r/pathology

Hi! I wanted to ask what the average turnaround times are from collection to signout and how long your stains take to come out after they’ve been ordered. Just interested in seeing how my hospital stacks up, because it seems to take quite some time here. Thanks!

I'm starting fellowship year and starting the job hunt. I'm location restricted, so want to apply in a particular area. I wanted to reach out to practices even if they don't have a listing on PathologyOutlines, but it seems like a lot of small PP groups don't really have a website? Any tips for how to find these groups and reach out to see if they could use another pair of eyes?

I've been a pathology resident for almost 2 years now. There are days when I feel like I got it. I get euphoric when I know stuff, I actually enjoy pathology most of the time. I love reading textbooks. I get so proud of myself when my diagnoses are correct. However, there is a voice in my head constantly saying that I don't really know anything and I just get lucky a lot. I have been having imposter syndrome quite a lot. It feels like there is endless information that I have to learn and I feel like I will never truly feel like I know "enough".

I hope that one day this feeling will go away...

I'm an incoming (US) OMS1 into a top 3/top 5 (depending on who you ask, I suppose) DO school, and they're one of the few DO schools that (a) is connected to a hospital and (b) has a dedicated anatomy/cadaver lab. Nevertheless, trying to read about this online or finding blogs, recommendations, etc from pathologists... everything online about getting into pathology seems to have very strong MD bias.

For context, I'm specifically interested down the road in specializing into forensic pathology, as my undergraduate degree was in in Forensic Science/Forensic Biology from a FEPAC-accredited institution. I have prior background publications (third author in neurotoxicology, first author on a lit review about epigenetic markers with some forensic applications), and I'm definitely going to try to get involved in research once I'm on campus.

I know pathology isn't the most competitive residency generally, and forensic pathology is not the most popular specialization given the lack of certified forensic pathologists in the country, but how much more difficult is this career "plan" going to be with a DO degree?

I got a hold of MGMA data. All these academic jobs paying 250-300 K (yes I see the job ads) are low balling you guys.

It’s literally 10th percentile guys. Don’t be a loser and accept these jobs especially if you are competent enough to push a lot of glass.

At least negotiate and demand more! We need to collectively fight back against these exploitive institutions.

At a private practice in US doing surgicals only. 1st job out of fellowship. Signed out almost 8000 cases. Mixed of biopsies, smalls and bigs. Partnership track. Want to share some insights for graduates starting as attendings soon.

1. Don’t be scared to ask questions, if you’re even a little bit unsure, just show the case to a coworker. But learn from the case so you know how to approach it going forward.

2. Know the difference between a curbside consult and an official consult

3. Do whatever helps you sleep at night. Order the stain, or level, but voice out why you are doing it. Other people might say not to do it, but it’s ultimately your case and you need to be ok with how it’s signed out.

4. Learn the EMR/LIS and set up your templates to make your workflow efficient. Takes a lot of time in the beginning but it makes you much more efficient later on.

5. Know how reimbursement works (AP and CP), and how much revenue you are generating.

6. Market is great right now, don’t be afraid to apply to other jobs if your first job sucks. But talk to people on the other side first, grass isn’t always greener.

7. Last one, splurge and get yourself something nice. Congratulations! You finally made it!

Starting medical school soon, and I'm very interested in pathology. I was lucky to have strong exposure to histology in undergrad through courses/labs/research. I'm trying to keep an open mind for all specialties, but I wanted to ask the community for any advice for a baby M1 interested in path. I'm not the gunner type, but I do want to be proactive to know if the field is for me. Our school encourages shadowing and research pretty early on.

When is a good time to consider research? Anything I should look out for to know if the field is for me? What would you have told yourself as an M1? Mostly just curious to see what you all have to say :D

Sorry if this is not an appropriate place to post. I am a USMD who dual applied pathology and a clinical specialty, ended up matching in the other specialty. I've been looking daily since match day for pathology vacancies online or someone wanting to switch out, without any luck.

Now that the year has begun, I wanted to know if any of you knew of instances where a vacancy opened and was filled mid-year. I'm planning on reapplying the match this fall if no other opportunity comes up.

Hello!
I got my Step1 Pass this Wednesday and am now preparing for Step2.

I’m a Non-US IMG and I do not require a Visa. I hope to do 3 months USCE next year.

With this in mind, what would be a good/safe score for Pathology?

*not interested in big name programs, would prefer a smaller one

Hello guys i hope everyone is doing well,
So im a new resident and im struggling to keep up with my colleagues when it comes to studying.
I read the same chapter 2-3 times and dont seem to be remembering the important things and when my attending asks certain questions I struggle to answer.

I really need a platform with a study plan.
As a student i made it when i had videos and attached notes but now as a resident my chief really wants us to read the chapters which I clearly struggle with since i have severe ADHD.

Do you know any platforms for residents not just basic medschool ones.
Thanks in advance

Hi everyone!

I'm a new third year medical student, and my residency sights have always been on pathology. An incoming pathology resident told me about the CAP Annual Meeting, and how it was such a beneficial experience when she attended last year.

This will be my first time attending the Annual Meeting, and I'm really excited about the opportunity. I was fortunate enough to receive a registration scholarship with CAP, which I'm incredibly grateful for.

Unfortunately, I didn't learn about the travel scholarship until after the application deadline had already passed. Since the conference is in Las Vegas this October, I'm now trying to figure out if there are any other funding opportunities that could help cover part of travel and lodging. I reached out to one of the CAP directors through email, and unfortunately they confirmed that there were no further scholarships being offered for this year.

Does anyone know of any pathology organizations, student programs, state pathology societies, or other communities (even unrelated to pathology) that offer travel scholarships or grants for medical students attending conferences? I would really appreciate any recommendations or advice.

Thank you so much in advance!

What’s the overall impression on Pathology attendings who wear scrubs? Do some of you wear it? How often?

Hi pathologists. I am at a point in life where I can pivot careers (50/f) and have always had an eye on forensics. I am, frankly, too old to go after a 15 year program for an MD but would very much like to do *something* with pathology and/or forensics. Field-based rather than in a lab, ideally.

I am near a renowned university that has a program such as this, from a BS in criminal justice through a Masters into a PhD/MD. My city has a long internship in the ME office for those working towards degrees. If I was 30 I'd go for it all but as it stands, even 50 seems long in the tooth to get into this as a career.

Waving my magic scalpel, I'd go into forensic psychology but absolutely requires an MD.

Please give it to me straight - what are your thoughts on that brief amount of info?

Just received my STEP 2 Score, and it came back at 237. Pretty bummed I wasn't able to crack into the 240s at least. I'm a 4th year US-DO student and have 3 away rotations lined up at large academic institutions. Did a forensics rotation during third year and obtained a couple letters from the on-staff medical examiners. Haven't received my COMLEX Level 2 score back yet.

How will this affect my chances of obtaining interviews/matching?

I'm a pathology resident and recently accepted an offer for a GI pathology fellowship at a newer, solid mid-tier academic program. I was happy with my decision and felt good about committing.

Then, out of nowhere, I received a last-minute offer for cytopathology from a much bigger, well-known institution. Now I'm second-guessing myself.

The problem is that I genuinely like both GI and cytopathology. I only plan on doing one fellowship, so whichever I choose will likely determine the direction of my career.

Would you prioritize the subspecialty you enjoy or the prestige of the institution? For those of you in practice, which fellowship do you think offers better long-term career opportunities, job flexibility, and overall satisfaction?

I'd especially appreciate hearing from anyone who had to choose between two subspecialties they genuinely enjoyed. Looking back, what would you have done?

Thank you.

I found out the new pathologist we are hiring will be making more than me. Should I speak up about this to my boss? It’s like 30K more in regards to base salary. I have several years experience and the new pathologist has none. I find it insulting as I have been in the hospital system. How much more should I be asking for above the new pathologist?