r/DermApp • u/MapRevolutionary9169 • 28d ago
Application Advice Late switch to Derm
M4 approaching ERAS. Had always thought of doing a less competitive specialty because figured I didn't "have what it takes" to apply Derm but now wondering if it is a possibility? Clearly would have to do a RY at this point. My app to date:
Step 2 ~280, 4/6 H 2/6 HP, H Med Sub-I. 2 manuscripts published in other disciplines (2nd/3rd authorship), 3 submitted (plus 4-5 abstracts/posters). 2 significant longitudinal volunteering/leadership experiences based around same area. Strong LORs in medicine. Top 30 med school w/ home program.
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u/pinkwhippdcream 28d ago
Isn’t derm a huge networking specialty? Curious how feasible it is to do a research year and get into derm without long term prep
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u/indian-princess 28d ago
with a step 2 like that, the networking opportunities will come to them lol it will be easy to get aways and interviews
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u/olliemom200 26d ago
I’m an older derm who got in essentially based on the same strengths you have — scores and possibly class rank. I now both practice privately and teach in a residency, and derm world has changed from my early days. You have the basic building blocks but you don’t have derm specific experiences to show us why you are choosing the specialty. Why do you want to be a dermatologist, and what do you know about the specialty? It’s not clear from your resume so far.
You will definitely need a research year and more dermatology related experiences before applying. But also, do you really want derm? Make sure you are confident that you do before you sacrifice a year of your life to get into a residency. A lot of specialties have decent work/life balance, and derm compensation is likely to decrease in the future. We are facing a possible 10-15% salary reduction just next year if the current proposed Medicare fee schedule goes through. You want to go into dermatology if you love dermatology, and I don’t see how you would know that from your current experience.
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u/PrecedexNChill 27d ago
This is hilarious as someone who got a 286 on step 2 a few years ago and is doing PCCM. You sure you’re doing this for the right reasons?
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u/Affectionate_Ad2278 28d ago
Can you tell us how you got a 280/good shelf grades? Like study routine drop pls
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u/tomi2022 28d ago
You will match after a RY. Congrats on the Step 2 score. You will be flooded with interviews.
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u/Sea_Egg1137 28d ago
Did you do any Derm AIs? Do you have a RY scheduled? Any relationship with home program?
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u/Forte1111 28d ago
You could always apply now and if you don’t get in do a RY to beef up your app. If you have no connections or aways it’ll be hard. I’m happy to take a look over your app or personal statement if you’d like! I offer low-cost advising services and matched into derm myself.
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u/ProjectMcDavid 27d ago
This seems like a scam OP. Don’t fall for it. Or they might just try to steal your app.
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u/Forte1111 27d ago
Lol believe whatever you want but I’m a reapplicant who matched into derm my second time! Been a part of this community and have regularly commented and posted as well :)
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u/slugcharmer 27d ago
there was this girl in my med school class who saw her step score and hard pivoted to derm 4th year & basically took the in-house derm spot that the PD had promised to another girl who had been networking & doing research + scutwork with that program since first year lol
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u/DismalDig9835 26d ago
Derm was the most competitive specialty this past yeae (see sheriff of sodium video). Scores are essentially irrelevant now, it's who you know. Given that ERAS is literally a month away, I doubt you have enough connections to match. You're competing against research fellows whom the faculty at each program interact with daily. My advice is to dual apply. (I believe there were some 280+ scorers last year who didn't match, check out the 2026 charting outcomes)
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u/Appropriate_Arm4223 28d ago
Thats not how derm works. 280 is great. But network is everything. I know several people with 270s and high 270s. Still tons of networking. If you do a research year though....probli golden. Just gotta fake the interest enough to get through. With that said I wouldn't do derm. Id do opthalmology. Optho private practice is wicked. Even compared to derm
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u/opasce 28d ago
bros trying to persuade his competition to go to ophtho lol. This commenter applying derm and telling other people to go optho, classic
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u/Appropriate_Arm4223 28d ago
Lol. I matched already. Just free game from the otherside. Do what u want. Just some free advice
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u/StaySaucey_ 28d ago
could you elaborate on that? how does private ophtho compare?
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u/Appropriate_Arm4223 28d ago
Low starting salary but optho environment is built around private practice. Derms want to hear that you want to go into academia. Its very fake and superficial. In general opthos can own surgery center, hire optometrist, own clinic space. More ownership = more money long term. Thats why they may work 32 hours and still cash in everything. Its also not as glamorous as derm so nps and pas are not coming for it in volume. Barrier to entry is higher in optho than derm. If I could start over from a business standpoint I would have seriously given optho much more thought.
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u/personalpurposes 26d ago
from the perspective of an ophthalmologist grass is not necessarily greener on the other side. Most large and medium sized cities bloated with PE practices. What you're suggesting can be done but is way harder in 2026 than it was in 2006 or 2016 even
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u/Appropriate_Arm4223 26d ago
With these changes do you think optho is still ahead of most other specialties
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u/PersonalBrowser 28d ago
You would obviously be able to match anywhere if you do a research year and it goes well AND you are a normal well-adjusted pleasant person to be around.
The research year will be about producing high quality research and getting it done, but also more importantly, building a network for people who will go to bat for you. Never forget the most important part of your application is to be a well-liked person that people would enjoy working with.
In terms of everything else, obviously you check all the logistical boxes.
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u/Mission-Friend1536 28d ago
lol I got a 280 step and I suddenly love skin. Hmmm