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What are the steps I need to take to be successful in my career path of Pathology?

I want to be sure I am taking the right steps toward my dream career.

#Pathology #medicine #pathologist

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Richard’s Answer

In the US, to apply to medical school, you need a bachelor's degree. Any 4-year university should suffice.
Pick a major that interests you so you don't mind devoting a majority of your hours to studying. You will need to get good grades in college in order to apply for medical school. At the medical school I attended, the average GPA is reported to be 3.85, so even one or two B's can hurt your chances of acceptance.
Aside from this, any major is acceptable as long as you complete the prerequisite courses. I chose to major in biochemistry because there was overlap with the premed requirements and I wanted to complete my degree in 3 years.
Typical medical school prerequisites include:
Biology: Lecture – 4 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
General Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Organic Chemistry: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Biochemistry: Lecture – 1 semester
General Physics: Lecture – 2 semesters; Lab – 1 semester
Math: Statistics – 1 semester
English: Rhetoric (Composition) and Literature – 2 semesters
Try to find opportunities to pursue research.
Volunteer at your local hospital or low-income clinic. Ask physicians, PAs or other clinical providers if you can shadow them.
During college study for and complete the MCAT. Devote an entire summer to studying for the MCAT and consider paying for a prep course if you can afford it.
My son used MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review 2019-2020: Online + Book + 3 Practice Tests (Kaplan Test Prep) Kaplan Test Prep
It was about $140 and he achieved his goal score.
Apply to medical schools during your last year of college.
Medical school takes 4 years to complete.
After medical school Pathologists complete a 4-year residency for additional training.
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David’s Answer

While I am a veterinary pathologist, there are some things that likely translate.

I think that there is likely a benefit to involving yourself in a research laboratory during your undergraduate career. The lab can study a wide array of topics, since pathology is quite broad - molecular oncology, infectious diseases, microbiomes, physiology, etc. Admissions committees for professional schools will like this, it will make you a better scientist and applied scientist, and it will give you and advantage when applying for pathology residencies.

Also, if there is an opportunity involving yourself in a working diagnostic laboratory would be a great idea. Understanding the ins and outs of a lab, or even working as a histology assistant would be a good idea.
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Stephen’s Answer

You need to have an inquisitive mind. A successful pathologist will have to continueously upgrade her/his skills and knowledge
You need to be a studious person, pay attention to detail all the time, have good visual memory.
A strong background in histology, biology and physiology would be a plus.
Have to be a good communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
HAVE TO HAVE PATIENCE AT ALL TIMES AND AS A PHYSICIAN ALWAYS HAVE EMPATHY FOR YOUR PATIENTS.
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patricia’s Answer

Pathologist is a wonderful career choice! You need to have good grades and do well on the Mcat to get into medical school. Prior to medical school an internship in research or just working in a laboratory is great experience. I actually started a medical technology program and found out I was accepted into medical school one month into the program. They weren’t happy but let me stay and learn stuff until I started medical school. Shadowing a pathologist is a great idea. Majoring in biology or some science related field is best in college. Pathology is a great field for women since it is mostly a 8-5 job Monday thru Friday unless you are on call.
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