Should a pre-med downplay interest in derm?

Started by JDMD243.0
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JDMD243.0

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Have a pre-med in our lab who is applying to med school next year and interested in geriatrics and derm at this point. She's got good numbers and is trying to figure out what to focus on over the next year before applying. Because our med school is a public school with a mandate to pump out more primary care docs, I told her to emphasize her interest in geriatrics over dermatology when writing her personal statement and getting recommendations, but to keep a foot in the door with derm projects because once she gets into med school its a lot easier to check off all the derm boxes and switch to IM/geriatrics than vice versa. Thoughts?
 
I have experienced a bit of an antiderm sentiment through med school. Of course, derms would love to hear your interest, but they wont really help you get into med school. The primary care angle is pretty much the only one that will not be suspect. Good luck!