Applying to dermatopathology fellowship stirs a mix of emotions—excitement, uncertainty, maybe even a bit of stress. The process can feel extremely overwhelming because the dermatopathology application process is significantly different from the residency application process. There’s no ERAS. No Match. Just a lot of googling, emailing, and figuring it out as you go.
In this article, we will walk through the application process, ending with a few quick tips on how to strengthen yourself as an applicant.
Should you apply to dermatopathology fellowship?
This question is best answered by reflecting on how you felt during your dermpath rotation. Did you feel bored, overwhelmed—or genuinely intrigued? If you find yourself genuinely excited by histology, pattern recognition, clinicopathologic correlation, and maybe even a bit obsessed with skin tumors, dermpath might just be your thing. In which case, you should seriously consider pursuing a dermatopathology fellowship.
Who can apply to dermpatopathology fellowship?
Both dermatology-trained and pathology-trained physicians can apply to dermatopathology fellowships.
How competitive is dermatopathology?
It is considered a moderately competitive subspecialty due to the limited number of fellowship positions and the dual applicant pool from dermatology and pathology backgrounds. Don’t let that intimidate you. If you genuinely love dermpath and want to make it part of your career—go for it with confidence.
What is the timeline for applying to dermatopathology fellowship?
Dermatopathology fellowship applications are typically submitted two years prior to the fellowship start date. For positions beginning in July 2027, applicants should apply in late spring or early summer of 2025—that is, during this current application cycle. Most residents will be applying at the end of their PGY-2 year.
Unlike residency positions, there is no formal match process for dermatopathology. Rather than submitting your application through a centralized website like ERAS, applicants must submit their materials to individual programs. The tricky part? While most programs ask for similar materials, a few have unique requirements—so staying organized is key.
In recent years, dermatopathology fellowship program directors across institutions have tried to create a unified timeline for applications. However, this will no longer be the case. According to the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) website, “Dermatopathology fellowship training directors across the nation have not achieved the minimum participation needed to ensure the successful provision of a unified timeline for applications to dermatopathology fellowship training programs that will begin in July 2027. Therefore, fellowship programs will each utilize their own timelines for the upcoming interview seasons.” For more information, please follow the link here.
The timeline for dermatopathology fellowship positions will now be institution-specific; thus, those interested will have to do considerable work to ensure they are submitting the documentation and adhering to the deadlines set forth by each program.
Generally, most programs accept applications during late Summer/early Fall with interviews usually occurring in late Fall/early Winter
How can you strengthen your application for dermatopathology?
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- Seek early exposure and get started as soon as possible. The earlier you explore dermatopathology, the more time you’ll have to build a foundation, make meaningful connections, and strengthen your application. Since most residents apply at the end of their PGY-2 year, try to schedule your dermatopathology rotations or electives early in your training whenever possible.
- Dermatopathology is a small, small community. This is even truer for those at academic institutions. Connect with and identify mentors who know the field and can advocate for you. This small community thrives on our strong relationships.
- Attendance at dermatopathology meetings. Show up and be seen. These meetings are not just an opportunity to present exciting research/case reports or explore a fun city; these are key events during which you can build your network and show your commitment to the field.
The path to dermatopathology can feel uncertain and overwhelming, but the right information can make it much more manageable. I hope this guide has clarified the application process and offered insight into building a strong candidacy. Whether you’re just beginning to explore or already preparing your application, stay focused, stay curious, and trust in your abilities. You’ve got this!
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