Pathways pre-med students
Explore dermatology. Build your future.
Spend an immersive week discovering what it takes to become a dermatologist. At the AAD Pathways Dermatology Career Prep program, you learn from physicians, residents, medical students, admissions leaders, and industry professionals while building the skills, confidence, and connections that can shape your future.
Join a community that’s committed to helping you discover what’s possible — and supporting you every step of the way.
Program highlights
Who: College students/pre-med students and postbaccalaureate students
Date: June 7-11, 2027
Location: Skokie Banquet & Conference Center
5300 W Touhy Ave. Skokie, IL 60077
Daily program hours: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Program fee: $200
Apply for Dermatology Career Prep
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Apply nowDermatology Career Prep aims to remove barriers for students to prepare for medical school and careers in dermatology. It is open to all applicants who meet stated program criteria; selection is based on stated criteria, including demonstrated need, interest in serving underserved communities, and program capacity.
Why attend?
Choosing a career in medicine is a journey, and discovering dermatology should be exciting, inspiring, and accessible.
The Dermatology Career Preparation Program is a five-day immersive experience designed to help students explore dermatology while preparing for the next step in their educational journey. Throughout the week, you’ll hear from physicians and medical students, participate in interactive workshops, strengthen your professional skills, visit medical schools, and build meaningful relationships with mentors and peers from across the country.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore medicine or preparing for medical school, you’ll leave with greater confidence, practical tools, and a supportive community cheering you on.
Your week at a glance
Programming runs approximately 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day and includes lectures, workshops, networking opportunities, meals, and interactive learning experiences.
Monday: Building Your Foundation — Set the tone for the week with an orientation to the program, then begin developing the core professional materials that carry you through the application process, including your CV and elevator pitch. The day closes with structured opportunities to connect with peers and program leaders.
Tuesday: Preparing for Medical School — Focus on the practical mechanics of getting to medical school: application readiness, entrance exam strategy, and the relationships that support your path. Sessions pair expert guidance with small group conversations about the journey ahead.
Wednesday: Exploring Medical School — Step onto medical school campuses in Chicago and see the environment from the inside. Hear directly from current students and admissions leaders about what makes an application stand out and what life as a student is really like.
Thursday: Learning from Experts — A hands-on day. Work through practical skills sessions and immersive experiences led by clinicians, residents, and industry partners, applying what you have learned in a setting that mirrors real clinical training.
Friday: Looking Ahead — Spend the day with dermatologists exploring the range of subspecialties within the field and where a career in dermatology can lead. Reflect on what you have gained over the week, celebrate your progress, and leave with connections that extend beyond the program.
* Schedule is subject to change
Featured speakers
Learn from leaders shaping the future of dermatology.
Throughout the week, you’ll hear from professionals representing every stage of the dermatology journey. Our speakers include:
Practicing dermatologists
Dermatology residents
Medical students
Medical school admissions leaders
Academic faculty
Industry professionals
Pathways alumni
Each speaker brings a unique perspective to help you better understand what it takes to build a successful career in dermatology.
Program details and timeline
Program fee includes:
Educational programming
Workshop materials
Scheduled meals during programming
Hands-on learning experiences
Networking opportunities
Participants are responsible for their own lodging and transportation.
Timeline
Application opens: Sept. 14, 2026
Deadline: Nov. 15, 2026
Applicants notified on a rolling basis
Hear from our participants
“I look forward to furthering my career and bringing education, confidence, and access to all, particularly in underserved communities. By increasing diversity in dermatology, we can improve cultural competency, enhance patient trust, and ultimately provide better care for all patients, regardless of their skin color.”
─ Courtney Roberts, previous Derm Career Prep participant
“Years of mentorship and pearls are condensed into a one week intensive that covers everything from CV creation, elevator pitches, and interview skills to basic procedural skills, community engagement, and how to engage with industry partners, creating a feasible blueprint to build the strongest candidate possible for medical school applications. The evolution and growth of the participants over this week is truly outstanding and inspiring.”
─ Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, Professor and Chair of Dermatology George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
The Dermatology Career Preparation Program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career as a physician in dermatology. Eligibility requirements, including academic status, are available within the application materials.
Where is the program held?
The 2027 Dermatology Career Preparation Program will take place in Skokie, Illinois.
How much does the program cost?
The program fee is $200, which includes educational programming, workshop materials, scheduled meals, and hands-on learning experiences.
Participants are responsible for their own lodging and transportation.
What are the daily program hours?
Programming generally runs from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day.
When do applications open?
Applications open on Sept. 14, 2026.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Nov. 15, 2026
Who can I contact if I have questions?
We’re happy to help. Email us at pathways@aad.org.
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