“Outside the Match” Dermatology Residency Positions

Recent changes in the NRMP “All-In Policy” will have enormous impact on future dermatology matches. In the past, programs obtaining ACGME Dermatology Residency Review Committee permission to permanently increase their complement of dermatology residents and those who received new funding for pre-existing but unfunded residency positions typically offered positions outside of the match to fill these spots. Historically, there were usually several positions available nationwide following the March NRMP match each year. Programs would have 3 months to identify suitable applicants and offer them positions, usually following an interview. With limited exceptions, following September 1, 2012 programs will not be able to offer “outside the match” positions to applicants if their program is participating in the NRMP. This new policy will further complicate the March NRMP for programs, since some dermatology programs may be offering advanced residency positions to begin in July of the match year, and other positions to begin 16 months later. One potential undesirable outcome of this new policy for programs is that “same year” slots may not fill because of the competition for applicants who have already completed their required PGY1 for an advanced dermatology residency position.