Here you can access all the needed information on how to get involved as a dermatologist.
Use this general guide to help prepare for applying to dermatology residency.
I Keep learning the M2 curricular content as your first priority.
I Create a concrete study plan for USMLE Step 1 exam. Although this exam is now pass/fail, it is still important to study for this exam to help solidify the pre-clinical curriculum.
I Complete research projects or writing projects that have been started.
I Continue to develop relationships with faculty, advisors, and mentors on your campus.
I Attend Dermatology grand rounds and conferences during your M1-M2 years to get exposure to the field and meet faculty and residents.
I Meet with your identified faculty mentor to reflect on M2 year and create a plan for M3 year.
I Make an appointment with the Dermatology Clerkship Director (or if appropriate/available the Program Director or Chair) to introduce yourself and convey your interest in the field.
I (re)Establish a relationship with dermatology residents at your home institution. Make your initial interest in dermatology known to them. Share that you would be interested in writing up an interesting case with them.If they have consult rounds, ask if you can shadow sometime (this is also a good time to find interesting cases for write-ups and/or presentations).
I Apply for the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Diversity Mentorship Program by November of your M2 years if you plan to complete this mentorship during the first 6 months of your M3 year aad.org/members/leadership-institute/ mentoring/find-a-mentor/diversity- mentorship-program. Ask your advisor to help you choose a mentor from the AAD’s mentor list who has a track record of helping mentees improve their application.
I Apply for the Skin of Color Society Mentorship Programs in the Fall to begin the following March.
The SOCS Mentorship Program is a comprehensive program that connects young physicians and medical students with an approved skin of color expert from SOCS. If matched with a mentor, the program last for up to one year. Other group mentoring opportunities may be available throughout the year for those who apply but are not matched with a mentor skinofcolorsociety.org/mentorship- program/.
The SOCS Observership Grant awards grants to help cover travel, room, and board costs for medical students (2nd- 4th year) to enable study with a SOCS mentor identified by the applicant skinofcolorsociety.org/observership-grant/.
MEDICAL SCHOOL M3
I Prioritize performance in core clerkships (medicine, surgery, ob/ gyn, and peds). Performance on clinical clerkships is of primary importance to seek a residency position.
I By this time, you should have a well- established relationship with a dermatology faculty advisor. Meet at least once during the year to review your application timeline and discuss your M4 schedule.
I Make an appointment with the dermatology Chair to introduce yourself and convey your interest in the field. Attend the meeting with a printed version of your up-to- date curriculum vitae.
I Reconnect with the dermatology residency program director to convey your continued interest in the field. Attend the meeting with a printed version of your up-to-date curriculum vitae.
I Consider which faculty, advisors and mentors on your campus, with whom you’ve developed relationships, you’ll approach to write letters of recommendation for your applications. Maintain your relationship with them by meeting once or emailing an update.
I Attend any career informational sessions held by dermatology
I Apply to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Diversity Mentorship Program to plan for a M4 elective experience (if not done previously). Many students complete their mentorship month in the summer after their M3 year but before residency applications are due. If your medical school allows you to defer a required rotation during your M3 year, it’s a good idea to complete your mentorship month during your M3 year, as it will give you more time to do a project during the month and get the resulting publication accepted before September of your M4 year, when your application is due. The Diversity Mentorship grant website is aad.org/member/career/awards/diversity.
I Consider arranging an ‘away rotation’ at a program that interests you. M4 dermatology rotation slots fill quickly. Your mentors and local residents at your institution can help you decide where to visit. If you have a home dermatology program, it is recommended that you complete no more than 2 away electives.
Investigate:
I Dermatology residency programs in the U.S. apps.acgme.org/ads/ Public/ Programs/Search
I Minorities in Medicine to get information on groups underrepresented in medicine. students-residents.aamc.org/ choosing-medical-career/medical- careers/deciding-if-medicine-you/ minorities-medicine/
I FREIDA (AMA Residency and Fellowship Database) ama-assn.org/medical-students/ preparing-residency/freida
MEDICAL SCHOOL M4
I Prepare for and take the USMLE Step 2 exam before September so that your score can be submitted with your application.
I Attend Dermatology grand rounds and conferences to expand exposure to the field and remain connected to faculty and residents.
I Complete a clinical dermatology rotation at your home program. Seek feedback on your clinical performance, which can also be used for your away rotations.
I Prepare for clinic, read up on patients, and find ways to be helpful in clinic, such as by setting up biopsy trays and anticipating your teams’ needs. Be actively engaged in patient care.
I Consider arranging to do an ‘away rotation’ at a program that interests you. Your mentors and local residents at your institution can help you decide where to visit. Treat the away rotation as a lengthy interview.
I Complete ERAS application.
Have your mentors review your application and personal statement. Do a spell check!
I Turn in your ERAS application before the first day that programs begin to review applications (date varies, check ERAS website).
I Signal the residency programs you are most interested in. Dermatology offers 3 gold signals and 25 silver signals. Make sure to signal your home/ away programs if they are in your top
28. It is likely that most applicants will only receive interviews from signaled programs.
I Ask for letters of recommendation no later than August 15 if possible. Who writes your letter and how well they now you is an important part of your application. Provide letter writers with your curriculum vitae, draft personal statement and ERAS cover sheet. The majority of your letters should be from dermatology.
I Prepare your personal statement. Describe specific experiences and anecdotes to illustrate your abilities and qualities that make you a good candidate for their program. Share your narrative and include parts that are not found easily in the rest of your application. Consider highlighting distance traveled and any formative life experiences.
I A few residency programs have secondary essays. Work on secondary applications.
I Plan for most interviews to be scheduled from November through January.
I In February after your interviews, submit your “Rank Order List” on the NRMP website, indicating your residency choices in order of preference.
RESIDENCY APPLICATION SERVICES
I Familiarize yourself with residency application services
ERAS Electronic Residency Application Service aamc.org/services/eras-for-institutions
NRMP National Residency Matching Program nrmp.org/
I Become familiar with the Residency Timeline students-residents.aamc.org/eras-tools-and-worksheets- residency-applicants/2024-eras-residency-timeline
I Become familiar with the SOCS Resources including the guide on How To Obtain a Position in a Dermatology Residency Program skinofcolorsociety.org/dermatology-resources/
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
I Attend Dermatology grand rounds and conferences during your M1-M2 years, and again when free during M4 year.
I Attend any career informational sessions held by dermatology each year (M1-M4).
I Keep a journal about your experiences to use later for essays and interviews (M1-M4).
I For any meeting with dermatology faculty or residents, prepare several direct questions to ask that can help you navigate the application process based on your current medical school year. Bring a printed copy of your curriculum vitae to meetings and share if appropriate.
I If you do not have a home dermatology program or cannot identify a local mentor, seek a mentor through the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) server.aad.org/mentorship/search/ Default.aspx and the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) skinofcolorsociety.org/ mentorship-programs/.
I Join the Skin of Color Society skinofcolorsociety.org.
I Participate in activities to help the underserved or your community or reduce healthcare disparities. Many programs are putting more emphasis on a “culture of caring” in addition to grades and USMLE results.
I Become a leader in some organization at your medical school. Many dermatology programs are seeking to train future leaders in dermatology
INTERVIEWRECOMMENDATIONS
I Prepare for your interviews by reviewing questions and doing mock interviews.
I Know every detail on your application. Prepare a 2-sentence and 2-paragraph answer on every activity listed.
I Review the dermatology residency program website, including the program and faculty, prior to a scheduled interview. Attend webinars that are hosted by your preferred programs.
I Conduct mock interviews with trusted mentors on web-based platforms (e.g., Zoom). Consider recording the session to evaluate your eye contact, engagement and nonverbal communication.
I A dermatology residency interview requires professional dress. The best choice is a comfortable suit and shoes without any flashy accessories. Be prepared for variable weather during the winter months if conducting in person interviews.
I If you’re flying, carry your interview clothes with you.
I It is important to talk to residents from each program during your interview experience.
I Remember you are being interviewed throughout the process, from interacting with staff when scheduling the interview to the very end of the interview day.
I Always have questions prepared to ask of each interview.
I Prepare examples that illustrate how you are a good team player and also examples of how you are a leader.
I Make sure to arrive on time for the interview day.
I Do not speak to anyone in an overly- familiar way. You must be professional with everyone.
I Do not drink more than one glass of alcohol if it is offered in a welcome dinner.
I Do not send post-interview thank you letters or letters of intent
Acknowledgements
Nkanyezi Ferguson, Roopal V. Kundu, Osamuede Osemwota, Amit Pandya, Julia Mhlaba Riley, Jennifer Rorex. Additional contributionsfrommembersofthe2018-2019SOCSDiversityinActionTaskForce.
Updates made by Severine Cao, Sofia Chaudhry, Roopal Kundu, Loren Krueger, and the members of the 2023-2024 SOCS Diversity in Action Task Force.
How to Obtain a Position in a Dermatology Residency Program
As a first-year medical student, you may not be certain of which specialtyis right for you; however, if you are considering dermatology (or other highly competitive specialties), start planning and acting early. If you decide that you would like to pursue another specialty, you can adjust accordingly.
The earlier you start exploring the field,themorelikelyyouwillputtogethera well-rounded application for residency. Even if you are a senior medical student when you decide to pursue dermatology,a compelling story and well-crafted application can be appealing to many dermatology programs.
Our specialty is committed to increasing diversity in the field; however, under- represented in medicine minorities(UIMs) remain a small but growing portion of dermatology residency applicants
due to many factors, including lack of guidance or mentorship. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) report on dermatology applicants through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), of the 1,365 applicants in 2023, 139 identified as
Black or African American and 148 as Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin (aamc.org/media/39316/download).
Ensuring that UIMs have adequate guidance in the complex application process is imperative
(Figure 1).
Pathwaytosuccessfullymatchintodermatology
Figure1.Schematicrepresentationforsuccessfullymatchingintodermatologybyyearinmedicalschool.
FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS (MS1)
Asafirst-yearmedicalstudent,startbymakinganappointmentwithyourcareer advisororstudentaffairsdeanintheOfficeofMedicalEducationtogetadviceon howtogainearlyexposuretodermatology,andseekoutopportunitiestogetto knowthedermatologyfacultyandresidentsinyourschool.JointheDermatology InterestGroup(DIG)atyourmedicalschoolorstartachapterifyoudonothaveone. YoucanfindmoreinformationaboutDIGattheirnationalwebsite(derminterest.org). Run for an executive position in DIG so that you can develop a close relationship with residents and faculty involved with DIG. Use this platform to learn about community-based activities sponsored by the interest group, such as the SPOTS program (spotseducation.org). It is also helpful to identify medical students in the class above you who are planning to go into dermatology as well as students who recently matched into dermatology. These individuals can provide insight and helpful resources at your home institution. Moreover, attend Grand Rounds and local dermatology conferences when possible. This will help you to learn more about dermatology and become familiar with the faculty and residents. After some time
of observation, you could identify a faculty member or resident to approach as a mentor. Inform your mentor(s) that you are interested in learning about research projects, case reports and volunteer experiences, and ask them to keep you in mind if they learn of any opportunities in these areas. Keep in mind that Grand Rounds are generally open to medical students; however, at some institutions, smaller educational sessions (i.e. journal club, didactics) may also be open to
medical students. It is best to ask before attending. Also, some institutions may have designated faculty career advisors who can provide you with advice and connect youwith early opportunities.
MS1andMS2yearsshouldbefocusedonexploringallareas of dermatology and getting to know the current faculty and residents. However, be mindful and do not be too aggressive. Remember faculty are busy clinicians. If you reach out to a faculty member and do not get an immediate response, be patient. Wait at least two weeks before sending a polite follow-up email.
This is also a great time to shadow a dermatologist to make sure dermatology is right for you. While shadowing, ask yourself “Can I do this for 40 years of my life?” Remember you arecommittingtoalifelongcareersogointodermatology for well-explored reasons. Exploration, self-awareness and reflection are important aspects of choosing a career in dermatology. Additionally, be aware that there are various subspecialties within dermatology (i.e. general, pediatric, procedural, dermatopathology) and various practice settings (private vs. academic). Taking the time to shadow early on
will help you understand if this is truly a field of interest andperhaps help narrow down a specific focus. Determining asubspecialtyindermatologyearlyonisnotexpected;however, if you do have a particular interest within dermatology, youshould explore it, as you may be asked to explain this interestduring the interview process.
As dermatology is a competitive field, it is a priority to focus on mastering the curriculum content and maintaining good academic standing. Aim for your personal best in your core academic curriculum and clinical rotations. Alongside your institutional curriculum, you should study USMLE Step 1 “theBoards” exam material. Start practice questions early to helpidentify key concepts, along with understanding Step 1 question and answer formats.
Finally, develop your extracurricular interests and seek volunteer or leadership opportunities. You canparticipate in activities to help the underserved or reduce healthcare disparities. Consider volunteering at a local free clinic and exploring whether these clinics offer dermatology serviceswith which you may become involved. Many programs are
putting emphasis on a “culture of caring” in addition to clinicalgrades and USMLE Step 2 scores. Sustained communityservice is highly regarded by residency programs.
If you do not have a home dermatology program orcannot identify alocalmentor,seekamentor
through the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) (server.aad.org/mentorship/search/Default.aspx), the Skin of Color Society (skinofcolorsociety.org/about- socs), or the
Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) mentorship program(womensderm.org/awards/award-programs/ mentorship-award-program).
SUMMER AFTER FIRST YEAR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL
This is the time to conduct research. It has been well documented that research experiences and publications are strongly associated with successfully matching, so it is
important to prioritize this endeavor. Select a research project that is feasible to complete within this timeframe or that canbe continued during your MS2 and MS3 years. Aim for your manuscriptstobeacceptedbyajournalbySeptemberofyour MS4 year, which is when your application for dermatology residency is due. Joining an already established project is a good start with a reasonable projected stop date to have
time to prepare adequately for Step exams. If you commit toa research project - own it. Take initiative. Be responsive to your mentors, answer emails promptly, collaborate with other research personnel effectively, and gather all materials such as clinical tables, figures, clinical images and histopathology images efficiently. Anticipate what your team will need, perform tasks in advance and inform your supervisors ofyour progress often. Make sure to follow through on all
tasks to completion. For novice writers, consider referencingmaterial on the basics of medical writing (e.g. The Clinicians Guide to Medical Writing by Robert B. Taylor, etc). Discuss and construct a broad outline of goals and timeframe for your research project that explicitly align to your research mentor’s expectations. Your research mentor should be able to provide you a letter of recommendation, so do an outstanding job.
Remember, if the hypothesis is not proven, this is still worthyof a publication. Prior to starting the project, discuss the potential for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Provide your mentor with a list of upcoming dermatology conferences that you think may be good opportunities to present yourwork. Many medical schools provide funding for their students to present research.
If you are unable to identify a research project within dermatology, obtaining a publication in an alternate field may alsoberegardedwell.Beabletoexplainthisresearchinterest and, if applicable, provide a brief but illustrative story of your transition to interest in dermatology or how your project may relatetodermatology.Keepinmind,thereisnomagicnumber for scholarly activity projects to match into dermatology,
but most of the applicants had five or more abstracts, presentations, or publications at the time of the application.
This is also the time to shadow dermatologists and planfor MS2 year with a continued focus of USMLE Step exams.
Depending on your interests and resources, consider globalmedical electives (some medical schools have a global medicine track) as there are opportunities to participate in dermatology focused clinics abroad.
SECOND YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS (MS2)
MS2 year should be seen as a continuation of your MS1 agenda. Furthermore, if you did not decide until your second year of medical school that you wanted to pursue a career in dermatology, it is not too late. You can still spend time looking for mentorship opportunities and research projects in MS2, MS3, and MS4 years. During your MS2 year, it is important to dedicatetimetobewell-preparedfortheUSMLEStep1exam. This will help you solidify your pre-clinical medical school curriculum. Note that, previously, performing well on Step 1 was strongly associated with an increased chance of matching. Now that Step 1 is pass/fail, there may be more emphasis on Step 2 performance. However, most dermatology residency programs now are committed to a holistic application review process,withexamscoresonlyapartoftheoverallevaluation.
WealsoencouragefutureUIMapplicantstoconsiderapplying to the AAD Diversity Mentorship program. This program is primarily aimed at 3rd and 4th year medical students who desire additional mentorship. Mentors are encouraged to help with publications, letters of recommendation and guidance through the application process. Consider taking advantage
of this program to use this time for your away rotations.Alternatively, this program can be completed in the summer of your MS1 and MS2 year to coordinate research and obtain early exposure to dermatology; however, the majority of recipientscomplete this program during their MS3 and MS4 years.
THIRD YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS (MS3)
MS3 clinical rotations are critical. Residency program directorsuse recommendations and evaluations from this clinical yearto ascertain your clinical abilities and ability to function well as a resident. Key components to clinical evaluations are working well with the team and taking ownership of your patients.
Prepare for transition to clinical rotations by discussingexpectationswithupperclassmenandfellowclassmateswhocompletedrotations.Obtainfeedbackfromyourclinical
preceptors early in the rotation and make meaningful stridesto meet or exceed expectations. When planning for your rotations, consider starting with internal medicine and surgery to have a foundation upon which to build when working
with the dermatology team on consults and in clinic. Plan to complete your first dermatology rotation at your home institution once you havehad the bulkof your core clinical
rotations. After completing a rotation at your home institution, seek feedback on your clinical performance to use for any potential away rotations.
In January and February of your MS3 year, you should begin toconsiderplanningforawayrotationapplicationsthrough
the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO™) program. Many dermatology applicants complete 1-2 away rotations in the beginning of their fourth year of medical school
(i.e. summer or fall of the year you are applying), though they
are not required. You may apply for more than one rotation per time slot but be sure to withdraw additional applications once you have been assigned. Visit your local Office of Diversity and Inclusion to identify medical schools that offer specific rotations for UIM students. These programs may include supplemental funding.
Thoughcompletinganawayrotationisnotnecessary,itmay improve the likelihood that you match to the program at which you rotate. It is extremely important that you take this opportunity to get to know faculty. Schedule a meeting early on with the program director and/or chair to discuss your interest and possible research opportunities. Meetings are often scheduled by the department administrative assistant. This appointment is to introduce yourself and convey your interestinthefieldandtheprogram.Attendthemeeting with a printed version of your up- to-date curriculum vitae. Please keep in mind that some programs have many rotatorsand program directors and chairs are not able to meet individually with every student. During away rotations, dress professionally and make sure not to do things that may be portrayed negatively - do not spend time on your cell phone/ watch during clinic hours or conferences, do not perform
procedures or interview patients without prior permission, do
not complain or convey an impression of laziness or boredom.Also, bring a clean white coat, arrive early every day to lecture and clinical responsibilities, and be able to present patientswithout reading verbatim from a cell phone or typed note. Beprepared to give a presentation on a topic of interest duringgrandrounds.Ifthisisnotrequired,youmayoffertodoso.
In preparation for your home and away rotations, you canreview the Basic Dermatology Curriculum on the AAD website (aad.org/member/education/residents/bdc). Be comfortable using dermatological terms to describe the cutaneous exam, along with knowing the first line treatments for the most seen dermatological disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, warts and skin cancer. Read about patients and dermatology cases you come across during your rotation.
At the completion of your MS3 year, you should have scheduled your rotation at your home institution as well as your away rotation(s), if applicable. You should also have begun to think about 2 or 3 dermatology faculty members to ask for a strong recommendation letter. At least two letters from dermatologists is encouraged. As a third/fourth, manywill obtain a letter from a faculty member during their internal medicine rotation, though a letter from a faculty member who can speak strongly about you as a person and a student is best. Complete all outstanding publications or prepare themfor submission. Start your personal statement and allow time for several revisions. Your personal statement should describespecific experiences and anecdotes to illustrate your abilities and qualities that make you a good candidate.
Do not list accomplishments. Let your letters of recommendation toot your horn, not your personal statement. This is an opportunity to highlight your narrative and strengths that are not found easily in the rest of your application.
Thepersonalstatementisanimportantcomponentof theholisticreviewprocessbecauseitallowstheselection
committee to better understand how your experiences and attributes will help you contribute to learning, patient care, and teaching. If possible, have your dermatology mentor andlocal dermatology resident review your personal statement.If you are genuinelyinterested in a specificprogram you can personalize your personal statement to that specific school detailing why you are interested in their program however program signaling through ERAS is the preferred way to demonstrate specific interest in a program. Some programs
will have applicants fill out a secondary application where youmay also get a chance to highlight why you want to attend that specific program. Be honest and submit the secondary application in a timely manner.
Towards the middle to end of MS3, schedule the USMLE Step2 CK and CS exams. Given that Step 1 is pass/fail, it may be helpful to complete your Step 2 CK exam prior to applying.
Many, but not all, residency programs require or prefer completionofUSMLEStep2priortosubmissionofranklistsin February of your MS4 year.
FOURTH YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS
Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) opens in Julyof your MS4 year. Reference the American Medical Association database on each residency program through Fellowship andResidency Interactive Electronic Database Access (FRIEDA) (ama-assn.org) prior to applying.
Programs start accepting applications in September with interviews typically taking place from November to early February. Upon completion of ERAS, some programs may require a supplemental application. This information is provided on ERAS or on the institutional website. Be sure to checktheprogramwebsitedirectlyifitisnotlistedonERAS. It is encouraged to submit your completed application early,
and no later than the final day before residency programs maybegin reviewing submissions on ERAS (specific dates may vary and be sure to check the ERAS website). The current deadlinefor the MSPE submitted by your school is October 1st.
Submittingapplicationstoeveryprogramcanbecost prohibitive.Anapplicationsignalingsystemwasstartedin 2023 that gives applicants 3 gold signals and 25 silver signals. These28signalsarefortheapplicanttoindicatewhich programs they are particularly interested in. There is a lowerlikelihood that applicants will receive interview invites at non-signaledprograms.Formanydermatologyapplicants,applying to only the 28 signaled programs will likely be sufficient.
Applicants may consider applying to more programs (up to
40-50 programs), but applying widely (>60 programs) will likely not be of additional benefit. Please note that it is important to signal your home program and any away rotation programs if you are interested in them- they will not assume your interest. Apply some level of scrutiny when selecting programs,
taking into consideration location, reputation and research opportunities. Be aware that some dermatology residencies have programs with special tracks, such as research or Internal Medicine/Dermatology joint residencies, which may require unique application considerations.
The cost of application fees and interview travel must be considered. If possible, begin saving for this early on in medical school to avoid taking on additional loans. Currently the interviews are being conducted virtually to help decrease the financial cost to applicants.
Prior to submitting your application, have your mentors review your application and personal statement. Ask for letters of recommendation prior to August 15. Who writes your letterand how well they know you is an important part of your application. Provide letter writers with your curriculum vitae, personal statement draft, and ERAS cover sheet. Ensure
that several of your letter writers are academic clinicians.It is imperative to have a letter from dermatology faculty whoknowsyouwell.Itmaybehelpfultohavealetterfrom someonewhoiswellknownnationally,butonlyiftheyalso know you well.
Most dermatology programs are advanced (or categorical) programs, meaning you are expected to begin your training after having completed a PGY-1 intern year. Generally, acceptable internships are in internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology,emergency medicine or a transitional year. The majority of dermatologyresidentscompletean internship in internal medicine or a transitional year. While you may be focused
on perfecting your dermatology application, keep in mindthat your application for an internship will also require a personal statement, letters of recommendation and a careful
consideration of where to apply. Often, the personal statement and letters of recommendation can be slightly adjusted such that they are eligible for both, however it is important to obtain individualized guidance on ensuring that your internship application is well-prepared.
Additionally,MS4isgenerallythetimewhenmedical students are selected for membership into the Alpha OmegaAlpha Honor Society. While not every school has a chapter, membershipinthissocietyisafactorthatresidencyprogram
directorsmayconsiderininterviewingandrankingcandidates as it demonstrates a commitment to scholarship, leadership,professionalism, and service. While it is just one characteristicconsideredinaholisticreview,membershiptothishonor society is a positive factor.
THE INTERVIEW
Complete mock interviews with at least one mentor priorto the actual interview. Look up commonly asked questions during residency interviews and practice them with your mock interviewer. Make sure you have a good answer for each question and ask your interviewer for guidance and constructive criticism on your demeanor, energy level, eye contact, body language, vocabulary, and content of your answers.
Know the program! Access the department website to get to know faculty and residents. Attend webinars that may be hosted by your programs of interest. Perform a literature search and familiarize yourself with faculty publications. Contact any upperclassmen who have interviewed at the program to get insight on the interview process. You can also contact the interview coordinators or department administrator(s) to get an idea of the activities during interview day. Of note, the interview coordinator is the person you will be interfacing with prior to and after your interview day. They are an important member of the program, and it is in your best interest to treat this person with the utmost consideration and respect.
In addition to knowing your interviewers be sure to know your application thoroughly. You can and likely will be asked questions on any aspect of your application.
Practice a list of commonly asked questions:
• Tell me about yourself.
• Why dermatology? Why our program? What are your goals?
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Tell me about your research?
• Tell me about an interesting patient?
• Who are your role models and why?
• What are your interests outside of dermatology?
• What questions do you have?
• What could you offer this program?
The publication How to Obtain an Orthopedic Residency (aaos.org/globalassets/about/diversity/how-to-obtain-an- orthopaedic-residency.pdf ) also has a list of questions to consider asking while on the interview trail. When answering the above questions try not to sound rehearsed or portray yourself as overconfident.
The Successful Match: Rules to Succeed in Residency Match authored by Drs. Rajani Katta and Samir P Desai is another resource. These authors also have a podcast as well as a section for dermatology applicants. Visit thesuccessfulmatch.com. Currently interviews are being conducted virtually.
Make sure you check your internet connection and computer camera in advance. Do not have anything distracting in thebackground, and ensure there is good lighting.
If interviews return to being in person in the future, plan to be 10 minutes early on your interview day. If possible, find the location prior to the interview. Again, pay attention to your appearance. A dermatology residency interview requires professional dress. Dress professionally. If you must question yourse lf then it is probably not a good choice to wear. The best choice is a comfortable suit and shoes without any flashy accessories. Be prepared for variable weather during the winter months. If you are flying, carry your interview clothes with you in case your checked baggage does not arrive in time.
With interviews being done virtually, many programs host a virtual meet-and greet with their residents prior to the interview day. Although this may be a more informal atmosphere, make sure you approach it as part of the interview process. Be an active participant in the session.
It is important to talk to residents from each program during your interview experience to get a better idea of the program. Remember, you are being interviewed throughout the process,from interacting with staff when scheduling the interview to speaking with residents at the very end of the interview day.
Always have questions prepared to ask of each interviewer. Do not speak to anyone in an overly-familiar way. You must be professional with everyone. If interviews return to in person, do not drink more than one glass of alcohol if it is offered in a welcome dinner.
Finally, be kind to your fellow applicants as these will be your potential classmates and peer colleagues in the future.
POST INTERVIEW
It is now advised that applicants do not write thank you letters or letters of intent to programs after the interview.
Begin the ranking process immediately after your interview.Make a list of pros and cons that will help you keep track of programs once you have completed your interviews.
Given the competitive nature of the dermatology match, think about what you would do if you were not to match. Always have a plan B. Many go on to complete their preliminary or transitional year and then re-apply.
A research year can also be taken to build on scholarly activity and strengthen an application before re-applying. Others may consider dual-applying in another specialty (this would need to be planned in advance of ERAS submissions, with preparation of two applications). Consider what plan is right for you. As a physician, there are many fascinating careers available to you. Everyone doesn’t match in dermatology, but all students have the opportunity for a fulfilling career in medicine.
Special Circumstances
For those who have come to a decision to pursue dermatology residency later in their medical school career or identified a gap in their scholarly exploration, you may consider a gap/ glide year. This should be considered a time for growth and exploration of the field of dermatology both in its clinical arenas (diseases and treatment paradigms) along with the areas of scholarly discovery currently in the field. This should be balanced with the extended time of delaying graduation, along with additional financial considerations.
CONCLUSIONS
A lack of diversity exists in the field of dermatology due to many factors. However, we hope understanding and knowing the application process in detail might provide useful information for potential URM candidates who might consider dermatology as a specialty (Figure 1). There are growing opportunities to develop and explore interest in the specialty of dermatology through mentorship, publications, podcasts, and online resources. A diverse workforce has been shown to provide better care and reduce healthcare disparities; therefore, diversity should be a goal for the field of dermatology as well. Dermatology is a fascinating field of medicine and can be very fulfilling and rewarding in many ways. If you ultimately decide you want to pursue dermatology, we hope this guide will help you successfully match into a dermatology residency program.
Acknowledgements
Nkanyezi Ferguson, Roopal V. Kundu, Osamuede Osemwota, Amit Pandya, Julia Mhlaba Riley, Jennifer Rorex. Additional contributionsfrommembersofthe2018-2019SOCSDiversityinActionTaskForce.
Updates made by Severine Cao, Sofia Chaudhry, Roopal Kundu, Loren Krueger, and the members of the 2023-2024 SOCS Diversity in Action Task Force.
References
- AlikhanA,SivamaniRK,MutizwaMM,FelstenLM.Adviceforfourthyearmedicalstudentsbeginningthedermatologyresidencyapplication process:Perspectivesfrominternswhomatched.Dermatology Online Journal. 2009;15(10). https://escholarship.org/uc/item/26r643b1. Accessed February 20, 2018.
- StratmanEJ,NessRM.FactorsAssociatedWithSuccessfulMatchingtoDermatologyResidencyProgramsbyReapplicantsandOther ApplicantsWhoPreviouslyGraduatedFromMedicalSchool.Arch Dermatol. 2011;147(2):196-202. doi:10.1001/archdermatol.2010.303
- MainResidencyMatchDataandReports.The Match, National Resident Matching Program. nrmp.org/match-data-analytics/ . Accessed February 20, 2018.
- Wang JV, KellerM.Pressuretopublishforresidencyapplicantsindermatology.Dermatology Online Journal. 2016;22(3).
escholarship.org/uc/item/56x1t7ww. Accessed February 20, 2018.
Online Resources
AAD Diversity Mentorship Program
aad.org/member/career/awards/diversity
NthDimensions
nthdimensions.org/programs
Women’sDermatologicSociety
womensderm.org/awards/award-programs/student-summer-research-fellowship
FREIDA(AMAResidencyandFellowshipDatabase)
ama-assn.org/medical-students/preparing-residency/freida
NRMP-NationalResidencyMatchingProgram
nrmp.org
students-residents.aamc.org/applying-residency/article/eras-timeline-md-residency/
Minorities in Medicine to get information on groups under represented in medicine.
students-residents.aamc.org/deciding-if-medicine-you/advancing-diversity-medicineapps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search/ResidencyApplicationServices
ERAS - Electronic Residency Application Service
aamc.org/services/eras/
SkinofColorSociety
skinofcolorsociety.org/
