Pathology

Sophie Baldwin, 2/20/24

See our interview with Dr. Amin for firsthand insight into Pathology!

Pathology is a research-heavy medical specialty. This field is split into two main branches: anatomic and clinical pathology. Anatomic pathologists examine human tissue or cell samples and the effects of different diseases on these samples, such as in autopsy reports. Clinical pathologists analyze bodily fluids and can oversee laboratory testing procedures. While most pathologists do not have as much patient interaction as other medical specialties, they are still critical in diagnosing diseases. Most of their work is based in a hospital or laboratory.

Fast Facts

• Salary: $318,000

• DO friendly? Yes

• IMG friendly? Yes

• Competitiveness: Low

• Match rate: 97%

• Average step-one: 233

• Surgical? No

Becoming a Pathologist

• 4 years of undergraduate

• 4 years of medical school

• 4 years of pathology residency

• 1-2 years of fellowship (optional)

Work-life Balance

Pathologists generally have a low-stress lifestyle. Since most pathologists are not the primary caretakers of sick patients, they are less frequently called in for emergencies. The training for pathology is on the shorter side of residency lengths. Pathology residency can be shortened to 3 years with either a strictly anatomic-based or clinical-based focus. However, pathologists are on the lower side of physician compensation, which can lead to dissatisfaction for some doctors in this field.

Fellowships

• Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine (1 year)

• Chemical Pathology (1 year)

• Cytopathology (1 year)

• Forensic Pathology (1 year)

• Hematology (Pathology) (1 year)

• Immunopathology (1-2 years)

• Medical Microbiology (1 year)

• Neuropathology (2 years)

• Pediatric Pathology (1 year)

Job Satisfaction and Outlook

• 52% are satisfied with their career (ScienceDirect)

• 45% report burnout (ScienceDirect)

• 3% projected job growth (2020-2030) (Learn.org)

Sources

https://residency.wustl.edu/choosing-a-specialty/specialty-descriptions/pathology/

https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-competitive-is-a-pathology-residency/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2374289521002177

https://learn.org/articles/Pathologist_Job_Duties_Occupational_Outlook_and_Education_Requirements.html#:~:text=Pathologist%20Job%20Outlook%20and%20Salary&text=The%20U.S.%20Bureau%20of%20Labor,pathologists%20as%20of%20December%202021.