Some questions about path

[(nicedream)]

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1. I want to do a rotation in pathology because I think I may really like it - however, I haven't even used a microscope since undergrad (I'm an MS2). My medschool's histo was all done on ppt, and even that was extremely sparse. Am I going to look like an idiot on my path rotation if I don't know jack about microscopy and histology?

2. I'll ask this in the DO forum because there may be more people there that know, but I'm a DO student and I was wondering about the AOA internship requirement and path. There are 5 states, one of which I want to practice in, that require DOs do an AOA internship to be licensed - you can petition the AOA to approve your ACGME PGY1 year if there's a good reason (there not being any AOA pathology programs would be one). However, pathology doesn't have anything resembling a rotating internship or transitional year as their PGY1 as most specialties do. Does anyone know if I would be required to do an AOA internship before starting residency, or if they will waive the requirement?

3. I remember seeing a thread before with several students raving about a pathology rotation in the Tampa Bay area. I think it was at Northside or Sun Coast, I can't remember and can't find it any search. Anyone know who I'm talking about?

Thanks so much in advance for any help!! 🙂

 

[pathdoc68]

I can only provide insight in response to your first question. The attendings in path departments are used to all experience levels from students (green), to residents (less green) and fellows (hopefully not green at all). The path department is where you come to learn and develop your knowledge of histology and histopathology, all that matters is that you are interested in learning. On the first day of your rotation grab your favorite histo book (I would recommend Wheater's for a beginner) and review throughout the month.

Everybody starts somewhere

 

[(nicedream)]

I can only provide insight in response to your first question. The attendings in path departments are used to all experience levels from students (green), to residents (less green) and fellows (hopefully not green at all). The path department is where you come to learn and develop your knowledge of histology and histopathology, all that matters is that you are interested in learning. On the first day of your rotation grab your favorite histo book (I would recommend Wheater's for a beginner) and review throughout the month.

Everybody starts somewhere

Thanks pathdoc! 🙂

 

[ilovepath]

the only program i'm aware of is usf in the tampa area. is that what you're referring to? i'm also curious what others think of usf as i'm a med student there. i would like an outsider perspective, b/c i'm sure every school thinks their sht doesn't stink.

 

[deschutes]

My medschool's histo was all done on ppt, and even that was extremely sparse. Am I going to look like an idiot on my path rotation if I don't know jack about microscopy and histology?

My med school histo/path experience was the same way. I made it into residency and am continuing to learn 🙂 I use Wheater's histo and histopath still, and supplant it with Histo for Pathologists by Sternberg.

 

[(nicedream)]

the only program i'm aware of is usf in the tampa area. is that what you're referring to? i'm also curious what others think of usf as i'm a med student there. i would like an outsider perspective, b/c i'm sure every school thinks their sht doesn't stink.

You are right, USF is the only program in the Tampa area, but I was just asking about rotations. Sun Coast and Northside Hospitals (in Largo and St Petersburg respectively) both offer clinical clerkships in pathology (to DO students only I think), and there was a thread some time ago where students were raving about the pathologist at one of them. He was famous and had discovered something major many years ago.