Starting Residency? During the 2018 Skin of Color Seminar Series(now the Skin of Color Update), Next Steps correspondent, Brianna Olamiju, spoke with some of the top dermatology thought leaders about what you should know.
What are three pieces of advice you would give to an individual entering dermatology residency?
Dr. Ted Rosen:
- Work towards developingan area of significant expertise. This gives you instant credibility as a new practitioner.
- Become familiar with as many different faculty and co-operating community dermatologists as possible. You can learn something different from each one.
- Practice improves your skills. Volunteer for extra opportunities to do procedures such as excisions, laser procedures, and so on.
Dr. Wendy Roberts:
- The sky is the limit! Take advantage of all opportunities available. Ask many questions and look beyond the curriculum for knowledge.
- Network as much as possible with dermatology faculty and community dermatologists in your area to maximize your learning experience.
- Utilize opportunities to expand your circle. For example, residents can write articles on the Next Steps website on topics of their choice and connect with others digitally. Residents can also join the Women’s Dermatologic Society, for instance, and attend conferences and events with other dermatologists in various parts of the nation. Opportunities such as these can enrich your career as you progress.
Dr. Valerie Callender:
- Dermatology is exciting and dynamic. Explore the plethora of career options available as a dermatologist including the routes of medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, and/or facilitating research.
- It is a small world within the specialty and many faculty members know each other, even across institutions. Therefore, it is important to keep this in mind and maintain professionalism at all times.
- Get involved early in professional societies! Join committees, task forces, academies, and dermatology societies. It is helpful to start early to learn the dynamics of these committees and how they work. It also aids in fine tuning your leadership skills and overall personal and professional development.
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