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- Jan 9, 2009
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Hi, just wanted to introduce myself to the derm board. I've been accepted to multiple med schools so far, but haven't decided which to attend. I have an interest in dermatology and psychiatry--two specialties on vastly different sides of the competitiveness scale. I have a few questions I was hoping you guys could help me out with concerning derm.
1. If I have the slightest interest right now, and given that its in your best interest as a future derm applicant to start focusing your interest early, would it be best for me to pick a school that has ACTIVE research going on in its derm department? I'm debating between two schools that both have derm departments. One is a top 25 school with lots of research in derm, the other school is not ranked and does not have an active research component in its derm department but does tend to take a student from the school each year.
2. Is my approach in shooting for derm early, and if I fall short, falling back on psychiatry sound? It's such a gamble to pursue derm with so many unknown factors (grades, board scores, connections, clinical grades, can you shine at your school)?
3. I'm concerned that if I choose the top 25 school that I won't be able to shine as easily amongst a higher-achieving crowd, and thus my derm aspiration could crash before it really even gets started. Is the best approach to derm to first pick the best med school you can absolutely get into and afford, and see where the chips fall?
4. Now that some of you here are 3rd years, 4th years, and even residents and have learned so much about applying to derm, what advice could you give me in pursuing this derm interest that you wish you knew this early in the game when you were picking med schools to attend and before starting med school?
Thank you so much to those that take the time to share their opinion and insight. I'll be reading with much interest.
1. If I have the slightest interest right now, and given that its in your best interest as a future derm applicant to start focusing your interest early, would it be best for me to pick a school that has ACTIVE research going on in its derm department? I'm debating between two schools that both have derm departments. One is a top 25 school with lots of research in derm, the other school is not ranked and does not have an active research component in its derm department but does tend to take a student from the school each year.
2. Is my approach in shooting for derm early, and if I fall short, falling back on psychiatry sound? It's such a gamble to pursue derm with so many unknown factors (grades, board scores, connections, clinical grades, can you shine at your school)?
3. I'm concerned that if I choose the top 25 school that I won't be able to shine as easily amongst a higher-achieving crowd, and thus my derm aspiration could crash before it really even gets started. Is the best approach to derm to first pick the best med school you can absolutely get into and afford, and see where the chips fall?
4. Now that some of you here are 3rd years, 4th years, and even residents and have learned so much about applying to derm, what advice could you give me in pursuing this derm interest that you wish you knew this early in the game when you were picking med schools to attend and before starting med school?
Thank you so much to those that take the time to share their opinion and insight. I'll be reading with much interest.
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