tough choices

[yaah]

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After a recent 4-program jaunt I am now more confused than ever about where my top choices are going to be, and now find myself in somewhat of a quandry after going to a "research heavy" program and being quite impressed with the program, facilities, and reception to me as a candidate.

I have always thought I would enjoy academic life, although with pathology it seems research activities are assuming increasing importance in one's marketability for such jobs. Being that I haven't had a lot of research experience I kind of assumed some of the bigger names would rather pick someone else instead. But then this above program tells me I am the "type of person we are looking for" and it makes me reconsider my priorities. Perhaps this is because I express my interest in getting involved in research activities during residency.

So now I guess my big decision is going to be whether to focus myself on academics or more on becoming a diagnostician and well-rounded clinician. My preference is to be both, but still, one does have to have a basic philosophy.

That being said, do my characteristics of an ideal residency program change all that much? Does one really put themselves behind the 8-ball by going to a wonderful large university program with not as much of an emphasis on academics and research, but a great atmosphere of teaching and learning? Or is one better suited to go for the program vested in training academic pathologists?

I am sure my own thoughts will crystallize more as I visit a few more places and talk to more staff members, residents, etc. Sometimes I envy those who have a defined career goal in mind (academic renal pathologist, etc), but it is kind of exciting to not know where your career is headed.

 

[augmel]

I did a UW rotation and they really seemed to be focused on making excellent clinicians during residency. Of course, the research opportunities are plentiful there and lots of people were set on research careers. There were definitely people just planning on clinical work and several faculty who were focused on clinical work and teaching. So basically, I figure if a research powerhouse like UW can make excellent clinicians, it shouldn't be impossible to find a good mix of both.

augmel

 

[Doctor B.]

As a general rule, most large university residencies will have enough faculty doing research that you will have no trouble getting involved if you wish, even if they are not traditionally a high-powered research program. You can do some projects and then if you decide it's not for you, you will still have learned from your research and at the same time, will get good training to do private practice. My advice would go to the program that has the best teaching environment unless you felt they had very limited opportunities for resident involvement in research. More than likely, you will find that there will be enough research opportunities for you.

 

[rirriri]

Yaah,

you are a clever man, so i doubt you will have trouble making a choice in the end. As a general rule I use with myself, IF i am unsure about my future plans (in this case, what your outlook is on your career), I would make sure that i don't limit myself in any sense for possible choices later.

For example, IF you are unsure of whether or not you wanna do research or stay clinical, i think it would be *wisest* for you to choose a program with solid clinical training and a significant opportunity for research. This will keep your unsure future plans unlimited (relatively speaking) and the balance is something that may help you decide what you wanna do later.

Having too many choices is never a bad thing, whether it's in the match or it's in your training.....you can't go wrong on that road.

all the best maaaan and cheers
-r

 

[yaah]

Thanks for the comments. Like I say, I can't really imagine having a career without lots of slides to look at. But then again, the opportunity to go into great detail on something like IBD is also very appealing. Any good program is probably going to let you do some of everything to let you find where your own niche is.

Two more this week, I can't continue to REALLY like all these programs, right? I mean, I consider myself a pessimist in many things. I spent most of my third year enjoying things at times and learning a lot, but saying, "I don't want to do this for my career." Now I see all these path programs (and potential carrer paths)and am searching for drawbacks. I miss my cynicism!

 

[Ludy]

I'm having the same problems. I've done seven interviews so far, and every time I finish one, I think, "Okay, this is the best one. This is where I'm going to go." My family's teasing me that my last interview will be where I end up 🙂

I also understand the research dilemma. I'd like to do research, but I'm not sure which kind or how much. After looking at websites, I've decided that I can do research wherever I end up, and that really shouldn't be a major factor in my decision. Every program I've been to, even those known for producing outstanding private practice pathologists, has abundant research opportunities, either within the path department or in other areas of the med school. Those programs are often very interested in having residents who want to do research and would bend over backwards to help you get started.

Personally, I'm going to put the most weight on the interest of the faculty in teaching and the personality of the residents/faculty -- those seem to differ much more between programs than research, volume, curriculum, conferences or any of the other things I thought would be important.

 

[governaitor]

How will you guys handle it if you have done big talking about doing research in the interviews and then just want to become community docs when you are in residency?

 

[Doctor B.]

I miss my cynicism!

Fear not for it shall return during your residency 🙂.

 

[yaah]

Originally posted by governaitor
How will you guys handle it if you have done big talking about doing research in the interviews and then just want to become community docs when you are in residency?

Well, people change their minds A LOT in this country, no matter what you do for a living. I have heard this concern addressed somewhat from some of the interviewers I have talked to - specifically in regards to MD/PHDs who want nothing to do with research once they enter residency, but use their specific research background to increase their acceptance chances. That would bother me as a program director, but there is little you can do. You can't force anyone to do lots of research. I have been honest with my interviewers in saying I really want to get involved with research, but I am not sure to what degree or where this will take my career. I anticipate an academic career, but that may change.

So, I had 2 more interviews this week and I have yet to go to a program that I feel I would not be happy at. All have been very welcoming, friendly, and seem to be more focused on convicing me to come there than on evaluating me. Have been to Iowa, Chicago, Northwestern, Michigan, UVM, Dartmouth, BIDMC (not in that order). More to come. I have some idea about how my rank list will go, but have some potential places yet to visit. I am still trying to figurue out a #1 though. Anyone else have this problem? 3 of these above programs I already feel I would be THRILLED to attend. All seem to offer a great mix of solid AP and CP with great AP faculty, emphasis on teaching, and lots of research opportunities.