Pathways: Inclusivity in Dermatology

Your journey starts here

Whether you’re discovering dermatology for the first time or preparing for residency, Pathways provides the experiences, mentorship, and community to help you take the next step toward a career in dermatology.

From discovery to practice

High School → College & Post-Baccalaureate → Medical School → Residency → Early Career

Why Pathways

Your future doesn’t begin in medical school. It begins with curiosity. The experiences you have today can shape the physician you become tomorrow.

Pathways help students explore dermatology through hands-on learning, meaningful mentorship, professional development, research opportunities, and connections with a supportive community of dermatologists, residents, mentors, and peers.

Pathways programs provide exposure to dermatology, helping remove barriers to entering and succeeding in dermatology. Programs offer opportunities to serve underserved communities and dermatology deserts. Participation is open to all applicants who meet stated program criteria.

No matter where you’re starting, there’s a pathway forward.

The journey

Wherever you are today, your next step starts here. Every Pathways experience builds on the one before it — helping you discover new opportunities, strengthen your skills, and prepare for what comes next.

• High school: Explore careers in dermatology through immersive learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and introduce you to medicine.

• College and post-baccalaureate: Gain meaningful exposure, strengthen your application, and prepare for the next step toward medical school with our Derm Career Prep program.

• Medical school: Develop clinical skills, build mentoring relationships, participate in research, and grow as a future dermatologist.

• Residency: Continue developing your leadership, expand your professional network, and prepare for a successful career in dermatology.

• Early career: Your Pathways journey doesn’t end with residency. As an early career dermatologist, continue building lifelong professional connections through the AAD’s leadership opportunities, educational resources, networking, and career development programs.

Have questions?

We’re here to help. Explore frequently asked questions or contact the Pathways team to learn more about programs, eligibility, and upcoming opportunities.

• Email us at pathways@aad.org