“Risk of Not Matching” (Dermatology)

Yes, according to a recent JAMA Dermatology article about medical student applicants (2019; 155:137. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.3498) the “risk of not matching” may be a factor that discourages applicants from applying to dermatology. Due to less available dermatology residency positions than applicants, many excellent dermatology applicants remain unmatched each year. What should dermatology applicants consider? NRMP match statistics permit insight about the dermatology applicant pool for individual comparisons. Applicants should also consider their plan in the event of not matching into dermatology. Are they willing to take an unaccredited (but usually paid) dermatology clinical fellowship for several years in order to improve their research credentials in the hope of a future successful dermatology match? Or complete a primary care specialty with the hope of reapplying to dermatology (this strategy is less likely to be successful due to diminished Medicare Part B funding for a second residency). Some dermatology applicants who would prefer dermatology residency but are interested in other areas of medical practice as well may apply for a “backup residency” in case there is no dermatology match.