10/25/11 DIG Meeting Recap

We had a great turnout for Tuesday’s meeting! The DIG would like to thank Dr. Wagner for his very informative talk about getting into a Dermatology residency. Below is a summary of the items Dr. Wagner discussed, followed by a meeting summary.

Summary of Dr. Wagner's Talk:

1.) Dermatology is an extremely competitive field. Applicants who match into dermatology often have many publications, research experiences, volunteer activities, superior USMLE Step 1 scores, and approximately 50% belong to the AOA Medical Honor Society.

2.) Research is highly encouraged for dermatology applicants and there are many opportunities to get involved in research at UTMB, both within and outside of the dermatology department. The key is to develop a project that matches your interests. There are diverse interests represented in the UTMB dermatology department that you can pursue, such as topics in general adult and pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology. Alternatively, you could develop a project with a basic science faculty or in a different department and apply your research to skin disease!

3.) It is never too early to start a research project – you can even start during your first year. The UTMB School of Medicine allows you to participate in a summer research elective between 1st and 2nd year. This is a good way to gain a research mentor, compete for various research awards, and perhaps even have the opportunity to get published. You can also participate in the Honors Research Program in Dermatology. The official deadline for the Honors Proposal is 12/31 of the third year, but extensions may be possible with permission from Dr. Simon Lewis. This research is typically completed and presented by April of the fourth year.

4.) If you don't match the first year, don’t give up! It is very possible to match into Dermatology the second or third time around. There are a number of Dermatology research fellowships in the country that you can pursue after your intern year. Productive research with publications and the opportunity to become an expert on a particular topic of interest will add to your application. There are also alternative routes to becoming a dermatologist. For example, a pathologist who has completed a dermatopathology fellowship or a pediatrician may be attractive applicants to certain programs.

5.) The American Board of Dermatology requires a total of four years of postgraduate training. The first year must include 12 months of clinical training in a broad-based program, such as internal medicine, general surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, family medicine, emergency medicine, or a transitional year. The next three years include full-time training as a resident in a dermatology residency program. Some dermatology programs have a combined intern year and residency; however, most dermatology training programs are unattached to the intern year and therefore require a separate application process.

6.) There are a number of fellowships that you can pursue after a dermatology residency, such as Pediatric Dermatology, Dermatopathology, Procedural Dermatology and Immunodermatology.

7.) Remember, the Dermatology faculty and residents are here to help!

UTMB DIG Meeting Summary:

1.) Meet the 2011-2012 Officers!
President: Rebecca Philips
Vice President: Chelsea Altinger
Community Outreach Chairs: André Pitt and Ryan Riahi
Aim for a Cure Melanoma Walk Chairs: Karan Patel and Donnie Warren
Contact Dermatitis Chair: Sheila Jalalat
Fundraising Chair: Ryan Riahi
Second Year Representative: Will Tausend

2.) The DIG blog (http://digutmb.blogspot.com) is a great resource for medical students interested in Dermatology. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive individual blog posts to your email, contact Rebecca Philips (rcphilip@utmb.edu).

3.) The DIG has a Facebook Group! Search for us: “UTMB Dermatology Interest Group.”

4.) We look forward to community outreach projects, fundraising events and our annual AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk this year. Follow our blog to learn about upcoming events that you can participate in.

5.) Want to help with DIG events this year? E-mail the officers to join a committee or find out how you can help:
a.) AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Committee - contact Donnie (dbwarren@utmb.edu) or Karan (kaapatel@utmb.edu).
b.) Stay Shady! (Sun Protection/Skin Cancer Awareness) Committee - contact Ryan (rrriahi@utmb.edu) or Andre (rapitt@utmb.edu).
c.) Contact Dermatitis Outreach Committee - contact Sheila (szjalala@utmb.edu).
d.) Fundraising Committee – contact Ryan (rrriahi@utmb.edu).

6.) The National Dermatology Interest Group Association has a number of resources for medical students who hope to pursue a career in Dermatology. Visit their website (www.derminterest.org) and join their Facebook Group “Dermatology Interest Group Association” for more information.