Dermatology

[Jubali]

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Does anybody an idea of what are the criteria (are there are any set criteria?) for candidate selection for dermatology residencies in the mid-Atlantic/New England regions? Does a PhD help?


I know this is a very general inquiry...should any one have any pointers, I would be grateful.

 

[rad]

#1 better have some solid connections like letters from top academicians, research work, etc.
#2 exceptional academic credentials.
#3 PhD helps
#4 dedication to an academic career
#5 Luck

 

[neutropeniaboy]

•••quote:•••Originally posted by rad:
•#1 better have some solid connections like letters from top academicians, research work, etc.
#2 exceptional academic credentials.
#3 PhD helps
#4 dedication to an academic career
#5 Luck•••••Given that I know some people with all of these didn't match and that I know some people with none of these matched in dermatology, I'd say that getting into a dermatology is completely unpredictable!

But, I agree. As it is one of the hardest residencies to get into these days, I'd say you'd have to be at the top of all things as well. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[Acinetobacter]

On match day, I saw several of my friends match into dermatology. Knowing them well and their credentials well, I can say that the most important thing for matching into dermis to find a department and start kissing some tail and trying to make a good impression. Of the 4 people that I know who matched into derm, none were AOA, none had PhDs. All 4 were smart but no smarter than anyone else. However, all 4 found a mentor in the derm depts of their choosing. They did some research with their mentors and tried to meet everyone in the department. Don't get me wrong. These are 4 very capable and very nice individuals, but they are by no means extraordinary.

Actually, this is true for many specialties. You'd be surprised to hear how many people get into very competitive specialties using a back door approach. There are even some spots that no one else knows about and aren't included in the official match listings.

 

[medgirl02]

Dermatology is a very small specialty and it's like being in a small town.

Everyone knows everyone else, and they can be very gossipy and clique-ish. Understand that residencies are JOBS. People are initially going to evaluate you based on whether or not they think they can work with you for the next 3-5 years. And like jobs in the real world, it really can be all about who you know.

Stellar CVs are a plus, but if you want a specific residency, make some connections. Befriend the residents, and do a rotation at the program and be a super-star. Finally, spend some serious time with the dermatologists in your community. Find out what connections they have and if they are willing to use them for you.

I speak from experience here. Although I ultimately chose a different area of medicine, I have a lot of connections in Dermatology (I worked at a clinic for 3 years). I was offered an "unofficial position" at two excellent programs (and they said they would put it in writing). I am certainly not top of my class, I intend to be a clinician, I did not ace my boards, and I have never done research.

Good luck with your applications!!