(WAMC) What are my chances for matching into Dermatology?

[asmallchild]

How important is it to submit my ERAS at the earliest possible time, i.e. September 15th? Would it be a significant handicap if I waited due to wanting to give enough time for an attending to write a good recommendation letter? Or would submitting as-is (with one fewer dermatology LOR at least initially), then adding the final dermatology LOR when it is ready be the better move? Thanks a lot.

I remember submitting my application the first day I could. I'm not sure if it makes a big difference since most derm programs do tend to interview later than other specialties. If you already have most of your letters, I don't think it would hurt just to get the application out there and then update (I forget if you can do this?) once you have the final letter.

For the competitive prelim or TY programs, then yes, you do want to get your application out there on Day 1 because they are often first come first interview offered.

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[bluenevus]

I remember submitting my application the first day I could. I'm not sure if it makes a big difference since most derm programs do tend to interview later than other specialties. If you already have most of your letters, I don't think it would hurt just to get the application out there and then update (I forget if you can do this?) once you have the final letter.

For the competitive prelim or TY programs, then yes, you do want to get your application out there on Day 1 because they are often first come first interview offered.

Thank you so much! That makes a lot of sense.

 

[CytokineStorm01]

M4
School: Not a top 10 school.
Step 1: 244
Step 2: Haven't taken it yet.
Class rank: Not sure, either 2nd or 3rd quartile, not AOA.
Clinic: 1 honors, remainder passes.
Research: Case reports, clinical pearls, a book chapter (all derm) plus some non-derm publications. Currently working on more derm papers. 20 conference posters, mostly derm (not sure how much posters are worth when applying).
Extras: Was on executive board of a couple Dermatology Interest Groups both locally and nationally. Was also on a few other executive boards during pre-clinical years.

How possible is it, given my stats? Thanks in advance!

 

[asmallchild]

M4
School: Not a top 10 school.
Step 1: 244
Step 2: Haven't taken it yet.
Class rank: Not sure, either 2nd or 3rd quartile, not AOA.
Clinic: 1 honors, remainder passes.
Research: Case reports, clinical pearls, a book chapter (all derm) plus some non-derm publications. Currently working on more derm papers. 20 conference posters, mostly derm (not sure how much posters are worth when applying).
Extras: Was on executive board of a couple Dermatology Interest Groups both locally and nationally. Was also on a few other executive boards during pre-clinical years.

How possible is it, given my stats? Thanks in advance!

It is definitely possible. I think given your lack of AOA and the clinical grades, I would do at least one if not two aways to try and shine. I would continue working on some research between now and application time. A research year is also a possibility. Other than that, I would advise applying broadly. Good luck!

 

[liasa]

M4, always wanted to do dermatology... worked as a medical assistant for a dermatologist before med school

School: Not a top 10 school with NO home program
Step 1: 250
Step 2: Take it next month
Class rank: AOA
Clinic: my school still does letter grades... all A's in 3rd year rotations
Research: Have a research master of science degree from before med school which ended up with 4 first author pubs (all cancer papers...1 derm paper in melanoma cells), 1 oral abstract presentation at dermpath conference, 5+ poster presentations in derm/nonderm

all my research thus far (besides 2 derm posters) are from before medical school. I'm doing an away rotation as well as research with our sister school's derm department this summer which should give me ~3 LOR from derm ppl...hoping to get some case reports there..... and one more away in a different state after that.

really nervous about not having a home derm program. advice?

 

[asmallchild]

M4, always wanted to do dermatology... worked as a medical assistant for a dermatologist before med school

School: Not a top 10 school with NO home program
Step 1: 250
Step 2: Take it next month
Class rank: AOA
Clinic: my school still does letter grades... all A's in 3rd year rotations
Research: Have a research master of science degree from before med school which ended up with 4 first author pubs (all cancer papers...1 derm paper in melanoma cells), 1 oral abstract presentation at dermpath conference, 5+ poster presentations in derm/nonderm

all my research thus far (besides 2 derm posters) are from before medical school. I'm doing an away rotation as well as research with our sister school's derm department this summer which should give me ~3 LOR from derm ppl...hoping to get some case reports there..... and one more away in a different state after that.

really nervous about not having a home derm program. advice?

I think you're doing fine. Not much you can do now about attending a school with no home program. You may want to do more aways to increase your exposure and I would see if you can add onto your research experience prior to applying

 

[NWwildcat2013]

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[hotelcalifornia]

[deleted]

 

[GoldenFish]

Similar post here. I am also jumping the gun, but I am seeking honest advice on what steps to take at this point.

School: Mid- tier state school
Step 1: 270+
Step 2: Pending. Do derm programs like to see this or should I wait?
Preclinical: Honored everything (doubt that matters much)
Clinical Grades: Pending
Class Rank: Junior AOA is preclinical grades + Step 1 score at my school, so I will probably get that.
Research: None in derm. This is the big concern of mine. I just have 4 pubs from undergrad and a gap year.

Like the poster I quoted, I will also be couples matching but luckily my SO has a high score (250+) and is interested in one of the least competitive specialties. We are completely geographically flexible and actually tend to prefer less competitive areas. Given our flexibility and my SO's interests could couples matching be manageable for us?

I saw above there was some disagreement about whether a Step 1 score such as mine has much added benefit. Would it forgive a glaring deficiency like my lack of research or weak research? I want to find a project soon, so I can at least have something derm specific and not just a few irrelevant basic science pubs.

Due to couples matching, taking a year off would be something I wish to avoid if possible. Can I assemble a competitive derm application in such short time or will I need a gap year? Basically, I am curious whether I've missed the boat for derm or not.

You are in a great position. Junior AOA plus an above average Step score even for Derm are excellent. No the 270+ won't give you much benefit past others with good scores. If you're just starting your third year, you definitely have time to get involved in some form of Derm research. Get in touch with your home department asap and try to have a few case reports published or in progress by the time ERAS rolls around. Taking a research is not at all necessary unless you are wanting to target programs that place a heavy emphasis on research. This is also complicated by the fact that you have a partner with whom you are matching.

Clinical grades are important, so try to H as much as you can, especially IM and Srug, to give yourself the best chance possible (I don't think you'll have much trouble).

Given your partner's high scores, couple's matching is unlikely to impede you in any way. There will be little benefit to taking Step 2 early besides getting it out of the way. Keep doing what you're doing - it's obviously working - and you'll be fine.

 

[Coldplayfan123]

Any tips for an individual:

Non white/non black male
244 Step 1
265 Step 2
3.9 GPA, AOA Unknown, decent shot though

2 case reports - 1 derm
1 derm poster

Weak-medium ECs, volunteer
Medium letters
Great…personality? XD

Home derm program director likes individual. Mid tier allopathic state school.

Any shot? Worried about low Step 1. Especially considering average step 1 251 this past year for accepted applicants apparently?

Curious, any advantage to being male? Assuming no, but who knows.

Looking for honest responses! I know there's little shot at UCSD, but basically aim to hopefully get aways at low tier programs? Mid tier?

Research year necessary?

 

[Dermamaebi]

Any possibilities?

Lower-tier U.S. med school with no derm dept
Step 1 227
Just finished MS3: 1 honors and 2 HP's
(Never been a good test taker, national exams or shelf exams)
Currently doing a derm research year at another respectable institution
Not taken Step 2 yet

I am committed, but I would appreciate some realistic expectations and possibilities after this research year

Thanks.

 

[asmallchild]

Any tips for an individual:

Non white/non black male
244 Step 1
265 Step 2
3.9 GPA, AOA Unknown, decent shot though

2 case reports - 1 derm
1 derm poster

Weak-medium ECs, volunteer
Medium letters
Great…personality? XD

Home derm program director likes individual. Mid tier allopathic state school.

Any shot? Worried about low Step 1. Especially considering average step 1 251 this past year for accepted applicants apparently?

Curious, any advantage to being male? Assuming no, but who knows.

Looking for honest responses! I know there's little shot at UCSD, but basically aim to hopefully get aways at low tier programs? Mid tier?

Research year necessary?

I think everything looks fine. Nothing you can do about your Step 1 at this point. Some programs favor a male applicant, most just take the best available applicant. My advice would be to apply broadly and not worry about dream programs / tiers. Once you have your interviews, you can start arranging a rank order list. I don't think a research year is necessary but as always, it will usually help more than hurt.

 

[asmallchild]

Any possibilities?

Lower-tier U.S. med school with no derm dept
Step 1 227
Just finished MS3: 1 honors and 2 HP's
(Never been a good test taker, national exams or shelf exams)
Currently doing a derm research year at another respectable institution
Not taken Step 2 yet

I am committed, but I would appreciate some realistic expectations and possibilities after this research year

Thanks.

I think you are facing an uphill climb. That Step 1 score will hurt you unfortunately. It's good that you are doing a research year, hopefully it is at a program that has a history of taking its own research fellow as that will probably be your best shot. Nonetheless, I would still recommend applying broadly and I think in your case, fitting in as many away rotations as possible will be beneficial.

 

[Coldplayfan123]

I think everything looks fine. Nothing you can do about your Step 1 at this point. Some programs favor a male applicant, most just take the best available applicant. My advice would be to apply broadly and not worry about dream programs / tiers. Once you have your interviews, you can start arranging a rank order list. I don't think a research year is necessary but as always, it will usually help more than hurt.

Thanks…I really want to go into academic medical derm, possibly dermpath. Going to talk it over with my school's PD next week. Gahhh, but yeah, wish the Step 1 was a little higher, but hey I'll see what I can do. Thanks for the tips.

Also, nice scope.

 

[HeyGirl323]

I am currently doing my intern year in a FM program. However I realize that I've made a huge mistake. During med school I loved my Derm rotation but I was scared to go for it because of how competitive the field was and for the fact there are no Derm residencies close to home. I have a family so going back home was number 1 priority. So I thought I did the next best thing and do FM. I could match to program close to home and do Derm in the FM specialty. Plus there was a lot of family pressure to pursue FM.

I know I'm only a few weeks in, but I know in my gut I did the wrong thing. I hate the "bread and butter" of FM. The diabetes, htn, just the full scope of it all. I would much rather be a specialist than a generalist. Nothing excites me about this field. It's too much of everything. Too many things we have to know, too much paperwork, and too many hours. So idk what to do.

Since I didn't think I would do Derm in school my application isn't th best. I'm not AOA and have no research. My step 1-228 step 2-246. Basically what can I do to get into a Derm program? Is it possible to apply for a Derm research fellowship after intern year? Should I suck it up and complete my program and reapply after? I'm just so unhappy right now and can't imagine living through three years of this and I'm so angry at myself for giving in to family pressures and not even trying. And it's not the intern blues. My hours and workload isn't that bad it's just the work itself.

 

[sore eye asses]

What did you love about derm?

Less to know? Shorter work week? Less paperwork?

If so, I'd reapply and lead with these concepts in the first paragraph of your personal statement.

 

[Slack3r]

I am currently doing my intern year in a FM program. However I realize that I've made a huge mistake. During med school I loved my Derm rotation but I was scared to go for it because of how competitive the field was and for the fact there are no Derm residencies close to home. I have a family so going back home was number 1 priority. So I thought I did the next best thing and do FM. I could match to program close to home and do Derm in the FM specialty. Plus there was a lot of family pressure to pursue FM.

I know I'm only a few weeks in, but I know in my gut I did the wrong thing. I hate the "bread and butter" of FM. The diabetes, htn, just the full scope of it all. I would much rather be a specialist than a generalist. Nothing excites me about this field. It's too much of everything. Too many things we have to know, too much paperwork, and too many hours. So idk what to do.

Since I didn't think I would do Derm in school my application isn't th best. I'm not AOA and have no research. My step 1-228 step 2-246. Basically what can I do to get into a Derm program? Is it possible to apply for a Derm research fellowship after intern year? Should I suck it up and complete my program and reapply after? I'm just so unhappy right now and can't imagine living through three years of this and I'm so angry at myself for giving in to family pressures and not even trying. And it's not the intern blues. My hours and workload isn't that bad it's just the work itself.

You have no research, you're not AOA, your step 1 score is below the national average, your step 2 is just ok. Unless you're related to a faculty member, I'd say you're gonna have a borderline impossible time matching. In FM you get a lot of exposure to derm anyway, best to stick with that.

 

[HeyGirl323]

I was just saying that's what I dislike about FM. I wasn't trying to imply that Derm was the opposite and therefore that's why I liked it. I loved dermatology because it fascinates me. I was always excited to go to the clinic and then go home and study all the pathology I saw that day. I don't feel the same about any other field. I also like the variety of Derm and how conditions can vary on how it presents itself. It surprised me on how vast the field is but I liked the challenge of it. I also enjoyed the path aspect of it and looking at biopsies at a microscopic level. I'm a very visual person and Derm definitely caters to that part of my personality. It's visual AND hands on work. Using my hands and doing Derm procedures was a great thrill for me, and for the most part it provided instant gratification. I know I can do some of that in FM too but I wouldn't be able to do that all day everyday and I wouldn't be an expert.

 

[sore eye asses]

Helpful clarification...but as slacker pointed out, you've a steep mountain to climb. Like Everest compared to simply finishing your FP residency. Maybe you have the constitution and fortitude for it. I wish you luck.

To answer your earlier question, you'd be better off going for fellowship after intern year than finishing your FP residency and then applying for derm.

 

[sore eye asses]

You may also consider completing a path residency and then applying for derm.

 

[Tungsten5]

Primarily interested in EM, but I did a lot better on Step 1 than I expected and so have been shadowing things I thought I never had a hope of matching into. Turns out I sort of like Derm, but am still not really sure. I want to keep my options open until I can decide between EM, Derm, and some other fields I am thinking about. Just want to know if it's something I even have a chance at!

School: Average MD state school with home derm program
Step 1: 252
Preclinical: P/F, no class ranking. No AOAs
Clinical: No grades yet!
Research: Two pre-med school posters, 1 Ortho related 5th author major study (with 2 presentations of it), currently doing an EM project that should net me first author. No derm related stuff!
Other: I like to think I'm pretty normal and easy-going? I am by nature indecisive though in life decisions like this...

Thoughts?

 

[FIREitUP]

Helpful clarification...but as slacker pointed out, you've a steep mountain to climb. Like Everest compared to simply finishing your FP residency. Maybe you have the constitution and fortitude for it. I wish you luck.

To answer your earlier question, you'd be better off going for fellowship after intern year than finishing your FP residency and then applying for derm.

I don't know if I necessarily agree. If OP does a productive research year I think he/she can probably make it. I know of others with similar stats who have done what OP has done with a research year. It's not impossible, probably not super easy, but I wouldn't liken it to climbing everest.

 

[asmallchild]

Primarily interested in EM, but I did a lot better on Step 1 than I expected and so have been shadowing things I thought I never had a hope of matching into. Turns out I sort of like Derm, but am still not really sure. I want to keep my options open until I can decide between EM, Derm, and some other fields I am thinking about. Just want to know if it's something I even have a chance at!

School: Average MD state school with home derm program
Step 1: 252
Preclinical: P/F, no class ranking. No AOAs
Clinical: No grades yet!
Research: Two pre-med school posters, 1 Ortho related 5th author major study (with 2 presentations of it), currently doing an EM project that should net me first author. No derm related stuff!
Other: I like to think I'm pretty normal and easy-going? I am by nature indecisive though in life decisions like this...

Thoughts?

It's still early but everything looks good here. I'd recommend shadowing some more, finding out if you really like derm, and then perhaps starting some research projects with your home derm department if you are truly interested. Good luck!

 

[asmallchild]

I am currently doing my intern year in a FM program. However I realize that I've made a huge mistake. During med school I loved my Derm rotation but I was scared to go for it because of how competitive the field was and for the fact there are no Derm residencies close to home. I have a family so going back home was number 1 priority. So I thought I did the next best thing and do FM. I could match to program close to home and do Derm in the FM specialty. Plus there was a lot of family pressure to pursue FM.

I know I'm only a few weeks in, but I know in my gut I did the wrong thing. I hate the "bread and butter" of FM. The diabetes, htn, just the full scope of it all. I would much rather be a specialist than a generalist. Nothing excites me about this field. It's too much of everything. Too many things we have to know, too much paperwork, and too many hours. So idk what to do.

Since I didn't think I would do Derm in school my application isn't th best. I'm not AOA and have no research. My step 1-228 step 2-246. Basically what can I do to get into a Derm program? Is it possible to apply for a Derm research fellowship after intern year? Should I suck it up and complete my program and reapply after? I'm just so unhappy right now and can't imagine living through three years of this and I'm so angry at myself for giving in to family pressures and not even trying. And it's not the intern blues. My hours and workload isn't that bad it's just the work itself.

I ended up moving your post since it's more of a "What are my chances" theme.

I think with no AOA, no research, and a subpar Step 1, as others have already stated, you are facing an uphill climb. I think applying for a research fellowship after intern year is probably going to be your best bet. If you are truly interested in derm, I would NOT complete your FM program but would leave after your first year to preserve your funding.

The one thing you'll have to come to grips with is whether or not you are willing to make that leap of faith without any guarantees. I don't think finding a research fellowship will be difficult but there is no guarantee that will lead to a derm residency position. I would say even with a research fellowship, your chances of matching aren't great. But if you are truly that unhappy and are truly that passionate about derm, I would say roll the dice and give it a shot.

 

[byaaaaaaah23]

Do prelim/TY programs expect to see a separate personal statement or can I use the same one as for derm programs?

 

[asmallchild]

Do prelim/TY programs expect to see a separate personal statement or can I use the same one as for derm programs?

You can probably use the same personal statement. That being said, if it's a particularly competitive prelim / TY program, you may want to craft a specific personal statement to make your application stand out.

 

[castlebus]

Just got my step score back and figured I would post here.

School: Top 30
Step 1: 238
Preclinical: P/F, no class ranking
Clinical: No grades yet
Research: 2 poster presentations

It's not much to go off, but I'm wondering how much the low step score will hold me back. Is it still worth trying, and if so, what should I be trying to do at this point (besides trying to get good clinical grades)? How much would a research year help?

 

[asmallchild]

Just got my step score back and figured I would post here.

School: Top 30
Step 1: 238
Preclinical: P/F, no class ranking
Clinical: No grades yet
Research: 2 poster presentations

It's not much to go off, but I'm wondering how much the low step score will hold me back. Is it still worth trying, and if so, what should I be trying to do at this point (besides trying to get good clinical grades)? How much would a research year help?

It's still worth trying. Your Step 1 score may eliminate you from certain programs. Good clinical grades and getting to know your home department and starting some research are two big keys. A research year is always helpful, particularly for someone with a deficiency on their application (It's been a while since I've seen the national numbers, I'm sure 238 should still be considered above average when compared to the national average but it likely puts you below many programs' filter of 240 and puts you below the average matched Step 1 score which is reportedly in the 250s now)

 

[UVAB]

Hello everyone! First-time poster here.

School: Top 10 school
Step 1: 262
Step 2: 255
Class rank: N/A
Clinic: 50% Honors/50% High Pass

My question is about my Step 2 score (which I just got back). Does it look bad that my Step 2 score ended up being lower than my Step 1? I know most people score higher on Step 2, so I'm not sure what to make of this. Thanks in advance.

 

[asmallchild]

Hello everyone! First-time poster here.

School: Top 10 school
Step 1: 262
Step 2: 255
Class rank: N/A
Clinic: 50% Honors/50% High Pass

My question is about my Step 2 score (which I just got back). Does it look bad that my Step 2 score ended up being lower than my Step 1? I know most people score higher on Step 2, so I'm not sure what to make of this. Thanks in advance.

Most programs won't even look, I wouldn't worry about it

 

[nymedstudent874]

School: Average MD school w/ home program
Step 1: 238
Class Rank: somewhere in the middle slightly above the mean
Clinical: No grades yet
Research: 1 poster, 1 AAD grant funded research project, 1 derm RRC presentation (all during college)
Other: Good relationship with a (now) chair of dermatology at a university program- did research with this person prior to med school.

I didn't have time to really pursue any research during the first two years but i'm hoping to catch up during M3. I was hoping to break 240 on step 1 but i was borderline on my practice tests, ended up below my practice test average. Do i still have a shot? Should i take a research year?

 

[asmallchild]

School: Average MD school w/ home program
Step 1: 238
Class Rank: somewhere in the middle slightly above the mean
Clinical: No grades yet
Research: 1 poster, 1 AAD grant funded research project, 1 derm RRC presentation (all during college)
Other: Good relationship with a (now) chair of dermatology at a university program- did research with this person prior to med school.

I didn't have time to really pursue any research during the first two years but i'm hoping to catch up during M3. I was hoping to break 240 on step 1 but i was borderline on my practice tests, ended up below my practice test average. Do i still have a shot? Should i take a research year?

Your Step 1 score will likely put you below quite a few filters.

I agree you will need to do more research ideally with your home program as an MS3

You have a shot, a research year will obviously improve your odds. I don't think you necessarily need to take a research year but if there is any interest in doing so, I always recommend having it under your belt come application time.

 

[ThinkingSkin18]

Throwaway account, current 3rd year, just trying to get an idea where I stand. Interested in academics.

School: Top 10
Step 1: 260
Step 2: Not taken yet.
Class rank: Probably upper 1/3
Clinic: No grades yet, honors in 2 of 2 medicine sub-rotations so far
Research:
22 publications, including submitted papers. 13 first author.
21 abstracts/posters/oral presentations.
None derm related.
Extras: Nothing of note. Intramural sports, working out.

Not sure if I'm set on derm yet but strongly interested. Anything else I should be doing? Might get involved in derm research soon, but I don't do my rotation until after Christmas break.

 

[ultrajuice]

It's still worth trying. Your Step 1 score may eliminate you from certain programs. Good clinical grades and getting to know your home department and starting some research are two big keys. A research year is always helpful, particularly for someone with a deficiency on their application (It's been a while since I've seen the national numbers, I'm sure 238 should still be considered above average when compared to the national average but it likely puts you below many programs' filter of 240 and puts you below the average matched Step 1 score which is reportedly in the 250s now)

With this 240 filter, what would happen with someone whose score is exactly 240?

 

[asmallchild]

Throwaway account, current 3rd year, just trying to get an idea where I stand. Interested in academics.

School: Top 10
Step 1: 260
Step 2: Not taken yet.
Class rank: Probably upper 1/3
Clinic: No grades yet, honors in 2 of 2 medicine sub-rotations so far
Research:
22 publications, including submitted papers. 13 first author.
21 abstracts/posters/oral presentations.
None derm related.
Extras: Nothing of note. Intramural sports, working out.

Not sure if I'm set on derm yet but strongly interested. Anything else I should be doing? Might get involved in derm research soon, but I don't do my rotation until after Christmas break.

You are in good shape. Research is nice, but derm research is better. If you feel like you can handle 3rd year, I would get started and introduce yourself to your home department as soon as you can.

 

[asmallchild]

With this 240 filter, what would happen with someone whose score is exactly 240?

I don't think there's a set answer. It depends how many applicants they have (if it's higher than what they are used to, maybe they exclude those with 240 on the dot).

It depends on your connections (I've known multiple people who have finished below the national average for Step 1 scores and matched because they knew or were related to the right people).

Not every program uses a filter.

Some have one even higher (250+)

Not much any of us can do about it, do the best you can on Step 1, make as many connections as you can, and the chips will fall where they fall.

 

[ThinkingSkin18]

You are in good shape. Research is nice, but derm research is better. If you feel like you can handle 3rd year, I would get started and introduce yourself to your home department as soon as you can.

Thanks, I appreciate the response. I'll send a couple emails soon and see if there is anything I can get involved with for derm research. 3rd year is busy but I definitely feel like there is time to fit in some side research projects.

 

[ultrajuice]

I don't think there's a set answer. It depends how many applicants they have (if it's higher than what they are used to, maybe they exclude those with 240 on the dot).

It depends on your connections (I've known multiple people who have finished below the national average for Step 1 scores and matched because they knew or were related to the right people).

Not every program uses a filter.

Some have one even higher (250+)

Not much any of us can do about it, do the best you can on Step 1, make as many connections as you can, and the chips will fall where they fall.

Thanks. Looks like I'll have to work on those connections then.

 

[end of july]

I'm thinking of doing family medicine and then i'll just refer to myself as a "skin specialist." I can essentially build up a dermatology practice from there. Any thoughts on this?

 

[asmallchild]

I'm thinking of doing family medicine and then i'll just refer to myself as a "skin specialist." I can essentially build up a dermatology practice from there. Any thoughts on this?

My thought is that trolling will get you into trouble.

Per your 10 post history, you got rejected from medical school in 2013, have a radiology PD in 2016, and are considering a family medicine residency afterwards? You should get your story straight.

 

[end of july]

My thought is that trolling will get you into trouble.

Per your 10 post history, you got rejected from medical school in 2013, have a radiology PD in 2016, and are considering a family medicine residency afterwards? You should get your story straight.

Busted, but my question stands. On my derm rotation one of the attendings suggested this to a classmate who was interested in derm but didn't have the scores. I was wondering if the family medicine/skin specialist is legitimate?

 

[asmallchild]

Busted, but my question stands. On my derm rotation one of the attendings suggested this to a classmate who was interested in derm but didn't have the scores. I was wondering if the family medicine/skin specialist is legitimate?

You can tell your "classmate" that it depends where he/she wants to practice.

Middle of nowhere? Sure, the patients don't have a choice.

In most places where people have reasonable access to a dermatologist, "skin specialists" who are not boarded in dermatology are very quickly exposed.

My personal (probably unpopular) opinion on this is to have some courage and conviction. You want to do derm but don't have the scores? Take the long road, make the connections, do the research fellowships, and take the leap of faith to get into a derm residency (even though there is no guarantee). If not, find something else you are passionate about and be the very best at that.

Why bother getting a medical degree if you are going to half ass it by doing family medicine and then "practicing" the level of dermatology that is covered by midlevels. (And probably not even that much, midlevels in dermatology have dermatology attendings to rely on for difficult cases. Which dermatologist are you going to find to train/mentor/oversee a non-derm-boarded family medicine resident?)

 

[end of july]

You can tell your "classmate" that it depends where he/she wants to practice.

Why bother getting a medical degree if you are going to half ass it by doing family medicine and then "practicing" the level of dermatology that is covered by midlevels.

I disagree. I think if your passion is dermatology and you don't have the scores, family medicine and studying up on dermatology a lot seems like the best route. You're still a MD.

 

[asmallchild]

I disagree. I think if your passion is dermatology and you don't have the scores, family medicine and studying up on dermatology a lot seems like the best route. You're still a MD.

You are welcome to any career path you'd like. Don't be surprised if your clinic underwhelms. If it were that simple, everyone would do it...

 

[username456789]

I disagree. I think if your passion is dermatology and you don't have the scores, family medicine and studying up on dermatology a lot seems like the best route. You're still a MD.

"Everybody wants to be a Dermatologist, but nobody wants to lift no heavy-ass weights."
-Ronnie Coleman

 

[Dral]

Agree that in areas without derms, family mederm can work, but I'm not sure how one would get the training necessary to be competent with the tough cases.

As brought up above, our PAs often are on 'acute' scheduling meaning they get the ppl that need to be seen sooner than what most of our schedules allow...so they get to see rashes and a bunch of the tougher stuff. They are quite competent, but they also have dermatologists who they are learning from and who they can grab on the tough cases.

That doesn't happen for a family mederm out in east nowhere....best they have is to either fudge it or refer to the closest derm/academic center.

This is an interesting topic, but is admittedly fairly OT.

 

[bluenevus]

How important is it to click "submit" on the day ERAS opens? I'm trying to contextualize my neuroticism. How long is too long to wait - especially when considering when writers are able to finish writing their letters - and when are your chances of an interview invitation affected by lateness? This has probably been asked before, so I'm sorry for the redundancy. Thank you for always being so helpful.

 

[yoyohomieg5432]

hey guys, I'm 1.5 months into my M3 year and starting to consider derm seriously at the moment. I'm just looking for advice mainly on whether or not it's too late for me to "start to get involved" in derm at this point, as it seems like most people have been doing derm things since M1 or M2. I'm working on building my research credentials at this point, but up to this point it is all in radiology related things as this was what I went into med school thinking i wanted to do. will having a background of all radiology-esque research hurt me a lot? what about if i start doing derm research this year?

School: Mid- tier state school
Step 1: 260-264
Step 2: I'm M3.
Preclinical: Honors and high pass everything
Clinical Grades: None as of now as I just started M3.
Research: None in derm. I have 4 different radiology related projects I've worked on.. the project and their results are below
1. This one is submitted for abstract and pending to hear back. game plan is it will eventually be a paper (2nd author for me)
2. My main project. Abstract was accepted and I have a presentation at a national conference. I hope to publish this as well. (first author)
3. A side project. Accepted abstract and poster. It will be at 2 different conferences (one national, one smaller) (2nd author)
4. A former side projectd. Accepted abstract and it was presented. 2 posters out of it. I didn't present though (4th author)

So no publiciations as of yet, but hopefuly a couple are in the process of getting to that point.

What can I do to give myself the best chance? Or is it too late at this point?

 

[asmallchild]

How important is it to click "submit" on the day ERAS opens? I'm trying to contextualize my neuroticism. How long is too long to wait - especially when considering when writers are able to finish writing their letters - and when are your chances of an interview invitation affected by lateness? This has probably been asked before, so I'm sorry for the redundancy. Thank you for always being so helpful.

Derm programs tend to offer interviews later than most. That being said, the quicker you can submit a completed application, the better. More and more programs are starting to interview in tiers so it's not unheard of to start getting derm invites for November and December

 

[asmallchild]

hey guys, I'm 1.5 months into my M3 year and starting to consider derm seriously at the moment. I'm just looking for advice mainly on whether or not it's too late for me to "start to get involved" in derm at this point, as it seems like most people have been doing derm things since M1 or M2. I'm working on building my research credentials at this point, but up to this point it is all in radiology related things as this was what I went into med school thinking i wanted to do. will having a background of all radiology-esque research hurt me a lot? what about if i start doing derm research this year?

School: Mid- tier state school
Step 1: 260-264
Step 2: I'm M3.
Preclinical: Honors and high pass everything
Clinical Grades: None as of now as I just started M3.
Research: None in derm. I have 4 different radiology related projects I've worked on.. the project and their results are below
1. This one is submitted for abstract and pending to hear back. game plan is it will eventually be a paper (2nd author for me)
2. My main project. Abstract was accepted and I have a presentation at a national conference. I hope to publish this as well. (first author)
3. A side project. Accepted abstract and poster. It will be at 2 different conferences (one national, one smaller) (2nd author)
4. A former side projectd. Accepted abstract and it was presented. 2 posters out of it. I didn't present though (4th author)

So no publiciations as of yet, but hopefuly a couple are in the process of getting to that point.

What can I do to give myself the best chance? Or is it too late at this point?

You are in good shape. I think your stats are good enough where you don't necessarily need a year off for research. My recommendation would be to introduce yourself to your home department and start working on some research