(WAMC) What are my chances for matching into Dermatology?

[asmallchild]

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reposting with updated grades and stats...

I am currently taking a year off to do dermatology research (basic science) in socal, stats are as follows:
Step 1: 245
Step 2: TBD, will take in a couple months
Publications: 1st author JID paper (from previous year off prior to medical school when I did not know I wanted to do dermatology), 1st author other non-derm paper from undergrad, 2 other papers as non-first author (1 derm paper, 1 non derm paper), 1 derm book chapter 1st author, hopefully more pubs to come from this year
Grades (my weak point...): Honors in psychiatry, High Pass in all other clerkships
Any input on chances in matching in California/overall? I go to a California medical school....

Thanks!

Your chances look good, Step 1 will get you past most cutoffs, plenty of publications, and the fact that you are taking a year off really shows commitment. The fact that you go to a California medical school gives you a slight leg up in terms of matching California but as posters above have noted, the match is a crapshoot. Apply anywhere you can see yourself for 3 years and you can always dictate where you go after residency.

 

[rodmichael82]

.

 

[versus13]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post, and I've recently decided to apply to Dermatology. I'm wondering what my chances are.

My school does not have a dermatology department that accepts students. They're more of a large private practice associated with the school than a part of the school itself. I currently have one away rotation set up for a month next year in Dermatology which I'm hoping to get more experience and letters in the field from.

I do not have research in the field. I have been working on one project in medicine throughout my third year. I'm about to take Step 2 in the next few weeks.

In MS1 and MS2 I had a 4.0 GPA (my school uses a 92% as an A) and currently a 4.0 in MS3 (waiting on my last rotation grade!) I have applied to AOA and I'm hoping to be accepted. My Step 1 score was in the 260s. I'm currently tied for the top of my class in rank with one other student.

I have a variety of volunteer activities, and I've been tutoring MS1/MS2 students for the past two years. I did tutoring for chemistry in undergrad and also did a summer of research in a basic science lab.

I'm wondering if 1.) I even have a shot since I decided so late in the game, 2.) If I have a chance, what can I do to improve it? I tried getting as many away rotations as I could to increase experience but most filled up very early.

Thanks for everyone's help! Good luck to everyone applying this year!

 

[asmallchild]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post, and I've recently decided to apply to Dermatology. I'm wondering what my chances are.

My school does not have a dermatology department that accepts students. They're more of a large private practice associated with the school than a part of the school itself. I currently have one away rotation set up for a month next year in Dermatology which I'm hoping to get more experience and letters in the field from.

I do not have research in the field. I have been working on one project in medicine throughout my third year. I'm about to take Step 2 in the next few weeks.

In MS1 and MS2 I had a 4.0 GPA (my school uses a 92% as an A) and currently a 4.0 in MS3 (waiting on my last rotation grade!) I have applied to AOA and I'm hoping to be accepted. My Step 1 score was in the 260s. I'm currently tied for the top of my class in rank with one other student.

I have a variety of volunteer activities, and I've been tutoring MS1/MS2 students for the past two years. I did tutoring for chemistry in undergrad and also did a summer of research in a basic science lab.

I'm wondering if 1.) I even have a shot since I decided so late in the game, 2.) If I have a chance, what can I do to improve it? I tried getting as many away rotations as I could to increase experience but most filled up very early.

Thanks for everyone's help! Good luck to everyone applying this year!

1) you definitely have a shot given your stellar scores
2) your chances would improve significantly with a year off. To take that year off and do research would allow you to show commitment as well as develop some contacts within the derm community. I realize that is not an option for some people and in that case, the only thing left to do is to try getting as many away rotations as possible. You'll still need to perform well on those rotations and then just sit back and apply. Good luck!

 

[dietsnap]

Hello

I'm currently a resident in a different specialty at a prestigious academic center, but my clinical and research interests during residency have overlapped a lot with dermatology, and in clinical practice, dermatologists see and treat many of the types of patients we see here. After weighing the pros and cons of trying to develop a practice with my current training background, vs doing a second residency in derm I've found myself here in hopes that you guys could help shed some light on my chances of matching if i do apply:

Went to a middle of the pack med school, Step 1: 265, Step 2: 240s step 3: 230s. Honors in surgery, medicine, critical care. No AOA. Light research experience w/ case reports, book chapters, some awaiting pub. Varied ECs w company formed in residency. I can acquire strong LORs from attendings i've worked with in med school and residency, but none of whom are derm attendings.

My question is : is it even worth applying for me, given that 1) I do not have an evaluation from a formal derm rotation, and 2) I have no letters from derm attendings.

If not, what can I do to strengthen my application. I really don't want to take a year off if it can be avoided, as I have already put in years in a diff residency. However, I would if I had to as I would rather spend a year or two doing bench research rather than 30+ in a career i'm not thrilled by. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[asmallchild]

Hello

I'm currently a resident in a different specialty at a prestigious academic center, but my clinical and research interests during residency have overlapped a lot with dermatology, and in clinical practice, dermatologists see and treat many of the types of patients we see here. After weighing the pros and cons of trying to develop a practice with my current training background, vs doing a second residency in derm I've found myself here in hopes that you guys could help shed some light on my chances of matching if i do apply:

Went to a middle of the pack med school, Step 1: 265, Step 2: 240s step 3: 230s. Honors in surgery, medicine, critical care. No AOA. Light research experience w/ case reports, book chapters, some awaiting pub. Varied ECs w company formed in residency. I can acquire strong LORs from attendings i've worked with in med school and residency, but none of whom are derm attendings.

My question is : is it even worth applying for me, given that 1) I do not have an evaluation from a formal derm rotation, and 2) I have no letters from derm attendings.

If not, what can I do to strengthen my application. I really don't want to take a year off if it can be avoided, as I have already put in years in a diff residency. However, I would if I had to as I would rather spend a year or two doing bench research rather than 30+ in a career i'm not thrilled by. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately I think you will be looking at some time off. As impressive as your CV is, you will need not only a formal derm rotation but at least 1-2 derm rotations where you can pick up letters and preferably from bigwigs in the field.

A year off to do research is another good idea as it will allow you to make some more contacts and hopefully nab some more letters.

As you've touched upon, no one enjoys lengthening their training period but 1-2 years (and with your background, I don't think you'll need much more than one year) is a small price to pay to get into the field of your choice.

 

[IClaudius]

Looking for honest opinions. I wasn't a great student in my pre-clinical years, a few high pass and honors but nothing mindblowing. I recently got my Step 1 score of 246. I always desired of going to derm, but I thought it might be a pipe dream with my grades. Do I have a shot? I'm trying really hard in my rotations right now, I know doing well in those is key.

No research, some ECs like volunteering. Unranked US MD school (if it matters). Thoughts?

 

[asmallchild]

Looking for honest opinions. I wasn't a great student in my pre-clinical years, a few high pass and honors but nothing mindblowing. I recently got my Step 1 score of 246. I always desired of going to derm, but I thought it might be a pipe dream with my grades. Do I have a shot? I'm trying really hard in my rotations right now, I know doing well in those is key.

No research, some ECs like volunteering. Unranked US MD school (if it matters). Thoughts?

You should be fine. 246 doesn't close any doors and clinical grades are usually looked at more heavily anyway. Just honor as many rotations as possible, add on research, and apply broadly

 

[KoopaTroopa25]

Hey everyone,

I am a 4th yr Osteopathic student recently interested in pursuing Dermatology.
Step 1: 262
Step 2: 270
Top 1% of my class with lots of volunteer work, but very minimal research with no publications.

Hoping for honest opinions and insight as to my chances matching allopathic derm...which seems like a long shot given my lack of research and that only 3 D.O.'s matched last year.

From what I have seen thus far, Mayo and Cleveland Clinic have accepted Osteopathic students in recent years. Anyone know of other programs that have accepted or interviewed D.O.'s?

Thanks

 

[asmallchild]

Hey everyone,

I am a 4th yr Osteopathic student recently interested in pursuing Dermatology.
Step 1: 262
Step 2: 270
Top 1% of my class with lots of volunteer work, but very minimal research with no publications.

Hoping for honest opinions and insight as to my chances matching allopathic derm...which seems like a long shot given my lack of research and that only 3 D.O.'s matched last year.

From what I have seen thus far, Mayo and Cleveland Clinic have accepted Osteopathic students in recent years. Anyone know of other programs that have accepted or interviewed D.O.'s?

Thanks

Your stats look great but research and publications typically count for more than volunteer work when applying for dermatology.

Allopathic derm is still going to be a longshot despite your stats. It doesn't seem fair but there definitely is a bias. Some programs (like the one I graduated from for instance) have been burned by D.O. residents in the past and are very reluctant to take on a DO student when there are plenty of allopathic students with similarly great stats.

That being said, I'm not sure if the upcoming merger will help your case. Presumably, it wouldn't hurt your chances. I do agree with your strategy of targeting programs that have a history of taking DOs

 

[DermViser]

Your stats look great but research and publications typically count for more than volunteer work when applying for dermatology.

Allopathic derm is still going to be a longshot despite your stats. It doesn't seem fair but there definitely is a bias. Some programs (like the one I graduated from for instance) have been burned by D.O. residents in the past and are very reluctant to take on a DO student when there are plenty of allopathic students with similarly great stats.

That being said, I'm not sure if the upcoming merger will help your case. Presumably, it wouldn't hurt your chances. I do agree with your strategy of targeting programs that have a history of taking DOs

Yikes! Don't even know how that's possible unless overburdened by volume.

 

[Dermione Granger]

I think case western takes two DOs every year

 

[asmallchild]

Yikes! Don't even know how that's possible unless overburdened by volume.

The same problems that exist with any bad resident: poor work ethic and/or poor attitude. But it's exacerbated when the faculty felt like they "went out on a limb" to accept that DO student into the residency program.

 

[DermatoFIGHT]

delete, hate having my info on such an open forum

 

[KoopaTroopa25]

I think case western takes two DOs every year

Thanks, but this cannot be true based on NRMP match result data over the last several years...where some years zero or one total D.O.'s matched Derm.

 

[Dermione Granger]

Well, they told us at interview, and I met the DO residents during dinner and tours. MD residents think having 2 extra DO residents helped share their work load by reducing calls. So unless things haved changed, I heard about the program first hand. It could have been a match through AOA, however. I'm not sure.

Scroll down on Info for DO Applicants

http://www.uhcderm.com/residency program.html

 

[DermViser]

Thanks, but this cannot be true based on NRMP match result data over the last several years...where some years zero or one total D.O.'s matched Derm.

Well, they told us at interview, and I met the DO residents during dinner and tours. MD residents think having 2 extra DO residents helped share their work load by reducing calls. So unless things haved changed, I heard about the program first hand. It could have been a match through AOA, however. I'm not sure.

Scroll down on Info for DO Applicants

http://www.uhcderm.com/residency program.html

Dermione is correct, http://www.uhcderm.com/faculty.html#residents, if you see here every year they take 2 DOs.

 

[KoopaTroopa25]

Dermione is correct, http://www.uhcderm.com/faculty.html#residents, if you see here every year they take 2 DOs.

Dermione is correct they take 2 D.O.'s each year. However, it is a separate osteopathic residency (not part of the allopathic match):
http://opportunities.osteopathic.or...program_id=147581&hosp_id=138305&returnPage=1

One has to do a TRI before matching into it vs. the allopathic match where one can match derm during the 4th year of medical school.

 

[DermViser]

Dermione is correct they take 2 D.O.'s each year. However, it is a separate osteopathic residency (not part of the allopathic match):
http://opportunities.osteopathic.or...program_id=147581&hosp_id=138305&returnPage=1

One has to do a TRI before matching into it vs. the allopathic match where one can match derm during the 4th year of medical school.

Correct. I believe all D.O.s match that way in Derm. They match during internship, not during MS-4.

 

[KoopaTroopa25]

Correct. I believe all D.O.s match that way in Derm. They match during internship, not during MS-4.

D.O.'s are currently eligible for the allopathic match 4th year through the same process as M.D. students, but most D.O.'s that match Derm do it during internship through the osteopathic match.

 

[thricenine]

Hey Everyone, I havent posted on this forum in quite some time but my nerves are getting to me as I am preparing to submit my ERAS application. I am at a top 25 school, AOA, step 1 259, heavy community service involvement, a couple derm case reports, one clinical paper in process and a few basic science publications from undergrad. I have strong letters from my chair and two of the more well known faculty members at my home program. I still feel like I should "apply broadly," but Im not sure exactly how broadly. Do most people really apply to all the programs? Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.

 

[fzwarrior]

3rd year DO student in the south. Have a 596 COMLEX. 70th percentile of my class. Currently working on research and volunteer experience. Only planning on applying to osteopathic programs. Just wondering if there's a chance. I know I may have to apply more than once but I am willing to do so. Thanks.

 

[DermViser]

D.O.'s are currently eligible for the allopathic match 4th year through the same process as M.D. students, but most D.O.'s that match Derm do it during internship through the osteopathic match.

Also correct, in theory a D.O. could match in the allopathic match. How often this happens is probably miniscule.

 

[Dermione Granger]

Hey Everyone, I havent posted on this forum in quite some time but my nerves are getting to me as I am preparing to submit my ERAS application. I am at a top 25 school, AOA, step 1 259, heavy community service involvement, a couple derm case reports, one clinical paper in process and a few basic science publications from undergrad. I have strong letters from my chair and two of the more well known faculty members at my home program. I still feel like I should "apply broadly," but Im not sure exactly how broadly. Do most people really apply to all the programs? Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.

You are in a good shape. As far as the number of programs to apply to, most people would advise applying to all programs. This article says people apply to
104.7 programs (http://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2014/692760/) but I've heard that the average is more like 80 programs. Many people end up taking out some programs due to geographic preference or spousal preference. But if you can try to apply to all programs. It's better to match somewhere then experiencing the stress and financial cost from not matching.

 

[asmallchild]

Hey Everyone, I havent posted on this forum in quite some time but my nerves are getting to me as I am preparing to submit my ERAS application. I am at a top 25 school, AOA, step 1 259, heavy community service involvement, a couple derm case reports, one clinical paper in process and a few basic science publications from undergrad. I have strong letters from my chair and two of the more well known faculty members at my home program. I still feel like I should "apply broadly," but Im not sure exactly how broadly. Do most people really apply to all the programs? Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.

As others have mentioned, you are in good shape. I still recommend applying to as many programs that you can possibly see yourself at. Your best shot to match is your first shot, might as well maximize your chances.

 

[dermieeast]

delete.

 

[pinecat]

You are in a good shape. As far as the number of programs to apply to, most people would advise applying to all programs. This article says people apply to
104.7 programs (http://www.hindawi.com/journals/drp/2014/692760/) but I've heard that the average is more like 80 programs. Many people end up taking out some programs due to geographic preference or spousal preference. But if you can try to apply to all programs. It's better to match somewhere then experiencing the stress and financial cost from not matching.

I applied to all programs and wound up matching at my #2. If I had to do it all over again I would probably do the same. There are too many variables to take unnecessary chances...

 

[DermViser]

I applied to all programs and wound up matching at my #2. If I had to do it all over again I would probably do the same. There are too many variables to take unnecessary chances...

How many interviews did you get?

 

[pinecat]

How many interviews did you get?

I received 11 interviews and attended 10. At least 1/2 were not regional...I was surprised.

 

[DermViser]

I received 11 interviews and attended 10. At least 1/2 were not regional...I was surprised.

Also possibly could be bc of going to a relatively new school with no Derm dept/residency.

 

[pinecat]

Also possibly could be bc of going to a relatively new school with no Derm dept/residency.

You know me too well 😉
It was tough. I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that my board scores were competitive, I had a pretty diverse and interesting application and my away rotations turned out well. I put all my eggs in one basket and truly hoped for the best. I actually was discouraged by my home Internal Medicine program for prelim because they had no idea what to do with me if I didn't match into Derm....very unsettling...

 

[DermViser]

You know me too well 😉
It was tough. I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that my board scores were competitive, I had a pretty diverse and interesting application and my away rotations turned out well. I put all my eggs in one basket and truly hoped for the best. I actually was discouraged by my home Internal Medicine program for prelim because they had no idea what to do with me if I didn't match into Derm....very unsettling...

Yes, I know exactly who you are.

That's weird as most of the time you could just continue into the categorical medicine program if you do well during prelim, esp. if it's an IM residency program at your home medical school. Much different than the way prelims are treated in General Surgery, for example.

 

[pinecat]

Yes, I know exactly who you are.

That's weird as most of the time you could just continue into the categorical medicine program if you do well during prelim, esp. if it's an IM residency program at your home medical school. Much different than the way prelims are treated in General Surgery, for example.

No kidding...I was pretty annoyed as it would have made it so much easier to not have to move twice but since there were only 2 spots available, they took 2 they knew would stay. It was my 1st choice for prelim and
the 2nd choice was my undergraduate university...not so much there either .
Anyway, I actually have had 2 days off before I start my next rotation tomorrow. Hope all is going well for you DV!

 

[DermViser]

No kidding...I was pretty annoyed as it would have made it so much easier to not have to move twice but since there were only 2 spots available, they took 2 they knew would stay. It was my 1st choice for prelim and
the 2nd choice was my undergraduate university...not so much there either .
Anyway, I actually have had 2 days off before I start my next rotation tomorrow. Hope all is going well for you DV!

It will be over soon. I'd tell you to get a countdown app on your iPhone but it actually makes prelim year feel longer. Hope the upper level categoricals aren't giving you too much trouble. I like one of the sayings somewhere on SDN which says, "They can't stop the clock".

 

[pinecat]

So far everyone has been really nice and helpful...just the volume of work and the technology has me feeling overwhelmed at times. Got through Hem/onc and wards so far. On to gastro tomorrow!

 

[pinecat]

I was feeling pretty overwhelmed the past 6 weeks but am feeling a little less so the past 2. I'll be taking Step 3 in a few weeks. I must love putting pressure on myself

 

[spartan564]

Hi all,
Current third year medical student with good step 1 (260+), top 20 institution, and 2/2 honors on clinicals (psych, family med) so far but currently only 1 publication for derm (+1 summer research poster only presented at med student poster day- does that even count??). I am considering taking a year off next year to do research because I am finding it hard to find time to work on research. Im currently on our block where we have a shelf exam every month so Im not sure if I will have more time once I am on the blocks with a shelf only once/3 months. Since most research year applications deadline are in January/coming up soon, I feel like I don't have much time to decide what to do. Could anyone kindly provide some advice on taking a year off, or if they think it is possible to squeeze in enough research between now and application time fourth year? Thanks in advance.

 

[asmallchild]

Hi all,
Current third year medical student with good step 1 (260+), top 20 institution, and 2/2 honors on clinicals (psych, family med) so far but currently only 1 publication for derm (+1 summer research poster only presented at med student poster day- does that even count??). I am considering taking a year off next year to do research because I am finding it hard to find time to work on research. Im currently on our block where we have a shelf exam every month so Im not sure if I will have more time once I am on the blocks with a shelf only once/3 months. Since most research year applications deadline are in January/coming up soon, I feel like I don't have much time to decide what to do. Could anyone kindly provide some advice on taking a year off, or if they think it is possible to squeeze in enough research between now and application time fourth year? Thanks in advance.

Moved since it's essentially a WAMC type post

Your stats and pedigree are fine so I don't think you'll have too much of a problem matching.

That being said, I always encourage people to pursue that research year if it's something you are interested in. From a personal standpoint, I've met very few who regretted the year. From a professional standpoint, it will turn you from a strong applicant to about as sure a thing as you can find in the haphazard derm matching process. You do want to make sure you pick a place that has a defined project for you and a strong history for matching their research fellows of course.

 

[DermViser]

Moved since it's essentially a WAMC type post

Your stats and pedigree are fine so I don't think you'll have too much of a problem matching.

That being said, I always encourage people to pursue that research year if it's something you are interested in. From a personal standpoint, I've met very few who regretted the year. From a professional standpoint, it will turn you from a strong applicant to about as sure a thing as you can find in the haphazard derm matching process. You do want to make sure you pick a place that has a defined project for you and a strong history for matching their research fellows of course.

I think it also has a lot to do with WHO you're doing research with, how many publications you're able to get out, what kind of research it is, etc. The ones who I saw were unhappy were those who didn't mesh well with the person they did research with, didn't have many publications, etc. One can like the specific area of dermatology they're doing their research in, but if it's missing the above - they'll be very unhappy.

 

[Ldiazag]

Hello everyone, I would love to hear your thoughts on my chances.


Step1: 250+
Step2: Not known
top 20 ranked school, completely pass/fail (all passes that wasn't clear 🙂)
Research: Here is where my application gets a little strange. Up until a few months ago I was dead set on ophthalmology. So much so I decided to take a year off between 2nd and 3rd year to do some basic science at a top 5 institution. So far I have:

1 undergraduate pub (neuroscience) .
1 1st author on a neuroscience/nuclear medicine paper (clinical)
2 2nd author+ on a nuclear medicine (review and clinical article)
2 first author on ophthalmology/immunology papers (one clinical, one basic science)
3 2nd author+ publications all related to ophthalmology/oncology (one basic science, two clinical)

I think it's clear that I am planing on becoming an academic, but I'm just worried that my focus has been to narrow. I don't even know if it would be wise for me to take another year off to focus on derm. I am working on a small project now, but I don't see myself getting much beyond a 2nd author+ publication with the little free time I have. How much of a disadvantage would I be in attempting to make this jump without another gap year to build up derm research?

 

[DermViser]

Hello everyone, I would love to hear your thoughts on my chances.


Step1: 250+
Step2: Not known
top 20 ranked school, completely pass/fail (all passes that wasn't clear 🙂)
Research: Here is where my application gets a little strange. Up until a few months ago I was dead set on ophthalmology. So much so I decided to take a year off between 2nd and 3rd year to do some basic science at a top 5 institution. So far I have:

1 undergraduate pub (neuroscience) .
1 1st author on a neuroscience/nuclear medicine paper (clinical)
2 2nd author+ on a nuclear medicine (review and clinical article)
2 first author on ophthalmology/immunology papers (one clinical, one basic science)
3 2nd author+ publications all related to ophthalmology/oncology (one basic science, two clinical)

I think it's clear that I am planing on becoming an academic, but I'm just worried that my focus has been to narrow. I don't even know if it would be wise for me to take another year off to focus on derm. I am working on a small project now, but I don't see myself getting much beyond a 2nd author+ publication with the little free time I have. How much of a disadvantage would I be in attempting to make this jump without another gap year to build up derm research?

Where do you rank in your class? I don't know of any medical school that is Pass/Fail only in the third year (vs. there are quite a few that are "true" Pass/Fail in the first 2 years). What's weird is that you took a year off to do I believe Ophtho research, is that right? I could be wrong but I highly doubt that your school will allow you ANOTHER year off to do research in Dermatology, but I could be wrong. Assuming you're ranked in the top of your class (based on what your MSPE will show) or AOA, I don't think you need to take a year off, esp. if you do your Derm rotations in the right places.

 

[asmallchild]

Hello everyone, I would love to hear your thoughts on my chances.


Step1: 250+
Step2: Not known
top 20 ranked school, completely pass/fail (all passes that wasn't clear 🙂)
Research: Here is where my application gets a little strange. Up until a few months ago I was dead set on ophthalmology. So much so I decided to take a year off between 2nd and 3rd year to do some basic science at a top 5 institution. So far I have:

1 undergraduate pub (neuroscience) .
1 1st author on a neuroscience/nuclear medicine paper (clinical)
2 2nd author+ on a nuclear medicine (review and clinical article)
2 first author on ophthalmology/immunology papers (one clinical, one basic science)
3 2nd author+ publications all related to ophthalmology/oncology (one basic science, two clinical)

I think it's clear that I am planing on becoming an academic, but I'm just worried that my focus has been to narrow. I don't even know if it would be wise for me to take another year off to focus on derm. I am working on a small project now, but I don't see myself getting much beyond a 2nd author+ publication with the little free time I have. How much of a disadvantage would I be in attempting to make this jump without another gap year to build up derm research?

I agree, with that Step 1 score, your school pedigree, and your research background, I don't think another year off will be necessary

I would just be sure to have a good answer as to why you are making the switch from ophtho to derm

 

[DocBak16]

Hey guys, so I’m currently an M3 trying to position myself best for derm. Would like to get some advice going forward…

Stats so far…
Top 30 med school in the Midwest
Current GPA: 3.96 (Year 1 P/F, Year 2 all A’s and one AB)
Only 2 clerkship grades so far 3rd year - OB/GYN: A, Radiology: A (required elective at my school)
Step 1: 251
3 second-author publications currently (all in diagnostic radiology). Plus additional abstracts.

So a few questions...

First, will the fact that all my research is in radiology really hurt my chances? I know that I should add some derm related research to my CV. Unfortunately, had to choose something for research before I really had any derm exposure, and it happened to be rads. Is there any way to improve myself enough as a candidate without taking a year off for research at this point? And what would be the best way to pursue adding some derm-related research to my resume as a 3rd year?

So I guess ultimately what is the single best thing I could do at this point to make me a better candidate for dermatology?

 

[asmallchild]

Hey guys, so I’m currently an M3 trying to position myself best for derm. Would like to get some advice going forward…

Stats so far…
Top 30 med school in the Midwest
Current GPA: 3.96 (Year 1 P/F, Year 2 all A’s and one AB)
Only 2 clerkship grades so far 3rd year - OB/GYN: A, Radiology: A (required elective at my school)
Step 1: 251
3 second-author publications currently (all in diagnostic radiology). Plus additional abstracts.

So a few questions...

First, will the fact that all my research is in radiology really hurt my chances? I know that I should add some derm related research to my CV. Unfortunately, had to choose something for research before I really had any derm exposure, and it happened to be rads. Is there any way to improve myself enough as a candidate without taking a year off for research at this point? And what would be the best way to pursue adding some derm-related research to my resume as a 3rd year?

So I guess ultimately what is the single best thing I could do at this point to make me a better candidate for dermatology?

Your stats are good: good school, good grades, Step 1 will get you past most filters.

Your research in radiology will not hurt your chances, just be sure to have a good answer as to why you transitioned from radiology to dermatology. You don't necessarily need to take a year off for research but I would introduce yourself to the dermatology department if you haven't already done so and get your foot in the door on some kind of research project

 

[DermViser]

Hey guys, so I’m currently an M3 trying to position myself best for derm. Would like to get some advice going forward…

Stats so far…
Top 30 med school in the Midwest
Current GPA: 3.96 (Year 1 P/F, Year 2 all A’s and one AB)
Only 2 clerkship grades so far 3rd year - OB/GYN: A, Radiology: A (required elective at my school)
Step 1: 251
3 second-author publications currently (all in diagnostic radiology). Plus additional abstracts.

So a few questions...

First, will the fact that all my research is in radiology really hurt my chances? I know that I should add some derm related research to my CV. Unfortunately, had to choose something for research before I really had any derm exposure, and it happened to be rads. Is there any way to improve myself enough as a candidate without taking a year off for research at this point? And what would be the best way to pursue adding some derm-related research to my resume as a 3rd year?

So I guess ultimately what is the single best thing I could do at this point to make me a better candidate for dermatology?

Correct, I agree with above. Transitioning from another field to Derm happens all the time as there are different reasons for interest. Your grades, rank, and your clinical grades so far are no problem, keep up the good work. I would talk with your derm program about getting started on something and I think audition electives are key. I don't think at this time, a year off for derm research is necessary, although if you did you'd get into a stellar program.

 

[TombaTime]

Hi all,

First time poster. Current MS3.

Average tier allopathic school
Preclinical Grades - all Honors with the exception of one pass
Clinical Grades - all Honors, but I've only had one! It was Medicine
Class ranking - If I guessed I would say 93rd percentile
Step 1 - 247
Step 2 - TBD
AOA - TBD
Research - Currently working as 2nd author on one project (not Derm as my original interest was GI), no derm research yet

I've started to reach out to our derm department and will be hopefully starting up some research projects in the near future with some of the faculty. I do plan on applying broadly.

Any advice? Thanks!

 

[asmallchild]

Hi all,

First time poster. Current MS3.

Average tier allopathic school
Preclinical Grades - all Honors with the exception of one pass
Clinical Grades - all Honors, but I've only had one! It was Medicine
Class ranking - If I guessed I would say 93rd percentile
Step 1 - 247
Step 2 - TBD
AOA - TBD
Research - Currently working as 2nd author on one project (not Derm as my original interest was GI), no derm research yet

I've started to reach out to our derm department and will be hopefully starting up some research projects in the near future with some of the faculty. I do plan on applying broadly.

Any advice? Thanks!

You are on the right track. Looks like you've done as well academically as you could've thus far. Your Step 1 score should get you past most if not all filters. I would make sure you buff up the research and applying broadly is always helpful

 

[lesterfreamon]

Chances of matching with a significantly worse step 2ck score? I'm talking high 250s to low 240s.

Already have 3 derm interviews without releasing step 2, none of these are at the schools I rotated at.

Should I release before rank list if none of the schools on my list specifically say they require step 2ck on their website?

 

[DermViser]

Chances of matching with a significantly worse step 2ck score? I'm talking high 250s to low 240s.

Already have 3 derm interviews without releasing step 2, none of these are at the schools I rotated at.

Should I release before rank list if none of the schools on my list specifically say they require step 2ck on their website?

If none of your schools require it, then no point in releasing it.

 

[tantacles]

Just recently started considering derm. Any thoughts? My ideal path would be Derm/IM, so if anyone has any insight into that path, I'd love to know. I don't know if it's more or less competitive than derm alone, so some insight on that would also be appreciated.

Low tier MD school, 3rd year
Step 1: 248
Pre-clinicals: 1/3 C, ~2/3 B (my school uses letter grades still, ABCF)
Clinicals: Currently, 2 A's (equivalent to honors) (Surgery and Medicine), 1 probable B and possible A (3rd year EM elective).
Research: 1 publication in cardiology, several poster presentations in emergency medicine, anticipated publication in ID/HIV (Was initially considering EM). Anticipate doing derm electives and research if I have any shot at all.
Other (though I assume no one cares): Opened a free primary care clinic through my school.

Thoughts? Telling me I'm not competitive, while not desirable, would at least end the existential crisis, while telling me I am would make me work harder.