid 100K with increases as time goes on and as partnership is obtained. Hours generally good but can be long depending on the practice and especially fresh out of residency (takes longer to feel comfortable with your dx's).
2. Academics- can pracitce more specialized path like doing only surg path, cyto, heme, etc. Given time for education and research. Pay less than private practice on average. Will have residents to do all your scut work!
3. Job market- a source of much discussion in this fourm. Seems to be pretty good overall with most residents getting jobs after training. As with any field, there are crap jobs but overall, I think most pathologists find a job they are happy with.
4. Getting a position outside the match- will depend on you finding a program that has a spot that they want to fill that way. Call PD's and see what's out there. You may run upon something good.
Best of luck in your switch. I think you'll find path to be fun and challenging with good hours and good pay.
