Pathways Gap Year Fellowship

Take the next step toward a career in dermatology

Spend a dedicated year advancing dermatology research, building meaningful mentorship relationships, and strengthening your residency application.

The Pathways Gap Year Fellowship provides financial support for medical students who are taking a dedicated research year before applying to dermatology residency. Through hands-on research, faculty mentorship, and professional development, you'll gain the experience and confidence to take the next step in your journey.

Pathways programs aim to remove barriers for students to prepare for medical school and careers in dermatology. 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.

Applications for the 2026 Gap Year Fellowship Program are now closed.

Highlights

• $30,000 fellowship grant: Receive financial support to dedicate a full year to dermatology research.

• Up to 5 fellows selected per year: A limited number of fellowships are awarded each year, creating an individualized and highly mentored experience.

• Flexible fellowship start date: Your fellowship may begin between June and September of the award year.

A year that moves your career forward

Choosing to take a gap year is an investment in your future.

Instead of waiting between medical school and residency, you’ll spend your year immersed in meaningful dermatology research, working alongside experienced mentors, expanding your professional network, and developing skills that will continue to benefit you throughout your career.

The Pathways Gap Year Fellowship is designed to help you grow as both a researcher and a future dermatologist while making meaningful contributions to the field.

Why apply?

• Financial support: Receive a $30,000 fellowship grant that allows you to focus on your research year while reducing financial barriers.

• Meaningful research: Contribute to dermatology research that advances patient care and scientific discovery while gaining valuable research experience.

• Faculty mentorship: Build lasting relationships with experienced dermatologists who will guide your research and support your professional development.

• Residency preparation: Strengthen your residency application through research, presentations, publications, leadership experience, and professional networking.

Set yourself up for success

The most competitive applicants often begin preparing before applications even open. We strongly encourage applicants to identify a faculty mentor and research project before applying. Having a clear research direction demonstrates your commitment and allows you to make the most of your fellowship year from day one.

Before submitting your application, identify:

• A faculty mentor who is willing to support your fellowship

• A research topic or project that aligns with your interests

• How this fellowship fits into your long-term career goals

Planning ahead can help strengthen both your application and your fellowship experience.

Who should apply?

The Pathways Gap Year Fellowship is designed for medical students who plan to take a dedicated research year before applying to dermatology residency.

Ideal applicants are motivated to deepen their research experience, collaborate with faculty mentors, and make meaningful contributions to the field of dermatology.

Whether your goal is to explore a specific area of research, strengthen your residency application, or grow your professional network, this fellowship provides the support and resources to help you reach the next stage of your journey.

Frequently asked questions