Some thoughts (my own) for #dermatology #residency applicants and for other specialty applicants as well. #meded #dermtwitter #medtwitter 1/n

I’m sorry that the derm residency application is incredibly stressful. I’m not a fan of the hysteria producing competitive nature of the process. Seriously. Also, thanks #COVID19 for disrupting all that is “normal” and adding more stress to an already stressful process. 2/n

That being said, here are some thoughts on how to try and distinguish yourself among the sea of applicants with high step scores, numerous publications, and “connections.” 3/n

Create a story for yourself. What are you passionate about? Basic science? Public health? LGBTQ health? A specific disease? Underserved population? Your research thus far? Let that SHINE through, thoughtfully and humbly. Weave that story throughout your application. 4/n

Find a way to show a personal side to who you are behind the numbers, grades, and list of publications. A way to do this might be to add some real interests to your CV even though they don’t SEEM very professional. Are you an avid hiker? Do you love competitive dancing? 5/n

For as long as I can remember, I have always added “ice cream” to my interests on my CV. Yup, ice cream enthusiast here. I can't tell you the number of fun conversations I have had with interviewers (finance - previous career, med school, and residency interviews). 6/n

I often get questions from applicants about whether or not to mention pregnancy, having kids, and being a parent in their application (usually personal statement). You don’t have to mention anything you don’t want to but don’t shy away from mentioning out of fear 7/n

that you will get DINGED for it. If you get dinged for it, which you shouldn’t, you don’t want to go to that program anyway. Trust me. If the pregnancy, having kids, and being a parent is part of your narrative, go for it. 8/n