Dermatology
Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Dermatology Clerkship Director
About the Specialty
The field of dermatology is broad, with a dermatologist having the ability to diagnose and properly treat more than 3,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, as well as performing surgery on the skin and addressing cosmetic concerns. Since many systemic diseases have cutaneous manifestations, dermatologists collaborate with colleagues across the house of medicine to elevate patient care.
Dermatologists treat a diverse array patients of all genders and all phases of life. The skin is an important tool our bodies use to interact with our environment and other persons. As such, dermatologists can help patients with issues that can be physically limiting and deeply personal.
Careers in Dermatology can vary including academic dermatology disease-state experts; dermatology generalists (who perform medical dermatology, surgery on the skin, and cosmetic dermatology); dermatology hospitalists; dermatology physician-scientists; fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologists, micrographic dermatologic surgeons, and dermatopathologists.
Answers to Common Questions
- Attributes of a Competitive Student
What factors typically make a student competitive for this specialty?
Scholarly output (publications): original research is preferred over case series and reports. Experiences in the specialty including roles of leadership and service that have tangible outcomes (e.g. new initiatives, creation of new resources for at risk groups, etc.) Experiences working with underserved or marginalized populations.
- Research
How important is research experience in your specialty? If important, does it need to be in the specialty itself?
Research culminating in publications in peer reviewed journals is an important part of applicants curriculum vitae.
- Shadowing
How can students identify opportunities for shadowing?
They can email dermatology faculty, join the Dermatology Interest Group (DIG), and volunteer at the Agape Clinic (a free clinic for dermatology).
- Electives
What electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?
Derm 2103 - Dermatology for the Dermatologists
Derm 1901 - Dermatology Inpatient SelectiveBased on your experience, what tips do you have for students to shine on your electives?
Become familiar with members of our large faculty and residents. Read about their patients outside of clinic. Identify opportunities for scholarly work (e.g. original research, case reports, case series, etc.).
- Away Rotations
Does your specialty recommend doing away rotations?
Yes, students are strongly encouraged to do away rotations to enhance exposure to other departments and increase chances of getting an interview at outside departments.
If your specialty recommends doing away rotations, how many “aways” do you recommend?
Two (2)
If away rotations are necessary, when should they apply and when should they be completed?
They should apply in the spring of MS3 year to complete rotations in the early portion of MS4 year.
- Interview Timing
Which month do you recommend taking off to interview?
Dermatology interviews are generally done in late December / early January. Most programs interview virtually.
- Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation are needed to apply to your specialty?
Three letters of recommendation are needed.
Does your specialty recommend that all letters of recommendation be written by members of your specialty?
Yes
If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?
N/A
Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?
A strong, enthusiastic letter by a writer of any rank is preferred over a letter written by someone that didn't know the student well.
Does your specialty require a letter from the chairman?
No.
Resources
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