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How to prepare for derm rotation?
Started by Johnjonny21
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I mostly used the DDx cards and Habif's smaller book. Secrets and the Fitzpatrick atlas should serve you well, as well.
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I know this thread is a bit old, but I wanted to bump it to ask about how to both prepare for a derm rotation as a 4th year, and get a good idea of what's expected of you and what you can do to really excel (because, after all, aren't we all looking for "Honors" on this rotation?) I know there's another thread that's specifically discussing books for medical students, but I wanted to find out more about everything else involved besides that.
Any advice would be extremely appreciated! I really want to do well on my home derm elective I have coming up in a few weeks!
Any advice would be extremely appreciated! I really want to do well on my home derm elective I have coming up in a few weeks!
I think you would be well served to read through a smaller derm text. I used Lookingbill & Marks. I don't think they'll any derm resident-level questions. You should know ALL of the M3 derm covered on the standards boards. The way I see it, as long as you do something -- some decent effort of reading -- you will look good.
highest yield: know how to describe a lesion well. seriously. it may be the most fundamental derm skill and plenty of residents cannot do this well. if you can, you will most certainly make an excellent impression.
and, as others have said, show evidence that you're reading. lookingbill is excellent and until you have a firm grasp on the basics, you don't need anything else.
and, as others have said, show evidence that you're reading. lookingbill is excellent and until you have a firm grasp on the basics, you don't need anything else.
I second the being able to describe a lesion. It's really impressive when you can use the right basic terms.
Even more important than anything else though, being friendly and charming. You want to relax (I know that can be hard when you are trying so hard to make a good impression) and show that you are a great person to work with. Derm isn't rocket science but you have a lot of clinic and a lot of face time with generally healthy patients...being likable is huge.
The first things that we remember most about rotating students is their enthusiasm and their friendliness.
Also, beware the residents that seem to have a chip on their shoulder....believe it or not there are a few that think they are all that because they got into derm....and just be professional, reliable, and friendly with them.
Even more important than anything else though, being friendly and charming. You want to relax (I know that can be hard when you are trying so hard to make a good impression) and show that you are a great person to work with. Derm isn't rocket science but you have a lot of clinic and a lot of face time with generally healthy patients...being likable is huge.
The first things that we remember most about rotating students is their enthusiasm and their friendliness.
Also, beware the residents that seem to have a chip on their shoulder....believe it or not there are a few that think they are all that because they got into derm....and just be professional, reliable, and friendly with them.
Enthusiasm is key! Perhaps this is the reason why my medical school recommended limiting aways. After 2 or 3, it can be hard to maintain constant enthusiasm and it definitely reflects poorly.
We have lowered students on our rank list (despite being fantastic paper applicants) because of consistent lack of enthusiasm in the clinic
