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10 chars....
sdnetrocks said:- I really like using a stethoscope...
sdnetrocks said:What if I apply to dermatology and an internal medicine internship, and then decide during the internship that I actually want to do internal medicine. Would it be feasible to switch residencies mid-stream (+/- at the same institution) and finish internal medicine in the regular 3 total years?
RaaMD said:lifestyle and money seem meaningless with out some type of passion for dermatology
cdql said:OK...maybe passion is too strong a word
Let's go with interest. One should at least have some interest in the field of dermatology when applying for such a residency. Lifestyle and salary are great but you can get lifestyle and salary in more fields than just derm. A lil bit of interest in the field will go a long way in making someone happy down the road.
p53 said:Spoken just like some idealistic attending with no clue on today's competitive environment.
It is doubtful someone has a "passion" for dermatology as a 3rd year or even as a 4th year student.
sdnetrocks said:I honestly cannot imagine a better lifestyle in medicine... And it does involve direct patient care (vs. rads/path/?gas?). And there's an opportunity to do procedures, which are simple enough IMHO that even I could be trained to do them, yet seemingly satisfying. So those are all good things.
RaaMD said:Believe me p53, i have have no doubt that there are medical students with a "passion" for dermatology. i know several actually. Whether they actually make it there is one thing, but the strong interest is certainly not questionable. These students were once eczema or psoriasis patients and one had a brother with ichthyosis and so they know what it is like to suffer with a skin disease.
cdql said:Good point.
I should warn you though: program directors HATE it when you cite that as a reason for liking derm. "My uncle had psoriasis blah blah blah and now I love derm!"
It's certainly a valid reason but there should be some more concrete evidence to show your commitment to derm.
porokeratosis said:Agreed. If you personally have a skin disease or have a relative with a skin disease and this motivated you to pursue Derm, then you should have evidence of your strong interest and commitment. Evidence of this includes Derm research, publications, Derm electives, and excellent letters of recommendations from Derm attendings. You don't necessarily need all of these factors. But the more "feathers" you have, the stronger your Derm application becomes.
Please remember, the competition in Derm is fierce. If you have mediocre or poor grades and USMLE scores, your chances of matching into Derm will be low. You will still need great grades (Top 15-20% of your class or better) and great USMLE scores (> 230-240) to stand a decent chance.
p53 said:Spoken just like some idealistic attending with no clue on today's competitive environment.
It is doubtful someone has a "passion" for dermatology as a 3rd year or even as a 4th year student.
porokeratosis said:Agreed. If you personally have a skin disease or have a relative with a skin disease and this motivated you to pursue Derm, then you should have evidence of your strong interest and commitment. Evidence of this includes Derm research, publications, Derm electives, and excellent letters of recommendations from Derm attendings. You don't necessarily need all of these factors. But the more "feathers" you have, the stronger your Derm application becomes.
Please remember, the competition in Derm is fierce. If you have mediocre or poor grades and USMLE scores, your chances of matching into Derm will be low. You will still need great grades (Top 15-20% of your class or better) and great USMLE scores (> 230-240) to stand a decent chance.
bigfrank said:
neutropenic said:Must like acne and warts.
Should be fascinated with Stevens Johnson, Erythema Multiforme, and TEN.
If male may possibly pop woody with mention of Nikolsky's sign.