Recent content by Step Up

I think programs understand that overcoming adversity is a positive attribute. Also, I think IF you have trouble matching into neonatology fellowship (hopefully not!), successfully passing pediatrics boards will demonstrate to programs that step 3 was a hiccup and that your chances of passing...

NICU hospitalist. Seems like a no-brainer IMO. It pays well, it's great training for neo fellowship, you could do it for a relatively short period of time, and it's looked on quite favorably by fellowship programs.

Fever is not a bad thing. It means the body is doing a fantastic job of building up immunity after a vaccine, and it will go away quickly. Fever is certainly not a reason to worry about vaccines. Yes it may happen, but it's not a bad thing!

It sounds to me that you will really like neonatology. Try to get exposure to multiple neonatology jobs, i.e. different NICU settings, to get a better idea if you like it. Talk to experienced neonatologists and pick their brains about their career paths and job satisfaction. You could even...

It's so frustrating that Peds specialities are paid so much less than their adult counterparts. I am 7 years removed from medical school, have no money in my checking account and have a mountain of student debt (and some credit card debt). It's stressful! While my close med school friends have...

This is a level I newborn nursery. Definitely don't need a neonatologist there, and having NNPs in the nursery instead of pediatricians isn't crazy.

Right, it's less than ideal, but there are many factors besides salary to consider when deciding on a job, and I'm not stuck making 120k forever. Junior faculty but doing research and clinical work, which is the reason pay is low. Wife makes less, ~50k/yr, not a physician. I'm also making ~80k...

If that's allowed, that would make it work. Or just selling the home after several years, which would get rid of the loan. Yeah, but my wife is starting a job that will keep her in place for 3+ years. Plus, I really want to start building equity in our home. Average starting salary for...

Update: I found a few viable options. An FHA loan with 3.5% down on the surface seemed decent, but after hearing the details, I realized it's a completely horrible deal. The PMI doesn't drop off after you reach 20-22% equity like it does in a conventional loan, but it stays on for the lifetime...

Thanks for all the good points and recommendations. Yes, we could cut down on eating out/shopping, but in my opinion it won't add up to a significant amount, and my wife won't be happy with this (happy wife = happy life). I work for a university and my student loan payments are counting towards...

Thanks. You're right. I just started saving $1k/month towards retirement. I could cut this out. Also could cut down on student loan payments by $1k/month. I think either I don't get to buy a house anytime soon or I need to leave academic medicine and make more money in PP. I need to priorize...

Okay thank you. Recently we're saving ~1-2k/month. Income is more like 250k right now, but my wife is getting a raise soon. Paying ~3k/month in student loans, but that's still barely making a dent in them. Very high rent - $3k/month. Not really an option to pay lower rent here. No car loans...

In CA It will take us 2 years to save up to 5% down payment. I don't get why with an income of 300k+ we can't afford a house. Getting very sick of living in a 600sq apartment, unable to afford to have kids or buy a house, and am 6+ years out of medical school. Clearly I chose the wrong...

I can't find a physician mortage loan for 0% down payment. Any suggestions. All the banks I have approached are asking for 5-10% down. I'm finished with my training, make a good income, but can only afford about a 3% down payment at this time. There are no houses available for less than 800k in...

I wasn't aware of this, but perhaps it is true. I just meant there is a NEED for more neonatologists than any other peds subspecialist. As FrkyBgStok described, as a neonatologist, you have the flexibility to work in smaller hospitals if interested.