DIG was joined tonight by UTMB Dermatology Program Director Dr. Richard Wagner and Medical Student Chief Resident Dr. Keith Wagner to discuss questions about dermatology. Thank you both for an informative meeting! Meeting recap:
Talk with Dr. Keith Wagner:
- Get involved with research by creating your own projects! Participate in posters and podium presentations at Texas Dermatologic Society meetings held two times yearly. Research opportunities are also available during electives, including Dr. Wagner's unique online dermatology courses.
-Research will be prioritized for MS3 and MS4s
-Do not cold email the department for research
-Encourage you guys to pursue any original project ideas that you have yourself. Sounds daunting, but it’s definitely doable, and great for the application. Can reach out to Shayan (shaowji@utmb.edu), who can meet with you 1-on-1 to discuss any aspects you’re unsure about (design, IRB requirements, REDCap, etc).
Talk with Dr. Richard Wagner:
- Dermatology is an extremely competitive field. 4th year students who match into dermatology often have many publications, research experiences, volunteer activities, superior USMLE Step 1 scores, and belong to the AOA Medical Honor Society. If you don't match the first year, work on getting things published during your intern year, then reapply. It is possible to match into Dermatology the second or third time around.
- Students should volunteer at St. Vincent's Dermatology Night, held the first Thursday of every month. This is a great opportunity to interact with residents and faculty to build connections
- Preceptorships in dermatology are available for first year medical students after completion of their first year. The department takes 8 students over the 2 elective periods. Additionally, the summer research program (SRP) is a 6-8 week summer elective that allows students to receive funding for a specific research project. This is also a great way to show that you are interested in dermatology and get to know the department.
- Consider participating in the Honors Research Program in Dermatology.
- The UTMB Department of Dermatology has a wide variety of electives, ranging from Clinical Dermatology and Research, to Dermatopathology, Mohs Surgery and online electives such as Dermatology in Film. UTMB is second in the country behind UCSF for the number of medical student electives in dermatology. Some clinical electives are now even offered as 2 week electives. The Acting Internship in dermatology is offered the first few periods of 4th year and fulfills medical student graduation requirements. Additionally, BSHS graduation requirements may be fulfilled with dermatology courses.
- Most dermatology residency programs are advanced positions. Residents are required to complete a PGY1 preliminary or transitional year prior to starting dermatology residency. There are a few US programs that have categorical dermatology programs.
Upcoming events:
- Diversity Chair:
URM Resident Match Panel 9/1/22 5:30 pm.
St. Vincent’s Health Fair, poster competition, and skin of color talks.
-Psoriasis Walk:
Sign Up to Help: https://forms.gle/Lk7p4YfCJPu1mvvu8
-Research Chair:
TDS Application Deadline: 9/1/22
Abstract Paragraph & Poster PDF Deadline: 9/9/22
-Bake Sale Chair
Sign up: https://tinyurl.com/mr2neh47
-Stay Shady Chair:
Sign up to volunteer with Hats for the Homeless and our sun safety talks with middle school students!
-Melanoma Walk Chairs:
The deadline to sign up has passed, but if you are still interested in volunteering, reach out to one of us!
-Education Chair:
Upcoming discussion about taking a Research Year. Please fill out the DIG workshop form to let us know what you would like to see this year. https://forms.gle/cDot1xhUik3HPdz76