Hi everyone!!! I am a 4th year DO student. I have been hearing so much about derm and I am interested. One of the things that scares me of this field is the intense intimidation of the competiveness of the field and whether I should do a rotation in Derm someplace.

My first year grades are somewhat medicore but my 3rd and 4th year grades are great. My board scores are average.

I have published over 8 articles where I am mostly a primary author and I am also a primary author of a book chapter in a well known chemistry journal.

I am not sure if my research is enough to carry me through the residency competiveness. I would love to have some feed back and advice on if I should still pursue derm or use my publications for other competive residency programs.

Dont know what to do.

Are you looking for an allopathic derm residency or a DO one? You are more fortunate in that you can broaden your chances and apply to both osteo and allo.

I also hear a STRONG LOR from a derm "don" or heavy hitter is key. Names and connections mean alot since it is a small world. Do you have any of this on your side? It will help you out alot