Managing Derm Exam Anxiety
Something they may not tell you when applying to dermatology residency (and I didn’t know until I started) is that, while all specialties have board exams, we have a lot of them! The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) pathway to certification requires derm residents complete a Basic exam during the first year, four Core exams (medical, pediatric, surgical, and dermatopathology) between the se …
Something they may not tell you when applying to dermatology residency (and I didn’t know until I started) is that, while all specialties have board exams, we have a lot of them! The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) pathway to certification requires derm residents complete a Basic exam during the first year, four Core exams (medical, pediatric, surgical, and dermatopathology) between the se … 
Dermatology residency is an intense and rewarding period focused on clinical excellence, but it is also a key window for advocacy and leadership development. For many residents, advocacy may feel like something reserved for when they are an attending and/or established within their careers. In reality, residents are uniquely positioned to shape the future of dermatology through meaningful engageme … 
Serving as a mentor is a valuable role in encouraging and guiding the next generation of dermatologists. However, the great demand for mentorship can leave mentors feeling overwhelmed. So is mentorship even worth a practicing dermatologist’s time? What’s an expert mentor’s advice on how medical students can get the most out of a mentoring relationship?
For a mentor’s perspective on the … 
Mentorships are necessary for medical students with a career interest in dermatology, yet landing and maintaining mentorships can be a challenge. Mentors aren’t required to give their time and energy to the next generation, and the sheer effort it takes to mentor and mentor well can leave mentors feeling drained. Mentorship at its best should be a two-way street with benefits for both mentees an … 
You’ve worked incredibly hard to match into dermatology residency. While we may not be managing as many overnight calls, emergencies, or inpatient consults like our colleagues in other specialties, the demands of dermatology residency are uniquely challenging in their own right.
Between reading assignments, studying for exams, didactic presentations, the pressure to publish, expectations to … 