Is it Better to go Unmatched and SOAP?
An unconventional and somewhat risky strategy for
dermatology residency applicants is to intentionally go unmatched if a
NRMP dermatology match was not achieved. This strategy permits several
career options that may eventually lead to a dermatology residency:
- A categorical dermatology residency (4 year dermatology or 5 year combined dermatology and internal medicine) may have gone unfilled, and the only MS4s eligible for it through the SOAP are those who do not already have a PGY1 year commitment through the Match. It is also possible that other categorical dermatology or combined residencies that were not filled and do not participate in SOAP and will be available once SOAP is completed (typically on Match Day).
- Depending on the year, there may be SOAP positions available in transitional (do not count toward Medicare residency funding) or preliminary surgery at prestigious academic institutions (5 year Medicare funding) that will allow those completing such programs to apply to a dermatology residency without Medicare funding issues being a concern. However, these positions may only be available in different parts of the country, so relocation is necessary.
- Depending on the medical school, an MS4 may be able to defer graduation for another year while having the opportunity to take more away dermatology rotations, conduct dermatology research, and/or complete a 1 year Master’s program in an area of interest such as a MPH, MBA, MS, etc.
- Graduating and taking a clinical or basic dermatology fellowship that does not require a medical license.
The disadvantages of this approach include:
- Not being able to take a dermatology clinical fellowship that requires a medical license.
- Not being able to apply for a PGY2 dermatology residency that becomes available during the PGY1 year (happens every year because new programs open, new PGY2 positions are funded, or a previous matched applicant is unable to take the position)
- Incurring more debt
- Opportunity cost of not taking a residency in another specialty and going into practice (multiple years of lost practice possible)
- No guarantee of getting into a dermatology residency and convincing other specialty Program Directors why you are now interested in their specialty