Dermatology Interest Group - Opening Meeting Notes – 8/29/19

The Dermatology Interest Group would like to thank everyone who came out to the opening meeting on Thursday. Below are the notes from the meeting:


Q&A with Dr. Wagner (UTMB Program Director)


General Information
-UTMB Dermatology Residency Program will have 5 spots in the match this year and looks to fill them with high achieving students who have strong research background.
-Faculty are willing to assist students with research and mentoring.
-Always follow through with research projects and set clear expectations
-Honors Research Program is a good opportunity to complete independent project.
-Many clinical electives are available for students.
-1^st years can take a 4-week elective between MS1/MS2 in dermatology.
-Dermatology electives can count for many graduation requirements.
-There are didactive courses offered that can allow ample time for interviews.
-Opportunities for Conferences: Texas Dermatological Society meetings (fall and spring) and Annual AAD meeting (spring).
-Avoid prioritizing research at the cost of grades and learning. Applicants should be able to manage academics, research, and extracurriculars.
-Find reliable upperclassmen to provide advice and mentoring.

What options are available if you don’t match:
-Must have a back-up plan.
-Delay graduation (Super-senior year, master’s degree, more away rotations).
-Other specialties in the match.
-Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Period (SOAP).
-PGY-1 Year (intern year) + Apply again or Research years.
-Research Fellowships.
-Unmatched dermatology applicants have applications and step scores much higher than the median for many other fields.

What to do as a 1^st year medical student:
-First and foremost, focus on adjusting to medical school and performing well in classes
-Attend monthly St. Vincent Dermatology Nights (1^st Thursday of the Month)
-Sign up for Dermatology Preceptorship or dermatology related research (MSSRP) between 1^st and 2^nd year
-Consider shadowing opportunities
-Consider project ideas for Honors Research Thesis

Upcoming DIG Events:

Stay Shady Presentations:
9/26/19- 8:00 - 10:30 AM
Contact: Christina Davis
cndavis@utmb.edu

DIG Fall Bake Sale
October 2^nd 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sign up link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SMRd_Bv1U1SkMHXtacpYZNE1rqM93v-grgui-TnqYqc/edit?usp=sharing
Contact: Elise Weisert
emweiser@utmb.edu

Other events this year: (Dates TBD)
-6-7 additional Stay Shady Presentations
-Spring Bake Sale
-Dermatology Procedure Workshop
-Match Panel
-Officer Elections
-Melanoma Walk
-Psoriasis Walk

-Various volunteer activities