Switch to Path

[savethebluths]

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I am at the end of PGY-1 in ob/gyn and am switching specialties. One of the fields I am considering is path. However, the only path experience I have is my 2nd year course, because I did not do a path rotation as a student. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to how I could get some exposure to path to see if I would be interested in it as a career. I read somewhere about Post-Sophomore Fellowships for med students interested in Path.....would I be able to do something like that? Or should I just shadow some pathologists for awhile? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Are you itching to start your residency this summer? If so, it will be hard for you to find a position (the PGY-1's start really soon and finding a spot at the last second is gonna be difficult).

I'm not sure a Post-Sophomore Fellowship is an option for you. I've never heard of a resident in another year doing a PSF. Plus, you'd get paid a lot less than the PGY-1 pay grade.

But you don't have to do a PSF really. A possible suggestion would be to do some research in a pathology lab. I use the term "research" very loosely. You could probably do a little bit of everything throughout the year:

bench research
sit in on signout
attend CP rounds
assist/observe autopsies
etc, etc, etc.

If taking a year off to do this kind of thing is palatable for you, I would suggest finding a pathology mentor quick. Try not to pick an uber basic science researcher since they won't be doing much clinical duties. Try to pick some faculty member who mixes clinical duties and clinical/translational research duties well.

 

[savethebluths]

Thanks for the info. What is the usual timeline for apps, interviews, etc? I also think I read somewhere that it is sometimes possible to find spots outside the match.....know anything about that?

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Thanks for the info. What is the usual timeline for apps, interviews, etc? I also think I read somewhere that it is sometimes possible to find spots outside the match.....know anything about that?

Yup. yaah's FAQ's thread near the top of the page has the of answers to these questions you have.