This is 100% my most asked about question, so I figured it was finally time for a post! I hope you all feel inspired by my story and find these tips helpful! Of note, every program is different and looking for something different in the candidates that they choose. These tips are meant to guide you and are not hard and fast rules.
First and second year:
-Do well in classes and on boards. Previously grades were not a huge factor in applications but they may play more of a role with the USMLE Step 1 becoming a pass/fail exam. I personally think this change will be a positive one, however it may put more weight on other parts of your application like Step 2, research projects, etc.
-Getting involved with the dermatology club at your school is a great start. It will help you build connections in the field. If your school is affiliated with a residency program, definitely try to get involved with them as much as possible. I used to go to the Philadelphia Dermatologic Society monthly meetings as a way to learn dermatology and meet residents/program directors.
-Research! Ask professors at your school if they have any dermatology related research projects. Using the summer between your first and second year to volunteer or get involved in research will help you get ahead. Note: I did not do a research year prior to applying for residency. This tends to be a more common course in those graduating from allopathic medical schools.
Third year:
-Use your elective time to do a dermatology rotation if you haven’t already. I recommend doing a rotation with a local dermatologist that isn’t affiliated with a residency program so you can learn dermatology in a more relaxed environment. That way when you go to a program, you will be more familiar with the field, how offices run, and more confident in your knowledge etc.
-Do a research elective if you have the time.
-Start going to dermatology conferences.
Fourth year:
-Conferences: A huge part of getting into dermatology residency is building connections to get your name/face out there. It shows you are dedicated to the field if you are willing to take time out of work or vacation to get involved and go to conferences. I met not only program directors, but also peers applying. It can be very helpful to have friends going through the same process as you.
-Rotations: for many previously osteopathic dermatology programs, rotations are key. Because derm programs are small and residents work very closely with each other, we want to see that you are a hard worker and will mesh well personality wise. Most importantly, BE YOURSELF. Also, some programs required that you rotate to even get an interview, so there is an emphasis on how you do during the rotation. I rotated at several programs twice that I was very interested in and tried to make a good impression at each (some program directors will discuss candidates amongst themselves).
Check out my blog post on what to do/what not to do on audition rotations for more information about this.
-Stay in touch with programs that you can see yourself at! They will appreciate people who continue to show interest.
Other tips:
–Don’t let anyone tell you no. I cannot even tell you how many people told me I would never get into dermatology residency (without even knowing anything about my application) and that I shouldn’t even waste my time. The truth is, I couldn’t imagine myself being happy in any other specialty and knew that I had to at least give it a shot. I also had no back up plan because I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
-Stay focused, all this hard work is worth it!
-Don’t compare yourself to others. This can be very difficult, especially when you are on the interview trail. You start to feel lesser than and lose confidence when you find out all the things your peers are doing. The truth is, everyone has a unique application and you cannot compare yourself to someone else’s.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know if you have any further questions in the comments below!
Xo,
Gabriella
