6 answers
Mia
Student
Jonesboro
1
Question
Updated
2548 views
How do you become a pathologist and how did you choose your specialization in pathology?
I'm a highschool junior who loves biology and wants to go into the medical field. I have a big fear about college debt but I'm ready to continue to learn and explore the world!
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6 answers
Hava Liberman
Pathologist
7
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Hava’s Answer
Hi Mia,
I became a pathologist and have been working in the field for 20 years. I chose the field because it is very biology oriented and visually beautiful, while allowing a great lifestyle, unlike many fields of medicine. To become a pathologist, you have to go to medical school and then do a pathology residency. For this you do need very good grades. The debt can be significant but the field is financially pretty rewarding. Average salary right now is about $300K per year. Most pathologists train in both anatomic pathology, which is surgical (diagnosis of tumors and other pathology) and autopsy pathology, as well as clinical pathology, or laboratory medicine, which is the clinical laboratory - all the lab tests - hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and the blood bank. Anyway, if you want to do both anatomic and clinical pathology, the residency is 5 years. Most people do a 1-2 year fellowship after that too. It sounds like a lot but the hours for pathologists are much better than most medical specialties, even in residency, because we don't really deal with emergencies per se. In the general public there is a perception that pathologists do autopsies or some vague type of research, but most pathologist are surgical pathologists and what we do is look at slides from tissue biopsies or resections, make the diagnosis and write pathology reports. The job involves working closely with other doctors, particularly surgeons and oncologists. A lot of people don't know that pathologists also run the clinical lab. I find this part of the job very interesting and it is vital to keeping a hospital going. You kind of have to work with everyone - nursing, ED staff, etc, to make sure blood work gets done well. And you get very familiar with hospital and laboratory information systems... lots of IT issues making sure results are available to the doctors (and patients these days). There is a lot of satisfaction in getting a lab to run smoothly.
I became a pathologist and have been working in the field for 20 years. I chose the field because it is very biology oriented and visually beautiful, while allowing a great lifestyle, unlike many fields of medicine. To become a pathologist, you have to go to medical school and then do a pathology residency. For this you do need very good grades. The debt can be significant but the field is financially pretty rewarding. Average salary right now is about $300K per year. Most pathologists train in both anatomic pathology, which is surgical (diagnosis of tumors and other pathology) and autopsy pathology, as well as clinical pathology, or laboratory medicine, which is the clinical laboratory - all the lab tests - hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and the blood bank. Anyway, if you want to do both anatomic and clinical pathology, the residency is 5 years. Most people do a 1-2 year fellowship after that too. It sounds like a lot but the hours for pathologists are much better than most medical specialties, even in residency, because we don't really deal with emergencies per se. In the general public there is a perception that pathologists do autopsies or some vague type of research, but most pathologist are surgical pathologists and what we do is look at slides from tissue biopsies or resections, make the diagnosis and write pathology reports. The job involves working closely with other doctors, particularly surgeons and oncologists. A lot of people don't know that pathologists also run the clinical lab. I find this part of the job very interesting and it is vital to keeping a hospital going. You kind of have to work with everyone - nursing, ED staff, etc, to make sure blood work gets done well. And you get very familiar with hospital and laboratory information systems... lots of IT issues making sure results are available to the doctors (and patients these days). There is a lot of satisfaction in getting a lab to run smoothly.
OMG, thank you SO much for this insight! It is truly helpful!:)
Mia
Kyle Thornton
Portfolio Manager
6
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
How about taking a fun trip to your nearby hospital or local medical clinic? You could request to chat with a doctor who knows a lot about pathology. Another cool idea is to pop into your local police station and ask to have a chat with the team they rely on for forensic pathology. They might even be able to connect you with a mentor for a more personal conversation. I wish I could have been of more help, but hey, best of luck on your journey!
Visit a hospital and ask to speak to a staff member working in their pathology department.
Kyle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, this is a great idea! I'll be sure to try this out!
Mia
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
750
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Mia, even though I'm not a doctor, I did speak with my neighbor who is. She shared that the journey to becoming a pathologist begins with earning a bachelor's degree, ideally in biology or a similar field. This is followed by attending medical school to secure a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Considering your love for biology, you're already on an exhilarating path towards achieving your dream.
My neighbor also mentioned that after medical school, budding pathologists undertake four to five years of residency training in pathology. This allows them to gain hands-on experience in various subspecialties like surgical pathology and forensic pathology. She recalled a college friend who chose to specialize further in areas such as hematopathology or dermatopathology, driven by personal interests and experiences during training.
Mia, your passion for biology is a great starting point. It's important to build a strong foundation in biological sciences during your undergraduate studies, complemented by extracurricular activities and internships.
I understand that college debt is a significant worry for you, as it is for many people, including myself. I managed to work my way through college, and my older children either won scholarships or took out student loans. So, Mia, remember that there are options like scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs available to you. Many universities also offer robust financial aid packages or work-study programs that can provide additional support.
Your love for biology and readiness to explore new frontiers set you up perfectly for a career in pathology. This field demands dedication, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a genuine interest in the complexities of diseases. Actively seeking out educational and financial resources will help you navigate this fulfilling yet demanding journey. Wishing you all the best in your pursuits, Mia.
My neighbor also mentioned that after medical school, budding pathologists undertake four to five years of residency training in pathology. This allows them to gain hands-on experience in various subspecialties like surgical pathology and forensic pathology. She recalled a college friend who chose to specialize further in areas such as hematopathology or dermatopathology, driven by personal interests and experiences during training.
Mia, your passion for biology is a great starting point. It's important to build a strong foundation in biological sciences during your undergraduate studies, complemented by extracurricular activities and internships.
I understand that college debt is a significant worry for you, as it is for many people, including myself. I managed to work my way through college, and my older children either won scholarships or took out student loans. So, Mia, remember that there are options like scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs available to you. Many universities also offer robust financial aid packages or work-study programs that can provide additional support.
Your love for biology and readiness to explore new frontiers set you up perfectly for a career in pathology. This field demands dedication, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a genuine interest in the complexities of diseases. Actively seeking out educational and financial resources will help you navigate this fulfilling yet demanding journey. Wishing you all the best in your pursuits, Mia.
Thank you so much!
Mia
Juney Dijkstra
Business Development / Production / Project Management
39
Answers
Hilversum, North Holland, Netherlands
Updated
Juney’s Answer
Though not a pathologist by any stretch of the imagination, I'd recommend anyone exploring their interests try:
- Investigating what the practical reality of the role & responsibilities are online. There are ample resources to be found! What skills do you need, what specialties are there, and what does the day-to-day look like? Are there differences between roles?
- Explore basic courses online. Browse a Massively Open Online Course site like Coursera to see if there are free introductory courses. They may be a bit too intimidating to finish all the way through, but you can review the course material and syllabus to see which topics appeal to you most.
- As already suggested: Talk to one (or multiple diverse) pathologist(s) (like Hava!). Ask your teachers, parents or family & friends if they know anyone you could talk to. Ask them a few questions about what it's *really* like! You can search for recommended questions to ask online, picking those to which the answers you believe will provide you with most guidance.
And, equally importantly.. Discover what you *don't* want. Explore some careers in biology *and* outside of it at least at a superficial level with the same approach -- and reflect on whether they appeal to you at all, and if not, why not? Discovering what you want to say "no" to and why is just as important as learning what you want to say "yes" to!
- Investigating what the practical reality of the role & responsibilities are online. There are ample resources to be found! What skills do you need, what specialties are there, and what does the day-to-day look like? Are there differences between roles?
- Explore basic courses online. Browse a Massively Open Online Course site like Coursera to see if there are free introductory courses. They may be a bit too intimidating to finish all the way through, but you can review the course material and syllabus to see which topics appeal to you most.
- As already suggested: Talk to one (or multiple diverse) pathologist(s) (like Hava!). Ask your teachers, parents or family & friends if they know anyone you could talk to. Ask them a few questions about what it's *really* like! You can search for recommended questions to ask online, picking those to which the answers you believe will provide you with most guidance.
And, equally importantly.. Discover what you *don't* want. Explore some careers in biology *and* outside of it at least at a superficial level with the same approach -- and reflect on whether they appeal to you at all, and if not, why not? Discovering what you want to say "no" to and why is just as important as learning what you want to say "yes" to!
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Mia
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mia!
Embarking on the journey to become a pathologist is a multi-step process, which includes earning a medical degree, completing a residency in pathology, and possibly pursuing additional specialization through fellowships. The decision to specialize in a particular area of pathology typically happens during your residency, where you'll have the chance to delve into various subspecialties within the field.
To kick-start your journey, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or pre-medical studies. It's crucial to keep your GPA high during your undergraduate studies to boost your chances of securing a spot in medical school. Once you've earned your bachelor's degree, the next step is to attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
Medical school, which typically spans four years, equips students with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine. The initial two years primarily involve classroom-based learning and laboratory work. The final two years provide practical experience as you work directly with patients under the guidance of seasoned physicians.
After graduating from medical school, the next step is to complete a residency in pathology. These programs, which usually last for four years, provide thorough training in various aspects of pathology, including surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology, and clinical laboratory medicine. Residents gain practical experience by examining tissue samples, performing autopsies, interpreting laboratory tests, and participating in research projects.
During your residency, you'll have the opportunity to rotate through different subspecialties within pathology. This exposure allows you to explore various areas of interest and decide which specialization aligns with your career aspirations and interests. Some common subspecialties within pathology include surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology, and dermatopathology.
After completing your residency, you may choose to pursue additional fellowship training to further specialize in a specific area. Fellowships typically last one to two years and offer advanced training in subspecialties such as molecular pathology, neuropathology, pediatric pathology, or gastrointestinal pathology.
It's important to remember that the journey to becoming a pathologist requires dedication, hard work, and a significant time commitment. Additionally, while medical education can be costly, there are various scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs available to help ease the financial burden.
For authoritative information, consider visiting the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) websites. They provide valuable information about the field of pathology, medical education, and the residency matching process. It's always a good idea to consult multiple sources and seek advice from academic advisors or professionals in the field for the most accurate and current information.
Lastly, don't forget to check out the autobiography section about James and find foods high in nutrients that can boost your work and academic performance.
Stay blessed,
James.
Embarking on the journey to become a pathologist is a multi-step process, which includes earning a medical degree, completing a residency in pathology, and possibly pursuing additional specialization through fellowships. The decision to specialize in a particular area of pathology typically happens during your residency, where you'll have the chance to delve into various subspecialties within the field.
To kick-start your journey, you'll need to complete a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or pre-medical studies. It's crucial to keep your GPA high during your undergraduate studies to boost your chances of securing a spot in medical school. Once you've earned your bachelor's degree, the next step is to attend medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.
Medical school, which typically spans four years, equips students with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine. The initial two years primarily involve classroom-based learning and laboratory work. The final two years provide practical experience as you work directly with patients under the guidance of seasoned physicians.
After graduating from medical school, the next step is to complete a residency in pathology. These programs, which usually last for four years, provide thorough training in various aspects of pathology, including surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology, and clinical laboratory medicine. Residents gain practical experience by examining tissue samples, performing autopsies, interpreting laboratory tests, and participating in research projects.
During your residency, you'll have the opportunity to rotate through different subspecialties within pathology. This exposure allows you to explore various areas of interest and decide which specialization aligns with your career aspirations and interests. Some common subspecialties within pathology include surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology, and dermatopathology.
After completing your residency, you may choose to pursue additional fellowship training to further specialize in a specific area. Fellowships typically last one to two years and offer advanced training in subspecialties such as molecular pathology, neuropathology, pediatric pathology, or gastrointestinal pathology.
It's important to remember that the journey to becoming a pathologist requires dedication, hard work, and a significant time commitment. Additionally, while medical education can be costly, there are various scholarships, grants, and loan repayment programs available to help ease the financial burden.
For authoritative information, consider visiting the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) websites. They provide valuable information about the field of pathology, medical education, and the residency matching process. It's always a good idea to consult multiple sources and seek advice from academic advisors or professionals in the field for the most accurate and current information.
Lastly, don't forget to check out the autobiography section about James and find foods high in nutrients that can boost your work and academic performance.
Stay blessed,
James.
Thanks for the help.
Mia
Nova Smith
Executive Director
1
Answer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Nova’s Answer
Hello Mia! It's fantastic to see your enthusiasm for biology and your ambition to venture into the medical profession. You've received some excellent advice on the practical steps to secure your degree and become a professional Pathologist. I'm part of a nonprofit organization that serves Pathology Informaticists. We organize free monthly Zoom meetings where leading professionals share their journey into pathology informatics, a key subspecialty in pathology.
You're invited to watch previous interviews and register for upcoming sessions at no cost. There's no obligation for you to speak or appear on camera - you can simply listen. However, feel free to ask any questions you might have during the Q&A session via chat. This could be an opportunity for you to find a mentor or establish a connection with a Pathologist who can answer your questions via email.
You can find more details at https://www.pathologyinformatics.org/mentoring-mondays-calendar-and-videos-2024. Don't hesitate to contact me if you participate in any of these free discussions and wish to connect with a pathologist via email. We're in the early stages of developing a mentorship program for high school students, so do keep in touch if you decide to specialize in pathology informatics.
You're invited to watch previous interviews and register for upcoming sessions at no cost. There's no obligation for you to speak or appear on camera - you can simply listen. However, feel free to ask any questions you might have during the Q&A session via chat. This could be an opportunity for you to find a mentor or establish a connection with a Pathologist who can answer your questions via email.
You can find more details at https://www.pathologyinformatics.org/mentoring-mondays-calendar-and-videos-2024. Don't hesitate to contact me if you participate in any of these free discussions and wish to connect with a pathologist via email. We're in the early stages of developing a mentorship program for high school students, so do keep in touch if you decide to specialize in pathology informatics.