If you have selected Dermatology as the field of medicine that you wish to pursue, you have an exciting path ahead of you. Dermatology is a subspecialty which combines medicine, surgery, and pathology all into one field. Dermatologists diagnose and treat benign and malignant conditions of the skin, recognize cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases, perform cosmetic procedures, and are trained to perform a range of dermatologic surgical procedures including biopsy, cryotherapy, laser surgery and Mohs surgery.

As a medical student, when do you encounter Dermatology? Unfortunately, most BUSM students do not have the opportunity to experience clinical Dermatology until their fourth years when the rotation may be taken as an elective. However, if you have an interest, you can gain exposure to this field much earlier. How? One way is through either basic science or clinical research (in the Boston area, both BU and Harvard are at the forefront of dermatologic research).

The opportunities are there... you just have to have the drive and desire to pursue them. If you are planning to perform laboratory research, be aware that basic science research requires learning a variety of lab techniques, thus you should expect to devote at least three months at a time. Ideal times for research are during the summer after the first year (which may be too late by now) and during late third/early fourth year. In the past, some students have split fourth year into two years or taken a year off to accommodate their research endeavors.

Currently, there are approximately 90 residency programs with 221 residency spots available. Dermatology is therefore a competitive field to enter. So what are programs looking for? Programs are looking for enthusiastic people who are committed to dermatology and who want to contribute to the field. Therefore, grades, AOA status, board scores, research experience, letters of recommendation, and dermatology rotations are all taken into consideration. During you third year, doing well in both medicine and surgery is important. Regarding research experience, many applicants have a range of 3 months to five years cumulative research time. Through research, applicants demonstrate their interest in the field and often obtain letters of recommendation (some students feel it is difficult to receive an excellent letter of recommendation from a one month clinical block). In terms of rotations, you can do your clinical or research rotations here at BU or rotate at a program you are seriously considering. Away rotations allow you the opportunity to shine at that program, and to have the faculty get to know you.

With this little scoop on Dermatology, don't be shy. If you really have the enthusiasm and desire to pursue it, start now. Good luck!