u/Apprehensive_Sun_53

I’m a USMD and pretty set on pursuing pathology. I’m trying to think about the long game and how to position myself for the best job opportunities after training.

For those already in the field, if you were in my shoes knowing what you know now, what would you prioritize?

Would you:

Try to match at the highest-ranked/most prestigious residency possible?

Prioritize doing residency in the geographic area where you ultimately want to practice?

Do anything else during residency to maximize job opportunities and earning potential?

I’m flexible right now in terms of geography and fellowship choice. Curious what practicing pathologists and current residents would do differently if they were starting over today.

I’m an MS3 at a USMD currently in rotations. Had to remediate 1 course during preclinicals. Transcript will still show it as a below pass/pass and MSPE will have comments about it. I didn’t have a major life change/reason for doing poorly during that block.

Does anyone know how much of an impact this can have on matching Diagnostic Radiology? Not sure if I could get auto-screened out, or if shelves/clerkship grades/Step 2 could make up for it. Would it be safer to not signal top programs? Thanks in advance for your help.

I’m a US MD student, and honestly my goal is pretty simple: pass my classes, match into a community Internal Medicine residency, and become a hospitalist.

It feels like everyone in my class is chasing competitive specialties, top academic programs, or fellowships, and it makes me wonder if there’s something I’m missing.

Is becoming a hospitalist considered a bad career move, or is it just less talked about? For those of you who chose (or are choosing) the hospitalist route, are you happy with the decision? Any regrets or things you wish you had known in medical school?

I’m an MS3 interested in PM&R. I was born with Erb’s palsy affecting my left arm, which limits my fine motor function and dexterity on that side (my right arm is normal).

Given the procedural aspects of PM&R (EMGs, injections, ultrasound-guided procedures, etc.), do you think this would make residency or practice unrealistic? Has anyone worked with a PM&R physician or resident with a similar physical disability?

I’m an MS3 with permanent nerve damage in my nondominant (left) arm that mainly affects fine motor control. I can perform physical exams and all my usual clinical duties, but I’m worried about procedures.

How procedural is family medicine residency really? Is it possible to get through residency if you struggle with procedures because of a physical disability? Also, for family medicine attendings, how procedural is your day-to-day job?

MS3 here with a congenital upper extremity disability affecting my left hand that limits fine motor dexterity. How much of a barrier would this realistically be for pathology residency and practice?

Has anyone here matched into a competitive specialty (radiology, anesthesiology, general surgery, etc.) after having a preclinical course remediation?

I’m a US MD and I’m curious how much a single preclinical remediation actually affected your application.

How procedural is neurology residency? Is it possible to get through residency not doing any procedures? Also practice general neurology doing no procedures?

I’m an MS3 with permanent nerve damage in my nondominant (left) arm that mainly affects fine motor control. I can perform physical exams and all my usual clinical duties, but I’m worried about procedures.

How procedural is IM residency really? Is it possible to get through residency doing few or even no procedures depending on the program? Also, for hospitalists, how procedural is your day-to-day job?

I’m a MS3 considering diagnostic radiology. I have permanent nerve damage in my left arm that limits its range of motion and fine motor function, although my right arm is normal.

I know DR residency includes some procedures, but I’m wondering: is it realistic to avoid most of them if my goal is purely reading? Or are procedures something every DR resident has to do regularly regardless?