key: cord-0690960-swex393r
authors: Brumfiel, Caitlin M.; Jefferson, Itisha S.; Wu, Albert G.; Strunck, Jennifer L.; Veerabagu, Surya; Lin, Krysta; Brodell, Robert T.; Rosman, Ilana S.
title: A national webinar for dermatology applicants during the COVID-19 pandemic
date: 2020-09-17
journal: J Am Acad Dermatol
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.09.043
sha: 888c57fcc92daf8c45a36b04a086731634fbbd31
doc_id: 690960
cord_uid: swex393r

nan

DIGA is a national student-run organization composed of 120 medical school chapters 49 that serves as a forum for the exchange of information among students interested in 50 dermatology. With support from the APD, a webinar titled 'The Shifting Landscape of the 2020-51 2021 Dermatology Application Cycle in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic' was developed. Six 52 U.S. residency program director panelists participated in the event. 53 A total of 996 viewers attended the webinar. An optional poll was administered; only 54 medical students were asked to respond. Of 679 respondents, 62% were fourth year students 55 (19% third year, 14% preclinical, and 4% identified as other). Minorities underrepresented in 56 medicine accounted for 31% of respondents; 25% of respondents reported attending an 57 institution not affiliated with a dermatology residency program. During the webinar, panelists 58 collectively addressed this year's residency application process via questions prompted by 59 physician moderators (Table 2) . These questions had been collected from medical students via 60 Google questionnaires administered by DIGA in the weeks prior to the event. Additional "real-61 time" questions from viewers were answered both verbally and in written form within Zoom's 62 Question and Answer and Chat functions. 63

Program director panelists also presented highlights from the APD consensus 64 statement, 2 such as promoting application to fewer programs to allow for holistic review. 65

Panelists emphasized one recommendation letter may be written by any faculty member with 66 whom a student has worked closely, regardless of specialty. This is important given one quarter 67 of our attendees interested in dermatology do not have a home program. Virtual away 68 rotations were described as opportunities to learn more about specific programs but should not 69 be perceived as necessary to match into dermatology. The webinar was recorded and is freely 70 available for reference. 5 

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for graduate medical 72 education. Fortunately, the broad adoption of video conference communication has translated 73 into unique opportunities for medical students to stay informed on issues of significant value to 74 them. The large number of webinar viewers suggests acute interest in this format and 75 discussions for a future webinar on virtual interviews have begun. Underrepresented minorities 76 and students without home dermatology programs constituted a significant portion of the 77 webinar audience, demonstrating the need and opportunity to fill gaps in recruitment and 78 mentorship for these groups. Beyond COVID-19 and the resumption of the traditional residency 79 application process, large-scale webinars may continue to be invaluable resources for 80 dermatology applicants. 81 82 J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f

Approaching the dermatology 84 residency application process during a pandemic

951206e7f726/updated_dermatology_program_director_statement_on_2020-89 the Residency Application Process Amid the COVID-19 Crisis. 2020

Advice for the Ophthalmology Residency Match Season

The Shifting Landscape of the 2020-21 Dermatology Application Cycle in the Era of the 96

• Students submit no more than 60 applications to dermatology programs (recommended 40-60) • Students accept no more than 15 interviews (recommended 12-15) • Programs do not offer in-person away rotations, except for students without home dermatology residency programs • Programs conduct virtual interviews for all applicants 110 

How should students express interest in specific programs given most dermatology away rotations are cancelled? Who should I contact in the department/division? (Program Director? Chief resident?) How do I find contact information? Should a mentor advocate for me or make calls on my behalf? Should I tailor my personal statement to specific programs? Should I have a region-specific strategy? How should students without a home dermatology program approach away rotations?

Are test scores weighted differently this year and if so, how? How will different application components be weighted (e.g., letters of recommendation, personal statement, clerkship grades)? How can applicants strengthen their applications (especially those with weaker test scores and those who have had opportunities cancelled)? How should I address "red flags" on my application (e.g., lowStep 1 score, personal leave of absence, repeating clinical rotations)?

How should applicants prepare for virtual interviews? Are programs going to be coordinating virtual interview dates? How should applicants get the best feel for programs now that in-person meet-and-greets, away rotations, and interviews are cancelled?

Is it beneficial to take a year off to do research in dermatology? How should I include research experiences and projects that have been delayed or cancelled on my application?

How can international medical students strengthen their applications this year? Will virtual rotations accept international medical students? 136 Table 2 . Questions directed to six dermatology residency program director panelists during the webinar. 137