Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Dermatology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring dermatologist.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Step 2: Review Dermatology Match Data
Dermatology is very competitive, with many more applicants than available positions. “Our dermatology residency positions are highly coveted and competitive,” writes the Department of Dermatology at McGovern Medical School. “In a typical year we receive over 500 applications and less than 10% are selected for interviews.”
In the 2024 NRMP Match, nearly 30% of US MD senior applicants failed to match in dermatology.
Dermatology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of U.S. MD Seniors Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Dermatology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. DO 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of U.S. DO Seniors Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Dermatology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for IMGs 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of International Medical Graduates Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in dermatology, you must become well informed as early as possible.
In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents. We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Dermatology-2024 NRMP Program Director Survey
Charting Outcomes™: Program Director Survey Results, 2024 Main Residency Match®
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
The process of matching into the specialty and/or program of your choice begins well before it’s time to work on the residency application. Success is the culmination of many decisions and actions that take place over a period of several years.
Many medical students struggle to become strong residency applicants not because they are not talented or hardworking, but because they lack knowledge or guidance about the actions they should take to position themselves for future success.
Complicating matters even further is the rapidly changing landscape in residency admissions making it difficult for both residency applicants and mentors to stay well informed. A recent study showed that 75% of faculty advisors had advising concerns due to lack of knowledge of current practices or recent changes to the residency application.
As competition for positions in the dermatology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to be an informed candidate who has the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." Fully updated in 2025 with over 1,000 pages of powerful information, the book is a must-have resource to help you stand out from the competition.
This book will empower you to become a stronger dermatology residency applicant. Inside, you'll find answers to the following questions and much more:
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What differentiates top from average performers in dermatology away or audition rotations?
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What themes in the personal statement are more likely to lead to a match in dermatology?
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What should your signaling strategy be in dermatology?
For more powerful information, sign up for our periodic updates.
Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
The preclinical years of medical school are important for students considering a career in dermatology. "In schools with non-pass/fail grading systems, high grades may be an important factor in class ranking for nomination to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Society and for the residency application," writes Dr. Ali Alikhan. "Additionally, because the vast majority of dermatology applicants are outstanding, there is no need to take students with low basic science grades."
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Shailee Patel extended her medical education by two years so that she could immerse herself in dermatology research. She was recognized for the quality of her work by multiple organizations, garnering a total of 12 honorable distinctions.
“Every student who spent a year doing research in our program has won one or more awards, but Shailee’s success is exceptional,” said Dr. Marjana Tomic-Canic, Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships and Externships
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.