key: cord-0021702-ltzie415
authors: Villa, Natalie M.; Shi, Vivian Y.; Hsiao, Jennifer L.
title: An underrecognized barrier to the dermatology residency match: Lack of a home program
date: 2021-03-31
journal: Int J Womens Dermatol
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.011
sha: ec9b83f2cf18df2373e20ffe406ff13b93b6648a
doc_id: 21702
cord_uid: ltzie415

nan

Third, students without a home dermatology program lack access to research opportunities within their home institution. Research experience is a heavily weighted factor in the application process ( Ezekor et al., 2020 ) . These students also lack direct access to home institution-sponsored clinical research fellowships, which are associated with a higher matching rate ( Wasong et al., 2008 ) . Students should be encouraged early on to use available mentorship programs, such as the American Academy of Dermatology and Women's Dermatology Society diversity mentorship programs. Since its inception in 2018, the Women's Dermatology Society program has provided multiple students with summer research grants and connected > 100 students with networking events for underrepresented minority groups ( Sekyere et al., 2021 ) . These programs can be options for students seeking research opportunities in addition to clinical experience.

We call attention to this disadvantaged student population and propose strategies to help mitigate the challenges they face. The presented barriers can affect all of these students, regardless of gender and race. We urge residency programs that are not already doing so to take this disadvantage into account as part of a holistic approach to the residency selection process, as we would for those with extraordinary life circumstances or unique experiences.

Dr Jennifer L. Hsiao served as an advisor for Novartis. Dr Vivian Y. Shi is a stock shareholder of Learn Health and has served as an advisor, investigator, and/or speaker for Sanofi Genzyme, Regeneron, AbbVie, Burt's Bees, Dermira, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Galderma, Leo Pharma, SUN Pharma, Menlo Therapeutics, GpSkin, and Skin Actives Scientific. There was no financial transaction for the preparation of this manuscript. Dr Natalie M. Villa reports no conflicts of interest. 

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