Do I need a derm research year?

Started by migi23
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

migi23

Full Member
2+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Current M3 at a mid/low tier MD school interested in dermatology.I have 6 peer-reviewed publications (first author), 3 completed projects submitted to JAAD, and 7 ongoing projects which will be submitted in the next 6 months. 5 poster presentations. 4 years of clinical experience as an MA & 3 years working as a med interpreter during college. On the board of the derm interest group at my med school for the past 3 years. Volunteer at a free derm clinic a few times a semester and have been involved in fundraising events for the National Psoriasis Foundation and Melanoma Research Foundation for the past 2 years. My Step 1 is P/F and I passed, have not yet taken Step 2 but assuming I will do well. My school does not do class rank. I am not AOA.

I am not sure if I need a research year...I have publications but I would like to match at a residency program in California or New York. I don't have any ties to these places other than going to university in CA which is not a strong enough tie. Is the research year worth it to help open up more options for residencies since I'm coming from a mid/low tier school?
 
Last edited: