Post-match information sessions

[Dermguy]

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My school is having an information session for people interested in Derm. Any advice? My whole message is going to be basically positive.

1. Sure, derm is tough, but you never know if you'll match if you don't try.
2. Do it because you like it.
3. If you have a real research interest pursue it, but if you don't have an interest you should still try to get involved in stuff because that's part of the game.
4. Try to get to know people who can write you letters but (common sense, here) don't be annoying to anybody.

What would you guys/gals add?

 

[N-Surge]

5. Seriously consider doing away rotations at programs of interest. Keep this to 1 or 2 rotations.

 

[asmallchild]

6. Diverse exposure is a positive: academic dermatology, private practice dermatology, dermpath, research, MOHS, etc...

 

[Dermguy]

6. Diverse exposure is a positive: academic dermatology, private practice dermatology, dermpath, research, MOHS, etc...

I certainly agree with this, but the PD at my school told me that the diversity on my application (I had some basic science research, clinical research, and a Mohs case series) made it look like I was padding my resume. I was like, "Well, I have interests in all these areas so I don't think it's unreasonable to pursue a variety of interests."

He told me, "You should decide what you want to focus on in your academic career and start focusing now."

I said, "ok," but I thought that was an unreasonable suggestion to an end-of-3rd-year medical student.

 

[asmallchild]

I certainly agree with this, but the PD at my school told me that the diversity on my application (I had some basic science research, clinical research, and a Mohs case series) made it look like I was padding my resume. I was like, "Well, I have interests in all these areas so I don't think it's unreasonable to pursue a variety of interests."

He told me, "You should decide what you want to focus on in your academic career and start focusing now."

I said, "ok," but I thought that was an unreasonable suggestion to an end-of-3rd-year medical student.

I heard a similar thing from my PD but I still felt the diverse experiences were invaluable especially during interviews. There was something every one of my interviewers could relate to within the realm of derm.

 

[N-Surge]

Putting on blinders this early in the game is a terrible idea... Just my opinion.

 

[sensitive skin]

7. Be prepared for the worst. Derm is the most competitive specialty - try and prepare yourself emotionally for the worst outcome.
8. No matter what anybody says, come up with a Plan B
9. Schmooze

 

[DermMatch]

I specifically know of a case who did not match at a particular program because that PD thought the applicant was unfocused given the variety on the application.

That person did not match anywhere.

 

[Dermguy]

I specifically know of a case who did not match at a particular program because that PD thought the applicant was unfocused given the variety on the application.

That person did not match anywhere.

Ouch. It seems a little unfair to accuse a med student of being "unfocused," although it pretty much happened to me (see above). Isn't that the whole idea of med school? Try everything out for a few weeks and see what you like and what you can't stand. It seems like the same thing should apply after you decide on Derm--try out some Mohs, some basic science, some path, and see how things go.

 

[N-Surge]

I specifically know of a case who did not match at a particular program because that PD thought the applicant was unfocused given the variety on the application.

That person did not match anywhere.

Unfocused in Derm or unfocused in general?

 

[DermMatch]

unfocused in derm

ie, too much random derm things

no focused derm things