Dermatology Weekly

Costs associated with dermatology residency applications average $10,000 per applicant. Dr. Daniel Mazori talks to Dr. Aamir Hussain about ways to reduce costs for applicants, particularly during the interview process when frequent long-distance travel may be required. “Right now we’re in this lose-lose situation where applicants feel like they need to apply to every single program to maximize their chances and program directors are overwhelmed by hundreds of applications for one or two spots,” advises Dr. Hussain.

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We bring you the latest in dermatology news and research:

1. Dupilumab-induced head and neck erythema described in atopic dermatitis patients
   It’s a common side effect that’s underreported in clinical practice and clinical trials.
2. Calif. woman poisoned by methylmercury-containing skin cream
   The patient has undergone extensive chelation therapy, but she remains unable to verbalize or care for herself.

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Things you will learn in this episode:

• Many dermatology applicants apply to residency programs they are not genuinely interested in to maximize their chances of matching in a very competitive specialty.
• Program directors who are overwhelmed by hundreds of applications for one or two may use arbitrary metrics to weed out candidates because there currently is no way to evaluate who has a genuine interest in the program.
• A cap on the number of applications permitted per applicant would reduce application fees and help students focus on programs that are the best fit for them. According to Dr. Hussain, 50-60 applications generally is a reasonable number: “After that point, there seem to be diminishing returns in the number of interviews you’re getting for every application you send out in addition to that.”
• Dermatology applicants often choose to write separate personal statements or contact their programs of choice directly. An option to flag applications for the programs a candidate is most interested in may be an effective way to formalize this process.
• Regional interview coordination among all the dermatology programs in certain cities or areas of the country would allow applicants to interview with multiple programs at the same time and save on travel costs, in addition to providing neutral ground for home applicants; however, that would require coordination and buy-in from every dermatology program in the region.
• Video conferencing could reduce travel costs during the interview process but would need to be standardized for every applicant, as candidates who participate in video interviews are consistently rated lower than those who have in-person interviews.

Hosts: Elizabeth Mechcatie, Terry Rudd

Guests: Daniel R. Mazori, MD (State University of New York, Brooklyn); Aamir Naveed Hussain, MD, MAPP (Northwell Health, Manhasset, N.Y.)

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Show notes by: Alicia Sonners, Melissa Sears, Elizabeth Mechcatie

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