The importance of publications, research, volunteer, and work experience in dermatology residency applicants

To the Editor: We read with great interest Atluri et al's letter1Atluri S. Seivright J.R. Shi V.Y. Hsiao J.L. Volunteer and work experiences among dermatology residency applicants.J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021; 84: e97-e98Abstract Full Text PDF Scopus (1) Google Scholar in response to our article.2Ezekor M. Pona A. Cline Huang W.W. Feldman S.R. An increasing trend number of publications research projects 2020; 83: 214-216Abstract PubMed (10) The authors argue that volunteer are important qualities applications because such provide insight into applicant's character, including compassion, kindness, professionalism. However, we believe one detail is missing from both articles: if objective criteria guide interview process—whether it's or experiences—applicants incentivized bolster those numbers. When consider components application, need view it perspectives. Applicants trying sell themselves, training programs seeking most desirable applicants. Very quickly, become useless for determining who has an scientific study; becomes a candidate's altruistic tendencies. doubt applicants ones effectively these Programs want train people will be forthright, honest, self-motivated, bright, pleasant, caring residents physicians. numbers activities likely assessing characteristics. It difficult delineate application. Although surveys sent program directors asking them rank importance certain application components, they limited by inconsistent rates.3National Residency Matching ProgramResults 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey.2018Google Scholar,4Gorouhi F. Alikhan Rezaei Fazel N. Dermatology selection emphasis on characteristics: national director survey.Dermatol Res Pract. 2014; 2014: 692760Crossref (31) Furthermore, do not ask volunteer, work, experience. Because there insufficient evaluating experience applications, conclusion whether higher chance matching than cannot drawn. There should experiences, especially can come by. With US Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 becoming binary pass fail, qualitative criteria—like personal statements, letters, interviews—are far perfect, may best do. good news vast majority are, opinion, terrific. How ensure all accepted terrific and, later, physicians something have answer to. hope future evaluate used actually select dermatologists. Nonetheless, approaching holistic manner applicantsJournal American Academy DermatologyVol. 84Issue 2PreviewTo letter Ezekor al,1 which showed stark increase matched 2007 2018. accomplishments show intellectual curiosity scholarly activity applicants, also showcase character traits as empathy, professionalism, perseverance. hypothesized that, unlike publications, over time was significantly different between unmatched Full-Text