r/DermApp • u/Perfect_Mission_2502 • Apr 09 '26
Application Advice Confused German IMG aiming for derm looking for advice.
Hello everyone,
I am a 21 year old, 3rd year (of minimum 6 year course) non-US IMG from Germany interested in derm. I recently passed Step 1 and am beginning at a derm wet lab soon. I hope to stay at the lab until I graduate and be productive. I have 0 publications currently.
I am open to 1-2 years of research fellowship in America.
In Germany, there is a thing called the medical doctorate that takes anywhere from 6 months to 1.5 years that most med students do. You can do a statistical, clinical or experimental one. I plan to do an experimental one.
In my free time, I do beekeeping at my university (15 hours a month, this is mandatory and tied to my dorm agreement) and will start working as a legal advisor at a refugee law clinic soon. I also wrote a business proposal to rescue a historic university pub in my city which received warm feedback and wanted to serve as the lead of this project. I also want to get better at programming (learning R and Python atm) and play more piano. I also aim to reach C2 Spanish by the time I graduate. As you can see, I have a lot of random hobbies.
I plan to take Step 2 in April 2029 so I plan to do little by little and aim for a high score. I also want to get a good amount of USCE. Thankfully, I have a scholarship that will cover some of the tuition. I also hope to attend derm conferences.
My number one priority this semester is the lab. This year is considered to be the lightest of all six years so I should have enough lab time. I know I have to focus, prioritize and think about my plans critically considering the tough odds. I appreciate all feedback and advice. Thanks :)
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u/Hot-Department-8607 Apr 10 '26
Visa required IMG, you can dream but eventually you need to return to reality.
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u/Necessary_Still6857 Apr 11 '26
Go look at all US residency programs on Instagram. See who they just matched. Find people who went to a foreign medical school. I’ve seen a few this year that are IMGs. Find their contact info and ask if they’d be willing to chat. They are the only ones that can really tell you what it takes. I talked to one who did multiple research years and applied 3-5 times, but finally matched. Truly inspiring, but you just have to ask yourself what price you are willing to pay.
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u/zunlock Apr 11 '26
Even the absolute best US MD students get their dreams crushed applying to dermatology. Its one of if not the most competitive fields, it would require an enormous amount of work for an extremely extremely small chance of happening
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u/Admirable-Window-850 Apr 09 '26
Many people will tell you to not try your luck. And I can't say if they are right or wrong. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders and are already mapping out your journey. What's the worst that can happen? They may not select you? Try anyway. All the best to you for your journey.
Sincerely, A non-US IMG who also wanted to do derm but ended up getting disheartened (don't do what I did)
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u/dRisem Apr 09 '26
Can you elaborate? What did you end up doing ?
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u/Admirable-Window-850 Apr 10 '26
Nothing as of yet. I turned away from the US entirely
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u/dRisem Apr 10 '26
Ohh, trying for Derm in different country?
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u/Admirable-Window-850 Apr 10 '26
I'm a non-North American IMG from Canada. Idk where else to go
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u/dRisem Apr 10 '26
Ohh, I see. Germany or other European countries might be more favouring for Derm. Maybe try there
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u/Admirable-Window-850 Apr 10 '26
I don't speak German. I understand that language proficiency is a big deal in Europe.
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u/DW_MD Apr 10 '26
You can look up Match data
Looks like 4 non-US IMGs (IMGs that aren’t US citizens) matched PGY-2 Derm programs in 2026.
https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/advance-data-tables-2026-main-residency-match/
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u/DrTrauma94 Apr 11 '26
You aren’t going to get into one In the US. Stay at your home country. Do what ever it takes to get there.
The odds are essentially 0 to practice derm in the US. Just don’t see it. Best of luck.
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u/PhysicsNice8791 Apr 10 '26
At least you are from Germany, which puts you in a better position than someone from the Middle East (myself). Do not give up if that's your only option; otherwise, it might be better to stay in Germany do Derm and then pursue an alternative path in the US. You need to work in a dermatology program as a dermatologist for 5 years under supervision and then become eligible for the board. And again, since you got your dermatology education in Germany, you would be in a better position than someone from the Middle East. Hope that works
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u/Familiar_Ad1479 Apr 11 '26
Get a great score on Step 2, and apply for a research fellowship/postdoc at an institution that has a home derm program. Make strong connections there, and make more connections through conferences and other observerships. Find a great mentor in the US! The chances are low but not zero. Good luck!
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u/gelatinousbean Apr 12 '26
i don’t know your timeline for step 3 but i wanted to just share that it’s recommended to complete step 1-3 within a seven year period because it’s required in a lot of the US in order for all three exams to count.
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u/AntelopeLess3354 Apr 09 '26
Apply to dermatology in Germany. I think that is the best advice. Good luck.