Modernizing dermatology interest groups in medical school: Certificate programs

Abstract

This commentary addresses the increasingly competitive nature of applying to dermatology residency programs and how both interest groups in medical schools and their dermatology departments can help to better prepare applicants. As previous literature argued that dermatology has been underemphasized in medical school curricula, we propose five fundamental options that interest groups can implement in order to offer increased exposure to our field in medical training. Furthermore, with the recent trend of many schools conferring certificates in various specialized concentrations, we also discuss interest groups pioneering certificate-granting programs in dermatology competency. The pros and cons of having a recognized certificate program in dermatology are presented.