Comments on: Career Choices http://pathtalk.org/archives/1664 is a weblog about pathology and laboratory medicine. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:14:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: Chris Cogbill http://pathtalk.org/archives/1664/comment-page-1#comment-1323 Chris Cogbill Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:16:27 +0000 http://pathtalk.org/?p=1664#comment-1323 Ole, I agree that some students migrate toward certain specialties based on their technical interests. For instance, I know quite a few technically gifted students who chose Radiology, Surgical specialties, and Radiation Oncology because they were stimulated by this aspect of the job description. Pathology also happens to attract those who like to be on the edge of what is technically cutting edge. Just look at new microarray technologies, other diagnostic instruments, lab informatics, and virtual microscopy. I've found that the most tech-savvy people end up liking research applications, usually in some sub-specialty. However, I also know some of my tech-gifted classmates who chose to do Primary Care specialties and will likely introduce their perspective and help their residencies and practices embrace the advantages of technology. On the other hand, I don't think one who doesn't have a lot of tech background is handicapped in any particular specialty. There may be a little bit of catching up in terms of getting the knowledge needed to practice their particular field of medicine, but it is certainly surmountable. Ole,

I agree that some students migrate toward certain specialties based on their technical interests. For instance, I know quite a few technically gifted students who chose Radiology, Surgical specialties, and Radiation Oncology because they were stimulated by this aspect of the job description. Pathology also happens to attract those who like to be on the edge of what is technically cutting edge. Just look at new microarray technologies, other diagnostic instruments, lab informatics, and virtual microscopy.

I’ve found that the most tech-savvy people end up liking research applications, usually in some sub-specialty. However, I also know some of my tech-gifted classmates who chose to do Primary Care specialties and will likely introduce their perspective and help their residencies and practices embrace the advantages of technology.

On the other hand, I don’t think one who doesn’t have a lot of tech background is handicapped in any particular specialty. There may be a little bit of catching up in terms of getting the knowledge needed to practice their particular field of medicine, but it is certainly surmountable.

]]> By: Ole Eichhorn http://pathtalk.org/archives/1664/comment-page-1#comment-1318 Ole Eichhorn Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:59:37 +0000 http://pathtalk.org/?p=1664#comment-1318 Hi Christopher - I'm curious about something; some medical specialties require a lot more "technical" knowledge these days than others. How much do you think that affects the choice medical students make? Do the computer savvy all congregate in Radiology, for example? Hi Christopher – I’m curious about something; some medical specialties require a lot more “technical” knowledge these days than others. How much do you think that affects the choice medical students make? Do the computer savvy all congregate in Radiology, for example?

]]> By: Jeff Loose http://pathtalk.org/archives/1664/comment-page-1#comment-1315 Jeff Loose Mon, 05 Oct 2009 12:48:14 +0000 http://pathtalk.org/?p=1664#comment-1315 Christopher - Good for you for thinking on such things. It's trite, but trust your gut and pick whatever attracts you most - you're doing a lot of subconscious analysis as you observe. Keep in mind though that unless things have changed since my residency 20 years ago, while you have enough opportunity to explore the specialties, you probably have not had any exposure to community pathology. See if you can spend a month or two with us out on the frontline. A perspective away from academics - not necessarilly better or worse - just different. Christopher – Good for you for thinking on such things. It’s trite, but trust your gut and pick whatever attracts you most – you’re doing a lot of subconscious analysis as you observe. Keep in mind though that unless things have changed since my residency 20 years ago, while you have enough opportunity to explore the specialties, you probably have not had any exposure to community pathology. See if you can spend a month or two with us out on the frontline. A perspective away from academics – not necessarilly better or worse – just different.

]]>