Is it possible to switch form internal medicine to dermatology?

Started by merna.a
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Are you a student or an IM resident?

If you are still a student, my advice would be to pursue dermatology from the beginning rather than relying on a switch

If you are an IM resident, I would start by speaking to your PD and your GME office to explore your options. There are funding issues that you may encounter if you are already a resident.
 
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IM/any specialty to Derm can be pretty tough. Agree that choosing Derm from the get-go in medical school is the better option as there are other issues that come up with applicants switching from a residency to another residency (like not having time to make connections, prepare an application or interview, burning bridges w/ current program) or completing a residency then doing a second residency (lack of Medicare funding for the second residency- though I don't really know how much of a problem funding ends up being for larger institutions). If you are already in a residency, try to utilize your existing Derm connections through electives and research, go to grand rounds and get to know everyone, look for volunteer opportunities like skin cancer screening events, try to bridge your current residency with dermatology like in research and teaching. Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.