Examining dermatology residency applicant profiles for the 2023–2024 cycle: a cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Dermatology remains highly competitive, with strong USMLE Step 1 scores traditionally crucial for securing residency positions. The 2023–2024 cycle introduced significant changes, including pass/fail USMLE Step 1 score reports and an expanded program signaling system. This study explores dermatology residency applicant profiles within this new context. A survey of 2023–2024 dermatology applicants was conducted via social media to gather demographic and application data. A total of 63 survey responses were collected: 74.6% matched and 25.4% unmatched. The racial distribution was 54% White/Caucasian, 25.4% Asian/Pacific Islander, 9.5% Black/African American, 4.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.3% other. The median USMLE Step 2 score was 257 (215–277). Racial differences in USMLE Step 2 scores were significant (P = 0.031), but did not affect match rates (P = 0.116). Letters of recommendation from dermatology program directors were linked to lower match rates (P = 0.036). A positive correlation was found between the number of audition rotations completed and matching at such programs (r²=0.817). Of all matched respondents, 46.8% matched to a program they did not signal; of these, 50.0% matched to a program at which they completed an audition rotation and 40.9% to their home dermatology program affiliation. The mean number of interviews was 8.02, with matched applicants receiving more invitations than unmatched applicants (9.02 vs. 5.06, P = 0.002). The shift to pass/fail USMLE Step 1 scores and expanded program signaling did not notably affect the median USMLE Step 2 score from prior years or match rates among underrepresented minorities. Success in matching continues to depend on a holistic evaluation.