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Dermatology Hopeful


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I'm in my second year of med school, and I recently developed a strong interest in Dermatology. I enjoy so many things about dermatology: visual pattern recognition; an array of differential diagnoses to consider from many systemic diseases; large emphasis on oncology, pathology and immunology; breakthrough treatments; etc. I did an observership recently and have realized this is what I'd love to do. This also scares me now knowing that I'm gunning for a very competitive specialty...

I'm also interested in Pediatrics (which was my #1 choice before considering Derm). Now my plan is to apply for both Derm and Pediatrics since I could be happy in either specialty. I could tailor a career in Pediatrics around Derm (Allergy & Immunology, Rheumatology and/or Infectious Diseases) and vice-versa (Pediatric Dermatology).

 

My question is regarding the competitiveness of Dermatology applications. I am trying to set up additional observerships and  find ways to get some research in Derm before clerkship begins next year. However, being realistic, I'm not sure if I'll find many opportunities in that time frame. I have Pediatric research that I'm presenting at conferences this year, and it should be published by next year. Ironically, there are some dermatology findings in that research project, but they're not a major component by any means. My questions is whether missing out on research would put me largely out of the running for Derm.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions from Dermatology residents or upper year med students would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

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