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 … 
It’s July 1st. You’re in orientation, buzzing with excitement (and maybe a little nervous), thrilled to finally begin dermatology residency. But then it hits you: Wait… there are more exams I need to take? What are they, and when do I need to take them?
Welcome to your guide to all the board-related milestones during dermatology residency. Whether you're a freshly minted PGY-2 or staring … 
The Dermatopathology CORE Exam
The Dermatopathology CORE exam, administered by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD), is a major milestone for dermatology residents working toward board certification. A strong grasp of dermatopathology isn’t just essential for passing—it is critical for diagnosing skin disorders in daily practice.
Studying for this exam can feel overwhelming, given the s …