1. I think forensic path. would be fascinating, is there a fellowship required? What are the job op.? Does anyone know the general salary (I suspect it is low). I am asking because I have a great deal of student loans to pay off.
Yes, forensic path fellowship, one year. Jobs are available as we speak. Salary 80s-130s.
2. If a transitional yr. is not required for the incoming class of 03, then are the programs taking half as many, in order to account for those individuals COMPLETING a transitional yr in 03 and slated to enter then?
A transitional year has never been required. What was required was a "credentialing year". With could be satisfied by doing a transitional year, or doing another year of pathology and other things. The programs are taking the same number of residents. If anything it will be going up a little, since they will not have those fifth years around to help out with the work.
3. Are there any individuals who switched from a clinical program?
I would love to hear your thoughts on path.
I didn't but lots of folks in my program have. They seem to love it. We have a prior surgeon, peds, peds rehab and dentist.
4. How bad is the job market, really?
The job market is fine. All of the people in my program already have jobs lined up for when they graduate in June. And, they all had specific required areas they wanted to go. If you are more open on where you will live you will have multiple offers.
5. Does anyone have any info on the programs in CO, UT, AZ, CA?
Stanford is very prestigious. I hear the first few years there are very very tough.
Univ of Utah has an awesome web site.
Good luck. Though I must say I don't find my job much like the first two years of med school. But, not anything like the clinical years either.