How to Get Into: Dermatology ST3

MedCourse Blog

Published February 11, 2025 | Updated February 11, 2025

By MedCourse

Useful, relevant, and interesting content for UK Junior Doctors.

About the Author

Dr. Wei Chern Gavin Fong, Dermatology Registrar (ST3) and NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow, University Hospitals Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

I am the Dermatology sub-lead for Optimise Interviews. I have created the interview preparation materials and acted as an interviewer for OI. I have also worked with several prospective dermatology candidates who have successfully obtained dermatology NTNs.

Courses, Events & ResourcesFor Your SpecialityMonthly course updates, direct to your inbox.

Courses & Conferences to Attend

BSDS Stitch-Up! course – a great place to get some basic suturing skills, especially if you are coming from a medical background.
British Association of Dermatology annual conference – self-explanatory
DermSchool – a great way to show commitment to speciality, meet future colleagues and learn more about dermatology
DermDoc – great course for IMTs to learn more about medical Dermatology

E-learning for healthcare also offers free online modules from NHS England that provide Dermatology training to all aspects of Dermatology and it is also a great way to show commitment to speciality.

An online e-learning Teach the Teacher course is also a good shout to improve teaching skills and score portfolio points.

Search Education

How to Maximise Your Portfolio

My key advice: be proactive.

Here are some tips:

Familiarise yourself with the ST3 application form ASAP.
Identify gaps in your CV and make plans to address the gaps. Be wary of diminishing returns – for example, rather than trying to get 5 publications, make sure you get one that gets you the highest mark and then tackle the other gaps in your CV.
Although Dermatology-specific projects/prizes etc are ideal, make use of whatever opportunities you have in the rotations you have. For example, a fully completed gastro QIP still counts as full marks in the Dermatology application, as the same scoring system is used.
Aim for the low-hanging fruits of teaching and QIP.
A good, well-designed QIP, which involves teaching, could potentially grant you full marks in the QIP section, the teaching section, and the presentation section and may even award you marks in the additional achievements and publications section.
If in foundation years try and aim for IMT jobs with Dermatology as they really help with getting into Dermatology itself.
Get exams out of the way ASAP – for Dermatology you have until IMT2 to get your MRCP. It is a significant weight lifted once you complete it and it will net you easy 8 points in the application form. Also, you don’t want to have secured an NTN only to be disqualified from starting it as you didn’t pass PACES. I would argue the MRCP is the priority for IMTs as it opens up opportunities even if you don’t get into Dermatology.

Making the Most of Your Day Job

Be proactive and always look for opportunities to learn, get projects, network and develop.

Many general medical skills, projects and non-medical skills such as good communication, are transferrable and can often still gain a lot of points on the application form & interview.

Again, remember that presentations, publications and QIPs will give you points, experience, and skills even if they are not in Dermatology.

Having a broad foundation in general medicine will also make you a better Dermatologist.

Making the Most of Dermatology Placements

If you are one of the lucky few to get a Dermatology rotation, make full use of it. Express your interest early to seniors so that they can empower you and help you get projects/presentations.

SPRs and (especially research-inclined) Dermatology consultants often have projects on the back burner that they would be delighted to get you to help with.

Goals to aim for:

Try and aim for a Dermatology RSM presentation – highly achievable during a Dermatology rotation.
A case report or a small retrospective study is similarly a good target to have.
Get stuck in the work and learn simple procedures such as a punch biopsy – very attractive in interviews.
By being immersed in the outpatient and inpatient aspects of Dermatology, you will be naturally confident during the clinical station of the interview which will impress future interviewers.

What About Non-Dermatology Placements?

Appreciate for what it is and make use of it. Nothing is truly wasted in medicine – all skills are transferable, and everything has something to teach you.

For Example, some of the projects and presentations which have helped me get a Dermatology number have stemmed from my time in ENT/Geriatrics.

Top 3 Tips for Getting Into Dermatology

Start planning as soon as you can.
Identify gaps in your CV based on the ST3 application criteria and be proactive in seeking opportunities – dermatologists are generally very helpful and approachable!
Try and arrange a taster, elective or a rotation ideally in Dermatology.
Hands-on clinical experience will make you stand out in the interview. This is also a good opportunity to see if Dermatology is really for you and to network with future colleagues + get CV opportunities.
MRCP
Get MRCP ASAP.