Dermatology Personal Statement

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Dermatology is unique because one person can execute all phases of diagnosis and treatment. Not only can the Dermatologist generate a differential diagnosis based on the skin exam, he or she can also obtain tissue for pathology, repair the defect left by the biopsy, and even read the slides before reconciling physical and pathological findings into a final diagnosis. This same person then has the ability to develop a plan with the patient, to prescribe any of a wide variety of treatment modalities, and to follow that patient through treatment. Students of the field have the opportunity to be a diagnostician, surgeon, pathologist, and microbiologist all in one. As someone who consistently seeks out new avenues for discovery, the field provides …show more content…
I have always been able to read and assimilate new information quickly and efficiently. In my second year of medical school, my classmates joked that I knew everything Robbins had to say on any given subject. No one felt that they had the time to read a thick textbook in addition to our course load, but the book was critical to my overall understanding of disease processes, and helped to satisfy my intellectual curiosity. I have proven my organizational skills and my attention to detail by successfully carrying out a retrospective chart review on beta-blockers and infantile hemangiomas. But, I understand it takes more than intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and medical knowledge to become successful in this field. I also have the ability to connect, communicate, and work well with others. My performance evaluations from third year clerkships consistently praised my teamwork and interpersonal skills. I believe that these qualities, reinforced by a strong academic foundation, will allow me to be an effective and productive resident, one who consistently meets and exceeds the expectations of my