Difficult Questions at Dermatology Residency Interviews

Although still the exception, some dermatology faculty ask applicants difficult questions at interviews for residency. How many of us are still able to do calculus? One interviewer on the trail is well known for asking this type of question. Others like to see how quickly applicants can reassemble a pen. Another program asks that applicants teach staff something new, and gets a performance report back that is part of the interview evaluation. One procedural fellowship director requested that applicants send him a video of themselves performing surgery during their dermatology residency. Don't worry, UTMB does not do any of this! We know of no studies that link dermatology residency or fellowship performance to these types of questions (not even getting the calculus question correct). An article by William Poundstone about hiring at Google in December 24-25, 2011 issue of The Wall Street Journal (pages C1 and C2) provides some insight into the motivation behind these out of the ordinary questions. However, what seems to be working for Google hiring ("How would you escape from a blender?") may not work for other companies (or dermatology residency programs). Poundstone is the author of a new book, Are you Smart Enough to Work at Google? Google reportedly only hires 1 person per 130 applicants.

UTMB Dermatology Residency Alum, Andy Perri MD, Featured in “Top Docs of Houston” Video

Click here to see the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34Ff9HcIP5A&feature=youtu.be.

Elective Version of Novels/Film Class Now Available (DERU-4017)

Good news for students interested in dermatology and the impact of written and visual media on public perceptions of skin diseases. Dr. Richard Wagner’s newest course, Skin Diseases in Novels/Films, is available as an elective (DERU-4017) starting this Monday, December 12th (Period 13). There is currently a maximum enrollment of 3 elective students each Period. This class meets with the selective section of the course, DERU-4402. The course requirements are identical for elective and selective students, but only the selective will count toward UTMB’s BSHS MS4 writing requirement for graduation. The UTMB Electives Committee will not permit students enrolled in the elective to switch into the selective once the course starts, even if the class is required for graduation.

DIG Meeting Recap: 12/6/11

We had a great DIG meeting on Tuesday and were excited to welcome several new first and second year medical students to our group!

Thank you to the UTMB Dermatology residents for providing a very informative Q&A panel at the meeting. The residents covered many topics, including their reasons for going into Dermatology, a description of the field and what they do during a typical day, types of surgeries performed by Dermatologists, a description of Dermatopathology, research advice, and ways to get involved with the UTMB Dermatology department as a medical student. Remember, the UTMB Dermatology residents and faculty are available to help!

Dr. Raimer Receives "Texas Super Doctor" Distinction by Texas Monthly magazine

Dr. Sharon Raimer, the UTMB Department of Dermatology Chair, is one of 23 UTMB physicians recently named Texas Super Doctors® by Texas Monthly magazine. Congratulations, Dr. Raimer!

Click here to see the ad featured in the December 2011 issue of Texas Monthly magazine.

Reminder: DIG Meeting Tomorrow!

Our next Dermatology Interest Group meeting is tomorrow!

Tuesday, December 6th at 5PM
4.112 McCullough, Dermatology Conference Room

We will be having a Q&A panel with some of the UTMB Dermatology residents.

See you then!

Zaemon Inducted into Louisiana Music Hall of Fame

Zaemon fans were thrilled to learn that Zaemon (UTMB's Dr. Brent Kelly, far left of the photo) was recently inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Zaemon released two cd's and was a key club band in the live music scene in Baton Rouge during the early 90's. Watch for upcoming concerts starring Zaemon and other Hall of Fame bands.