2 answers
Karlie
Student
Evadale, TX
1
Question
Updated
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What are some guiding words you can give to become a pathologists?
I would like to go to med-school to become a doctor, but there's just a lot of steps to get there. I've looked into a pathologists assistant, but I'm not sure if it's a good idea. #Spring25
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2 answers
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
266
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
It is hard to know what to do in your situation, but I recommend pushing yourself to go as far as possible in your studies until you think you have maxed out. The least expensive time to obtain education is when you are young. When you think about how being in school, learning, exploring opportunities, and meeting new people is one of the most fun and rewarding parts of one's life, why shortchange yourself?
The core sciences are needed for lab technology, nursing, medicine, therapy, diagnostic imaging... so take such courses, see what feels good, and aim high. A lofty target, if missed, still gets you higher than an easy, low target.
Ask yourself how much you like to be a leader, versus doing what others ask you to do. If you do pursue becoming a physician, you will be exposed to all types of medicine, and you may learn you are best suited for a different specialty than pathology. Maybe you will decide you want to stop at a level that still allows you to earn a good income and do good in the world. Forensic science, Certified Lab Technologist, Physician Assistant, RN... There are a lot of excellent options.
Enjoy the expedition to "there"...
The core sciences are needed for lab technology, nursing, medicine, therapy, diagnostic imaging... so take such courses, see what feels good, and aim high. A lofty target, if missed, still gets you higher than an easy, low target.
Ask yourself how much you like to be a leader, versus doing what others ask you to do. If you do pursue becoming a physician, you will be exposed to all types of medicine, and you may learn you are best suited for a different specialty than pathology. Maybe you will decide you want to stop at a level that still allows you to earn a good income and do good in the world. Forensic science, Certified Lab Technologist, Physician Assistant, RN... There are a lot of excellent options.
Enjoy the expedition to "there"...
Diane Fernandez, MD
Pathologist
6
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Diane’s Answer
Hi Karlie,
You are right, becoming a Pathologist is a long journey, but it’s also a fairly long journey to become a Pathology Assistant. I have actually met a Pathology assistant who was a Pathology resident who decided they didn’t want to finish residency.
I think it would be best to just start your journey and reassess your desires and timeline as you go. At the very least you’ll need to go to college and graduate with a science degree to do either job.
The key to obtaining anything is to break it down into small and manageable steps. So just start with where you are and the next step that you need to become the person you want to be.
I think it’s a good idea to plan out your goals over the next 1, 3 and 5 years. But focus on what you can do now. For example, focus on your studies now. Try to take science, biology, and math classes. Then Anatomy and histology classes if those are available. Learn as much as you can as you go, so that you can build your knowledge over the years.
Another good idea is to find a Pathologist assistant and a Pathologist so that you can see what they do day-to-day and that will help you decide which track you ultimately choose.
And keep updating your plan each year as you go. You can do it!
You are right, becoming a Pathologist is a long journey, but it’s also a fairly long journey to become a Pathology Assistant. I have actually met a Pathology assistant who was a Pathology resident who decided they didn’t want to finish residency.
I think it would be best to just start your journey and reassess your desires and timeline as you go. At the very least you’ll need to go to college and graduate with a science degree to do either job.
The key to obtaining anything is to break it down into small and manageable steps. So just start with where you are and the next step that you need to become the person you want to be.
I think it’s a good idea to plan out your goals over the next 1, 3 and 5 years. But focus on what you can do now. For example, focus on your studies now. Try to take science, biology, and math classes. Then Anatomy and histology classes if those are available. Learn as much as you can as you go, so that you can build your knowledge over the years.
Another good idea is to find a Pathologist assistant and a Pathologist so that you can see what they do day-to-day and that will help you decide which track you ultimately choose.
And keep updating your plan each year as you go. You can do it!