Tips for the Dermatology Match
Written by Frank Jing
Figuring out where to apply
- Many applying to dermatology have the mindset of applying to nearly every program and researching the programs after interviews are released. It’s not uncommon to hear a dermatology applicant exclaim, “I’ll move anywhere as long as I match!” Additionally, at first glance, dermatology programs appear homogenous. Both aspects can be barriers to doing the research before applying. However, after experiencing the cycle, I encourage prospective applicants to spend time researching programs they are interested in by attending virtual open houses and reaching out to current residents/alumni to understand what makes that program different. There will be specific aspects you fall in love with; communicating this through a personalized personal statement can be helpful once applications are submitted.
Supplemental
- Applicants may find this portion challenging due to its novelty and a lack of uniform guidance from mentors. In the supplemental, you write about your meaningful experiences, detail your distance traveled, and signal specific regions and programs. I encourage you to begin reflecting on what you are most passionate about and more importantly why. Are you passionate about medical dermatology, DEI, mentorship, etc.? Expand on your experiences, write from the heart, and speak proudly of your accomplishments. This is your opportunity to emphasize what makes you special compared to the other applicants applying alongside you.
Preference Signaling
- Due to a lack of data at the time of writing, my best advice would be to signal schools where you are a great fit based on your personal and career goals. Some applicants signal programs they view as “reaches”, “safeties”, or a mix. There is no right or wrong, but make sure you have a compelling reason as you may be asked why you chose them. Do your research on the programs and discover the aspects which make you a great fit. In addition, I spoke to my program director and alumni to identify which schools historically interviewed applicants from my institution - I signaled these locations with more confidence. Choosing to report geographic preferences has drawn mixed reviews from applicants during Match 2022. There isn’t data regarding whether reporting geographic preferences resulted in a statistically significant decrease in match rate. In my case, one of my geo-preferences was to the West Coast, where I ultimately received zero interviews. However, I received interviews from regions I didn’t signal. The results are hard to predict. Therefore, like your program signals, your geo-preference should not be “strategic” but reflect your true choice.
Interview
- Dermatology interviews can be likened to speed dating. You will meet many (sometimes all) faculty members and residents and spend anywhere from eight to twenty minutes speaking with them. Throughout the interview season, you’ll hear repeated advice about just being yourself and acting “normal”. While these are great reminders, there is much more to having a great interview. If you remember anything from reading this post - please do not underestimate the importance of interview prep. Conduct mock interviews with faculty, residents, family, and friends and ask for feedback! The only way to improve is with practice and firing off the cuff on interview day will contrast with those who chose to prepare. I wanted to share some things I’ve learned throughout this past cycle from other fantastic interviewers:
o “Tell me about yourself” and “why dermatology?” – A resident I worked with put it best. He joked that if he shook me awake in the middle of the night and asked, I should be able to dive into a well-spoken answer. He may have been joking, but there is a lot of truth behind this! Strong first impressions are crucial. Even more important is the fact that you know these questions are coming. Spend time crafting, improving, and practicing a passionate answer to both questions.
o “Why specifically our program” and “what do you know about our state” – Dermatology programs want to know who has thoroughly done their research before interviews. Reflect beforehand on what sets the program apart from others and why you would be a great fit there. Additionally, I was surprised how many times I got asked to list everything I knew about the state the program was in. After being blindsided by it once, I made sure I prepared for this in other interviews!
o STAR Method – Dermatology interviews are filled with behavioral questions. Have you ever started answering a behavioral question, lost focus of the topic halfway through, and before you know it, spoken for close to three to four minutes? Yeah, same here! Having a structured method to keep you organized and succinct will make you impressive and help you stand out from the crowd. Pick four to five vignettes you will use for behavioral questions and practice the STAR method of answering them. With practice, you will be able to quickly STAR for questions you haven’t prepared for previously and deliver impressive answers.
o Questions – Before every interview, come up with questions that are important to you or unique to the program! They can be as classic as “what is an example of your program incorporating resident feedback?” or more tailored to the program itself (in my opinion, these are more memorable). What’s important is that you are genuine and care about the answer to the questions you’re asking. The interviewers can tell!
o Finally, one of my favorite pieces of advice came from my mentor. She told me when she conducts a full day of interviews the job can become monotonous. Who she ends up remembering and favoring are those whom she felt energized and happy speaking with. Be cheerful, be genuine, and have energy - after all, they picked you for a reason.
