Pathways: Medical students

The impact of mentorship

Making connections with mentors who have faced similar challenges, or who have similar backgrounds, are key in helping students successfully achieve a career as a dermatologist.

Dermatology is a dynamic and rewarding specialty, positioned at the intersection of medicine, surgery, and pathology, and offers the opportunity to treat a variety of diseases.

If you are a medical student, the Pathways: Inclusivity in Dermatology initiative offers the unique opportunity to explore this exciting specialty and decide if it’s the right fit for you. Through a variety of mentorship programs, you can gain valuable exposure and guidance from dermatologist mentors.

Mentorship plays a vital role in helping students navigate the path to a career in dermatology. The programs offered through the Pathways initiative can offer you the opportunity to make connections with mentors who have faced similar challenges, or who have similar backgrounds, and the chance to experience hands-on personal learning to help you become more competitive for a dermatologic residency spot.

All medical students with diverse perspectives and experiences, including those from under-resourced communities and/or marginalized groups, are welcome to apply and take their next steps on the path towards dermatology.

Bioskills workshops.

These dynamic workshops for medical students offered in partnership with Nth Dimensions will give you a deep dive into this exciting specialty and offer an opportunity to try your hand at some basic dermatologic procedures. View a list of upcoming workshops.

Medical student symposium at the AAD Annual Meeting.

In partnership with Nth Dimensions the AAD invites medical students to attend the premier scientific meeting in dermatology. At the symposium, students in AAD-sponsored mentorship programs and medical students interested in dermatology who are attending the Annual Meeting learn more about dermatology and get the inside scoop on how to successfully apply to competitive residency programs.

AAD/Nth Dimensions Scholars program.

First- and second-year medical students have an opportunity to participate in a robust 2-month summer internship, build a mentorship with a practicing dermatologist, and get guided support to prepare for residency application, and get ready for residency. Learn more and apply to the program.

AAD Diversity Mentorship Program.

The AAD’s longest running mentorship program provides medical students a one-month mentorship. Third- and fourth-year medical students are mentored by an AAD member and given a travel stipend. In addition, our partner, The Applied Learning Academy, provides access to resources for mentees before, during, and after their mentorship concludes. Learn more and apply for the mentorship program.

AAD-SID Gap Year Fellowships.

Research experience immediately after or during medical school can provide students a competitive advantage in applying for residency. In partnership with SID, this program awards grants for medical students to pursue research opportunities immediately after completing medical school. Learn more and apply for a fellowship.

Medical Student Symposium at the AAD Annual Meeting

Applications for the 2026 Medical Student Symposium are now closed. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the application opens in the fall of 2026 for the symposium in 2027.