getting to know DO derm programs

[polkadoctor]

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hi everyone,

I was wondering if people had tips on getting to know more about DO derm programs and how to make connections there (other than rotating there). Unfortunately, my school does not have a program and there isn't one in the entire state. I would like to make myself competitive for both MD and DO derm programs and since connections are priceless, it'd be great if I could start getting to know people affiliated with the programs. I am currently an MS1 but it can never be too early right? 🙂

thanks everyone!!

 

[DOderm2011]

I'm currently a fourth year at PCOM pursuing a DO derm residency. The best places to go to get general information are www.aocd.org that lists and www.opportunities.osteopathic.org (here you can search programs by states and get more detailed info about each program)
The trick to making connections is to do your electives during third and fourth year at places you might be interested in going. Attending the annual AOCD or AAD conferences doesn't hurt either but it might be a little early for all that. I'm not sure if you know this but the DO derm match process is very different. You can't apply to programs until your intern year. Some programs bush as Largo in Florida and one of the Ohio programs have derm-tracked internship positions.
For now get the best grades you can, do well on the boards (at least 550 but some say >600 for COMLEX) and try to do some research even if it's only a case report. Hope this helps. You can message me if you have anymore detailed questions.

 

[polkadoctor]

Thanks for the response! 🙂

I heard about the matching process.. sounds very tedious.

Do you think there is a true advantage of having a program at your school? I currently go to a DO school without a derm program and I am wondering if that will hurt my chances at all.

 

[SirCuneus]

It won't hurt your chances one bit to have gone to a school without a dermatology program. The programs are independant of all of the schools out there--they may list an affiliation with a certain osteopathic medical school, but no preference is given to those students in consideration for a residency.

 

[dikoerastenie]

How hard is it to match DO dermatology if you got great scores and you rotated everywhere. but you are a "tool" or whatever. I understand that you would sign up for a traditional rotating internship and then interview? So they have something like 10 people interviewing for a position and if they don't like you you are stuck in an AOA primary care residency?