I am an international applicant to derm from Europe and wanted to see if anyone had advice about programs to apply to. It seems like California applicants have to obtain a PTAL letter before applying...does anyone know if there are any state specific requirements out there that we need to apply for other than the ECFMG certification...any advice greatly appreciated.
As far as certification goes, a lot of it depends on which school you attended. There is a big difference between having a BMBCh from Oxford and having an MD/MBBS from a for-profit school that has only been open for 5 years. There is a large spectrum between these two situations, which I assume you fall into. Also, there are certain schools who have a better reputation for sending people to the states.
Regardless, you'll need a california letter. You can't get one of these unless your school has been around for a set amount of time (20 years I think) and has gone through the other paperwork/certifications that california demands. Other states that have many hoops to jump through are Texas, Pennsylvania and Florida.
As far as Derm advice, obviously this is a very tough mountain to climb. There are many ways to go about it, but all include applying broadly. I'll list out your options by the amount of time required to do them. All require academic excellence, strong interpersonal skills, persistence and a LOT of luck.
If you have the opportunity to schedule an "away" rotation or research elective at a place, do it. If you are the perfect candidate and have a sterling personality, maybe you can match into a program straight out.
4 Years minimum.
I would also seriously consider doing a research fellowship for 1-2 years. This is easier said than done, because the spots are often very difficult to come by. Then try to apply to dermatology.
5-6 Years minimum.
Also, you could consider doing a 3 year Internal Medicine residency (at a place with a Dermatology residency) and try to build good in-roads there. This is also easier said than done.
6 Years minimum.
You could also consider combining the 2 above steps. IM residency, plus a 2 year research fellowship in dermatology, then apply to dermatology.
8 years minimum.
Another way is to do a 4 year Pathology residency at the most prestigious place possible, then do a 1 year dermpath fellowship (VERY difficult, because Dermatologists/Pathologists apply for the same spots) and then apply for Dermatology. Some programs may find matching a double-boarded Clinical/Anatomical and Dermatopathologist highly desirable. You would then have to do a 1 year internship (because the Path PGY-1 year doesn't count) and 3 years of Clinical Dermatology residency.
9 years minimum.
Good luck. I hope things work out for you.
