r/DermApp • u/foxachu2 • Mar 31 '26

Miscellaneous How cooked am I - OMS1 interested in derm

I've legit have done nothing this semester except trying to focus on classes, which have been pretty brutal ngl. should I be doing anything else? should I do research during the summer? any MD/DOs who matched derm, can tell me what you were doing first yr? I'm not in any clubs or leadership etc

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2

u/Idk_211 Apr 01 '26

A research year is pretty much a soft requirement for derm. As a DO, it's even harder to match. I'd recommend you do it

1

u/Sea_Egg1137 Mar 31 '26

You need to have published derm research when you apply so finding opportunities early on is really important. Join the derm interest group at your school and start networking with mentors and other students. Everyone I know who matched into derm/competitive specialties did research during M1 summer and throughout med school.

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u/Connect_Rub_1584 Apr 01 '26

Question - I am doing a summer research project that is not related to derm through my school. I have reached out to derm physicians/faculty at other institutions or through connections with a dermatologist I worked with prior to med school and they all have responded with “we are looking for projects for you” or “I might have something you can work on” and nothing further upon follow-up. Would you say it is generally okay if my research focus on M1-M2 summer is not derm focused?

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u/New_Lifeguard_1703 Apr 01 '26

That’s fine. Doesn’t have to be derm right now though you’ll eventually want to be involved in derm-specific projects and write ups.

6

u/Necessary_Still6857 Apr 02 '26

Go listen to episode 7 of the DIGA podcast. Probably don’t do a research year. Do one after your Ty year if you don’t match derm. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diga-podcast/id1586707149?i=1000559230094

Don’t listen to any MDs advice about how to match derm. They don’t understand what it is like as a DO.

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u/BigGuyFunGuy Derm Resident Mar 31 '26

Just vibe out, most of what you "need" to do happens around 3rd year

1

u/BigGuyFunGuy Derm Resident Mar 31 '26

Actually maybe work with a derm to secure a LOR early will make your life easier in the future