research needed?

[yowhatup]

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is research/histology/pathology a big part in the life of dermatologists (like oncologists) or do most dermatologists in private practice solely do consultations and procedures?

is research in derm needed to be competitive for dermatology?

 

[asmallchild]

once you're in derm, research is what you want to make of it. those who want to remain in academics can remain very involved with research. Those in private practice could never again deal with research

however, to be competitive for derm, then yes, you do need research. i'm sure there are anecdotal stories of some outstanding applicants who were able to get in without research. but if you're like most applicants out there (read: there are a couple of blemishes on your application), you'll want to have research to help offset some of these items

 

[violet7]

but if you're like most applicants out there (read: there are a couple of blemishes on your application), you'll want to have research to help offset some of these items

What is usually considered as blemishes on application? I'm starting med school this fall, interested in derm, and was hoping to perhaps keep my application free of any blemishes 🙂

 

[asmallchild]

What is usually considered as blemishes on application? I'm starting med school this fall, interested in derm, and was hoping to perhaps keep my application free of any blemishes 🙂

some of us may have grades that were lower than we were hoping for

some of us may have Step 1 scores that were lower than we were hoping for

etc, etc, etc

 

[N-Surge]

I would like to add that lack of AOA might also be considered a blemish to some.

Despite these "blemishes" one CAN Match. It will come down to weighing ones own baggage against ones own bright moments.

 

[Dral]

I don't want to take over the thread, but instead of starting a new one, I wanted to ask something pertaining to research. I have a PhD (graduated before starting med school). It was in basic science (eye related), but I got 10 pubs out of it. One of the pubs was middle author on a Nature paper based on pigment migration in lower chordates.

How do you think that stands with PDs/committees? I've started some derm research, but do you think I really have to bust my butt to get a few derm pubs out? The research is interesting so I will work on it regardless, but I'm just wondering how much I have to work toward the pubs.

 

[N-Surge]

I don't want to take over the thread, but instead of starting a new one, I wanted to ask something pertaining to research. I have a PhD (graduated before starting med school). It was in basic science (eye related), but I got 10 pubs out of it. One of the pubs was middle author on a Nature paper based on pigment migration in lower chordates.

How do you think that stands with PDs/committees? I've started some derm research, but do you think I really have to bust my butt to get a few derm pubs out? The research is interesting so I will work on it regardless, but I'm just wondering how much I have to work toward the pubs.

Is the pigment migration stuff something one could put into context regarding skin? I am just throwing this out there. If your research at all pertains to our basic understanding of mechanism found in skin I do not see why you would need to do this for pubs sake.

An aside, I was in the same boat as you in that I did my PhD work before Med School (finished 2 yrs prior to entering). My basic science research happened to hit upon skin cancer stuff, along with other cancers. However, I got involved with some self driven desmoglein research during my M4 year as well. If anything, this demonstrated my commitment to research when it came time for the interviews. The collaboration is going to continue into my residency, I hope. We have not published yet. As you know, basic science from start to finish takes years, not months or weeks (usually, although it can happen). So, if you are going to continue your research it will show your commitment to academics if that is what you plan to do, which I assume it is. 🙂

Ignoring the previous babble, my advice is to do it, show your continued commitment.

 

[Dral]

Good advice, thanks N-Surge. That makes sense. I will continue to be as involved in the research as much as I can. I should have one pub, not sure of others...But it makes sense that demonstrating a continued interest in research is an important aspect I hadn't really considered. Thanks.

 

[yowhatup]

just wonderin... is there any hope of landing derm with a 210 Step I (being an American medical graduate)?