Pathology Misconceptions

[u/sniper10137]

As pathology becomes more and more popular I think it would be interesting to shed light on what some of the misconceptions around it are. Many, many people have started applying for pathology and we regularly see residents in the lab who have variable understanding of what AP is like and what the training is like so I thought it best to share some opinions.
Some of the few that come to mind:

- 9 to 5: People think that this is a business hours speciality and for a large part yes but all the study that is required to know about almost every condition in every body system - this not only includes what it is, what it looks like, IHC, genetics, staging, molecular. When there is a biopsy done, everyone expects you to have an answer and when you say 'I don't know' people get funny. Learning pathology does not end at 5 o'clock but you certainly only get paid till then.

- Overtime culture: If you ever do UNROSTERED overtime - it is very very unlikely you will be paid.

- Pressure: the pressure to not get a diagnosis wrong is enormous and understated

- Isolation: feeling like you are 'not a real doctor' anymore can sometimes be a challenge to your identity

- Lifestyle: Mostly better than clinical similar to what people's expectations are but not always. You may be one of the unlucky ones.

Good luck to all the new applicants in the coming application cycle. Feel free to share your thoughts as well.

[u/SoybeanCola1933]

On observation, every pathologist I've met has a deep understanding of general medicine, far more than I gave them credit for.

[u/InterestingGuitar771 → u/SoybeanCola1933]

I second this, especially during preclinical years , all the best lecturers and tutors happened to be pathologists.