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How Do You Match Into Dermatology As A DO Student?

Iya Agha, DO
Iya Agha, DO
August 15, 2025
matching into derm

So… How Do You Actually Match Into Derm as a DO?

This is the million-dollar question. First, I have to thank every single person I relentlessly vented to about my doubts, my fears, and my impostor syndrome. Find your people, build your team.

For my match year, only 40 DOs matched into dermatology, 36 of whom were graduating. So yes, the numbers are sobering. That being said, if you want this, you need to believe that you will become a dermatologist. Self-doubt doesn’t serve you.

I manifest everything. I’m a full believer in Lucky Girl Syndrome. I wrote “I matched into dermatology at my #1” in my journal every day. I visualized it. I spoke it into existence. I truly believe your thoughts shape your reality, and for something as competitive as derm, you need an unshakable belief in yourself.

Let’s break it down year-by-year:

M1: Don’t panic. This year is about finding your rhythm. Learn how you study best. Don’t stress about networking or extracurriculars just yet. If you don’t build a solid academic foundation, everything else becomes harder. Excel here first.

M2: Now start layering on the extras. This is the year I attended my first American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD) meeting, and I wish I had gone during M1. It’s just one weekend, and it’s full of program directors, residents, and lectures. This year, I also took on leadership roles and started research. You’ll also take (and pass!) Step 1 and Level 1 this summer. I strongly recommend taking both exams. We can talk about why in depth later.

M3: This year is severely underrated. Honor your clerkships. That’s how you show you’re teachable, reliable, and strong in a clinical setting. Great evals and strong letters are green flags for derm. Keep building your research portfolio, attend more conferences, and start prepping for Step 2 and Level 2. These are scored, so do the best you can. Start studying during shelf season and you’ll be ready. Start planning your audition rotations now. You’ll schedule most (if not all) of them this spring. Take this seriously. Auditions were everything for me. I’m confident I matched because of them.

M4: This is your time to shine. Go into every audition rotation with confidence and kindness. Be teachable. Be yourself. Connect with people not just to “network,” but to find the right fit. These months were some of the most meaningful of my life. 

Matching into derm takes grit, hustle, and a good amount of luck. If this is your calling, if it’s in your heart, you can and will do it. The path may not be linear, but please don’t settle. If it’s meant for you, no stat or obstacle will stop it.