My step I score was in the 250's.
You're correct, derm is one of the more competitive specialties.
what I really wanted to ask lol
I think the line between what a FP treats what he/she refers to a specialist (in any field, not just derm) largely depends on the comfort level of that individual FP. I think most FPs are comfortable managing basic dermatologic issues - mild eczema/acne, common skin infections, warts...and these issues rarely require a referral to a dermatologist unless the FP's initial treatments fail. I've seen a small handful of FPs in the community who will biopsy lesions that they think are concerning for skin cancer, and only refer to derm if the biopsy is positive. Generally anything more complex than that will result in a referral to a dermatologist.
I came into medical school thinking that I wanted to go into a procedural or surgical field. I was initially thinking about ENT or plastics, but after shadowing as an MS1, I realized that I hated being in the OR. I spent some time in the derm clinic later on that year, pretty much decided it was what I wanted to do.
I think the stereotypical derm archetype is someone who is fairly fastidious and detail oriented in their work, but is also social and values the prospect of having a life outside the hospital.
Residents in all specialties make about $50,000 per year; some hospitals in cities with high cost of living (NYC, SF, etc) pay slightly more.
No unattractive person has ever matched in derm. Ever. All of us moonlight as models.
1. As interesting as some of the surgeries were, I simply didn't enjoy standing there for hours on end, swathed from head to toe in a stuffy sterile gown, while living in perpetual fear of moving incorrectly and contaminating myself or the field. I also didn't really enjoy working with the personalities that the OR typically attracts.1. What did you hate about the OR?
2. Whenever I visit my dermatologist, I get the sense that he's always in a hurry to get to the next patient. Do you ever get tired from the pace of things? I would think that rushing from room to room all day would become a bit tedious after awhile.
3. What are the most common conditions?
4. Do you think that derm could be, somewhat, recession proof?
Thanks in advance!
I thought about ENT and plastics early on in med school, but I saw the light before the end of my 1st year.
Drawing parallels between working as a makeup artist and clinical dermatology on your application or in an interview (for residency, or for med school for that matter) is an excellent way to ensure that your application ends up in the recycling bin.
Would it be beneficial at all to a derm app if a nontrad med student had five or so years as a corporate trainer/ makeup artist for a big name cosmetic company or is it kind of fluffy to mention? The principles between what I did and derm have a lot of parallels
Is it strange the two fields I love are emergency medicine and derm?
Thanks for starting this
No unattractive person has ever matched in derm. Ever. All of us moonlight as models.
If skin is dry, do you think it's a good idea to recommend wetting it?
What do you do if it's too wet?
I'm just kidding. We all know if it's too wet you dry it.
I'm just kidding. We all know if it's too wet you dry it.
No unattractive person has ever matched in derm. Ever. All of us moonlight as models.
Ok, I am really just kidding this time. I thought people would get more of a laugh out of it. I guess not.
Impressive, man! nygiants fan, you sound like a very studious and sharp-witted guy.
1. I didn't really have a contingency plan at the time. In retrospect, I might have done anesthesia (also procedural, tend to be the most pleasant people in the OR).
I think necrotic, infected foot and leg ulcers are pretty disgusting, but we don't deal with them very often.
If you look at the statistics, only about 50% of successful applicants are AOA - that's a higher percentage than in just about any other specialty, but still not a majority. Some programs do use AOA status as a screening criterion for interviews, but I think they're in the minority. I have a couple of friends who successfully matched on their first try without being AOA - but they all still had excellent grades and board scores. That said, if you're serious about going into dermatology, I'd still do my best to get in.
1. I scored a 36 on the MCAT.
No. Vaccinia infections are exceptionally rare, reportable occurrences.
I attended an Ivy League college, and went to med school at a well regarded (but certainly not Harvard/Hopkins/WashU caliber) school.
I'm single.
Yes. If you look at AMGA data, radiation oncologists earn about $75,000 more, on average, than dermatologists. They also work very similar hours.
I don't, and I actually don't think any of my co-resident do either (at least that I know of).
There is ample evidence in the literature to show that nonmelanoma skin cancers and their precursor lesions are directly linked to UV-exposure, and that regular sunscreen use significantly decreases their incidence. The evidence isn't as strong for melanoma skin cancers (which, with a few exceptions, aren't as closely lined with UV-exposure). Overall, we generally do recommend daily sunscreen use for all of our patients.
It's possible, and I know people who have done it, but I don't think its the best time.
