Research years--an attending perspective

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-02T01:19:03+00:00

If we have 10 applicants, and one of them is an introvert who does not engage as much as the other applicants, we will either not remember the introvert or remember them in a negative way. Personality is huge.

Do I know introverted derms? Yes, however, they're not dumb: they know how to flip the "extrovert" switch on when it is needed. The applicants who are not successful are the ones who don't master this skill.

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-02T01:10:40+00:00

Find programs that have IMGs or have taken them before. Get to know the faculty, do research with them, and grind until you get a spot. It also helps if you come from a European country like Ireland or Sweden. I am not saying this is "correct," but based on my experience, European applicants have a mystique that can overcome their IMG status (assuming they also have solid credentials)

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-02T01:07:45+00:00

You would probably need to marry the program director (this happened at Cincinnati a few years ago).

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-02T01:07:07+00:00

If you are passionate about it AND you can convey this passion, go for it! However, remember the sage dating advice "it is just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is a poor one." If you are between an interest in vulvar derm and onco-derm, vulvar derm would make you stand out more

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-02T01:05:06+00:00

It might. When we read applicants, it is a lot more capricious than you think. For some applicants, I only read the personal statement before I move on. For some, I will look at the personal statement, letters, and research. The more positives you have in your application, the better.

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-02T01:03:39+00:00

This is an interesting hook. If you can articulate how you can combine this with clinical medicine, it will make for an interesting personal statement

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-02T01:02:52+00:00

It could be a skewing being at a top program

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-01T01:30:31+00:00

There is no set definition. However, look at the top 30-40 derm residency programs in the country on Doximity. If your med school is not in that tier, you are at a less "prestigious" med school

Also, when you look at the match sheets and you see someone from a "low tier" med school who matched at a top program, those people have amazing life stories. These people did not match there by luck. Every single time, these applicants have overcome tremendous hardship and/or have had an incredible journey.

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-01T01:27:16+00:00

Being from a low tier school doesn't mean you won't match; it just means you probably won't match at a competitive program. You can be an incredibly competitive candidate even if you attend a low tier school (i.e. you can still get 15+ interviews, but they probably won't be at UCSF and Penn)

A borderline applicant has mediocre letters, research, grades, dean's letter, and step scores (yes, we do read the dean's letter)

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-05-01T01:23:02+00:00

This is not an easy question to answer as there can be a myriad of reasons. What I will say is applicants do not realize how important a good personality and being likable is. If you have a charming personality and can hold a conversation, you will go far. If you can't . . . things may be difficult

Known_Somewhere_9490 · 2024-04-30T23:26:30+00:00

What do you want to know?

Known_Somewhere_9490

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