Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Pathology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring pathologist.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Step 2: Review Pathology Match Data
In the 2018 NRMP Match, most U.S. seniors who applied to pathology matched. Only 2% of U.S. senior medical students failed to match.
The numbers are far worse for international medical graduates (IMGs). IMGs are considered independent applicants, and, in 2018, 34.3% of U.S. IMGs and 31.6% of non-U.S. IMGs failed to match.
Pathology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Allopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Pathology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. DO 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Osteopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Pathology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for IMGs 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"We typically receive approximately 300 applications and interview 50 candidates for five positions each year," writes the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in pathology, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Pathology-2018 NRMP Program Director Survey
National Resident Matching Program, Data Release and Research Committee: Results of the 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC. 2018.
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
As competition for positions in the pathology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to have in place the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." For more powerful information, sign up for our weekly update.
Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
"The [American Society of Clinical Pathology Academic Excellence Award] was a common topic during my residency interviews," says Alexander Gallan, a medical student at the Boston University School of Medicine. "I believed it helped my residency application immeasurably by providing justification for all the hard work I have done."
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
Your USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX 1 exam score is a major factor used by pathology residency programs in the selection process. In 2018, the mean USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX 1 scores among matched students were 233 and 558, respectively. Among unmatched U.S. seniors and osteopathic students, the mean scores were 216 and 505, respectively.
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships and Externships
Grades in required or core clerkships are very important to pathology residency programs. In a NRMP survey of pediatrics residency programs, 75% cited "grades in required clerkships" as a factor in selecting applicants to interview." Pathology rotations are also of obvious importance to international medical graduates seeking positions in the field.
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.