dermatology personal statement length

• Residency Application

Dermatology Residency Personal Statement Examples

Reviewing dermatology residency personal statement examples helps you gain insight into what is expected of this important residency application component. The admissions committee is keen on understanding your reasons for choosing this medical specialty, and they wish to evaluate whether you are a good fit for their program. Thus, it is essential to draft your residency personal statement carefully. In this blog, we will explore what you need to include in your dermatology residency personal statement with the help of samples. After figuring out how many residency programs to apply to and learning about your competition, you must do everything in your power to stand out in a large pool of candidates. So, we will also discuss the best tips to write a strong personal statement. Let’s begin by reading some stellar dermatology personal statement examples!

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Article Contents 11 min read

Dermatology residency personal statement example 1.

As a young teenager, I spent my afternoons watching superhero movies after school. In these movies, I noticed that Hollywood had a repetitive leitmotif in all its villains- an evil plan and a scary appearance. As I researched these characters’ backgrounds, I learned that their “scary” appearance was due to skin diseases. I set out to learn more about these conditions, but my middle school biology textbook gave little information on the subject. I dug through the school library to find encyclopedias that would explain certain conditions and poured over the pages of textbooks for much older peers. This fascination continued into high school, where I took every biology-related subject available. There are many high school students who know that they want to become a doctor. However, I was also certain that I wanted to become a dermatologist specifically. As I entered my first year of college, majoring in biology, I knew that my four years of undergrad will be spent learning more about this fascinating and incredibly challenging aspect of medicine.

Want to see our dermatology residency personal statement tips before finishing this example? Check out this infographic:

Whether you are planning to apply to the most competitive or the least competitive residencies , you will be required to submit a personal statement, regardless of the residency option you select. Keep in mind that dermatology programs are extremely competitive, so make sure to check out our residency match calculator to make sure you are a suitable candidate.

If you know how to prepare for residency applications , you must be aware that writing your residency personal statement is not an easy task, as it will probably take you a few drafts to get it perfect. However, here are a few tips that can come in handy:

Proofreading goes a long way in helping you avoid grammatical and spelling errors in your personal statement. Hence, you should always review your work at least twice to identify any mistakes. If ever in doubt, reach out to medical school advisors who can help you proofread and edit your statement before the submission. ","label":"Proofread","title":"Proofread"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Dermatology Residency Personal Statement Example 2

If I could emphasize one thing that med school has taught me about medicine, it would be the importance of building personal relationships with patients. During my medical rotations and clerkships, I got the opportunity to meet dozens of patients and interact with them in my role as a future physician. But the most remarkable part of this experience was to watch the patients put their faith in the attending doctor and rely completely on their advice and recovery plan. I realized that trust was a crucial factor in working with patients, and that a doctor needs to understand them not only on a professional level but also as human beings. This revelation has led me to focus on building personal relationships with my patients while working with them.

As a future dermatologist, I understand that skin ailments are sensitive issues for patients as most of these affect their well-being, as well as their confidence. I plan on dedicating my career to restoring the inner sense of beauty and health in all of my patients, as well as building long-lasting doctor-patient relationships with those who will need my assistance throughout their lives. This is what really attracted me to medicine, and to dermatology specifically. Skin disorders differ from other ailments because often their physical appearance is prominent. As a dermatologist, you do not only explain the condition to the patients, but also help them out on a psychological level in coping with the problem. Fortunately, I do understand psychology through my eight-year volunteering experience as a mental health support counselor for kids in my city at a local community center. I work with children from the ages of 12-17 and help them out in different areas of psychological crises. Fortunately, I can apply similar skills while helping dermatology patients with visible skin disorders. I like to dedicate myself to every patient and take time to explain the underlying causes of their skin condition. I also make sure that their self-confidence is not affected by it. I particularly remember this story of when a boy of eighteen years came to us with a problem of alopecia. It was particularly devastating for this teen because he was about to begin college, and this condition was affecting his self-confidence. In this situation, I addressed his concern with empathy and told him that his looks were not the most important aspect of his personality. I changed his outlook on his condition by explaining that most young people experience skin problems and other appearance changes during puberty. 

And while my soft skills will certainly serve me well, my clinical skills are what sets me apart from the rest of my peers. My clinical experiences in dermatology exposed me to a wide range of skin conditions common among patients, such as eczema, rosacea, vitiligo, and seborrheic dermatitis. I have also worked on very rare cases, including erythropoietic protoporphyria and harlequin ichthyosis. Apart from dermatology, I underwent several other rotations, which helped me learn about fields in general surgery and emergency medicine. These varied clinical experiences allowed me to explore different specialties and strengthened my belief that while other areas were equally interesting, I could perform my best in dermatology.

The first time I came across the seriousness of skin conditions was when I met a lady undergoing treatment for skin cancer during one of my med school rotations. The patient was a mother of three who used to work as a hairdresser. She was suffering from squamous cell cancer. However, her attitude towards the condition was what surprised me the most. She was a cheerful woman who was completely confident that her treatment would work. Amidst the darkness, she could see the light due to the constant support of her dermatologist. The relationship between them and the way she trusted her doctor, along with her gratitude and optimism impressed me the most. Although I had seen all the attending doctors treat their patients with kindness and compassion, this was a case with which I could resonate the most due to my close involvement. My interest piqued and I decided to keep dermatology as a potential field of study in the future.

The most fascinating aspect of dermatology for me is the difference in skin disorders among men and women. While human beings are all same, skin differences between the genders are prominent and consequently the disorders affecting them are as well. As a female, I have grown up with skin issues due to hormonal imbalances. Many of my male counterparts in school and college also suffered from these problems, but somehow the formation of rashes or acne on their skin was different. This difference led me to my first research project in college, titled “Differentiating Approach to Skin Treatments: Men vs Women”. Throughout my studies, I learned that women experience skin issues during different phases in their life such as childbirth and menopause. This became my topic of interest and I further deep-dived into this in my study on “An analysis of skin disorders in women at different stages of life” which was published in the American Journal of Skin Sciences in 20XX.

Apart from my studies in med school, I was actively involved in volunteering to develop a curriculum for sexual awareness education classes in local high schools. I was interested in this activity because I believe that today's youth should be well-informed about their natural biological processes. Setting up the curriculum and interacting with school kids helped me connect closely with young students and learn about their backgrounds. Out of all my interactions, I remember my interaction with a sixteen-year-old non-binary Hispanic student that affected me greatly. The child, Alex, narrated their hardships in communicating their sexuality to family and friends. They assumed that they would not be heard or supported. However, their experience turned out to be well as their loved ones listened to them and stood by them. I could relate this experience to my clinical experiences where patients often hesitated to talk to their doctors, assuming that the doctor would not listen to them. That day, I realized that to help my patients better, I should never keep any bias due to my knowledge and listen to them.

I explored every area of medicine that I possibly could during my med school rotations. Once, during my gynecology rotation, I came across a young mother, just 23 years old, who was suffering from pruritic urticarial papules. I got interested in her case due to my previous encounter with the skin diseases in dermatology rotations and self-exploration of various dermatological disorders. With encouragement from my mentor, I was able to explain the underlying cause of her skin condition. I realized that I had the skills to identify skin disorders and even recommend a treatment plan which was approved by our in-house practicing dermatologist. I became confident in my diagnostic and treatment abilities in dermatology and decided to select it as my future career.

For me, coming across every new skin condition became a journey of exploration. I longed to become like my mentors, who were skillful in diagnosing and treating diseases based on minor details that they were able to observe with their sharp eyes. I understood that such abilities come with time and experience. So, I believe that your prestigious program in dermatology will help me to acquire a dermatologist’s diagnostic acumen and expertise, while also giving me the opportunity to dedicate time to research.

My future goals are to become a knowledgeable dermatologist who can help her patients understand their skin conditions and provide successful courses of treatments for their issues. I do intend to contribute further to this field through the means of research. I especially wish to serve women facing challenges with skin ailments with high-quality dermatologic care. I believe that obtaining expertise in your program will take my career to the next level of challenges and learning.

Curious how much residents are paid? Take a look at this video:

Your dermatology residency personal statement is one of the first things the admissions committee will come across along with your CV. It reflects your characteristics and qualities, so make sure that you create it thoughtfully, as it will be a short opportunity for you to capture the evaluator's interest. Stick to a natural storytelling tone in your personal statement and write incidents that demonstrate your strengths, capabilities, and skills. Additionally, these rules come in handy whether you are writing your dermatology personal statement for the first time or are speculating how to improve your residency application after going unmatched . So, you can get started and always consider medical residency match consulting if you are stuck at any step!

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How to Make a Statement with Your ERAS Personal Statement

• by Med School Tutors
• Jun 29, 2023
• Reviewed by: Amy Rontal, MD

Dr. Leila Javidi, Taylor Purvis, and Dr. Brian Radvansky contributed to this article.

Starting your residency application can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to writing your ERAS personal statement. It’s not clear why essays of this nature are so intimidating—maybe it’s because not all medical students are well-versed in language arts, many of us dislike writing, or maybe just the thought of putting “who you are” onto paper brings to the surface some uncomfortable feelings of self-awareness (whoa—this just got intense!).

This is a joke or course, but to be honest, sometimes when we sit down to write our ERAS personal statement we immediately think things like, “I’m not that interesting,” or “I haven’t done anything cool in life, I’ve spent most of my time in school thus far.” And that is completely normal. The majority of us haven’t had those pivotal moments in life that shake the ground beneath us and form a new foundation for who we are, and that’s OK!

Your ERAS personal statement isn’t intended to be a best-selling memoir. It’s intended to add another dimension to the otherwise black-and-white application full of scores and grades. It is an opportunity to show program directors your personality, what motivates you, and what you’re looking for in a residency program.

While you’ve probably heard all of this before, we bet you have more specific questions about how to tackle the ERAS personal statement. All of us sure did! So, without further ado, h ere are answers to the 12 most important questions about medical residency personal statements.

12 Frequently-Asked Questions About the ERAS Personal Statement

1. How big of a deal is my ERAS personal statement to program directors?

According to the 2020 NRMP program director survey , 78% of program directors cite the ERAS personal statement as an important factor in deciding which candidates to interview,  making it the fourth-highest ranked factor behind USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2, and letters of recommendation. So, it’s pretty important in the grand scheme of your application!

Now, from experience in talking to different program directors and mentors, it’s clear that the most important thing is that your ERAS personal statement is well organized, well written, with proper grammar, no red flags, and that it’s only one page single-spaced. The standard ERAS personal statement length is typically 500-800 words (roughly four paragraphs).

A personal statement typically isn’t the “maker” of your residency application—however, it can be a deal “breaker” if it doesn’t have those attributes. That said, if you have a memorable, well-written personal statement, program directors will mention it, and it will make you stand out as an applicant. If they are on the fence about whether or not to interview you, a personal statement could potentially be the deciding factor. So, it’s pretty important!

2. What are things I should include in my ERAS personal statement?

A good ERAS personal statement should include the following: 

A catchy introduction to grab the reader

There are different ways to go about doing this, but if you’re stuck, an effective way to grab the reader’s attention is to open with a patient vignette. An interesting case is sure to pique the curiosity of your reader and keep them engaged as they read. Preventing boredom is something to strive for, as your application is one of perhaps hundreds that they are reading.

Ultimately, though, remember this is a personal statement. After you reveal the diagnosis or outcome of the patient vignette, you need to let the reader know what the case meant to you! The point of relating the vignette is to reveal something about yourself, not just present an interesting story about a patient. 

An overview of your desirable qualities

When letting the reader know what your positive qualities are, it’s important to remember a basic rule of good writing: SHOW, don’t tell. For example, instead of saying you are compassionate, describe a story from your life that demonstrates your compassion.

Highlights from your life experience 

This includes jobs, extracurricular activities, and hobbies that would help you to be an ideal candidate for whichever residency you are applying to. Pro tip: DON’T REGURGITATE YOUR CV. This is your opportunity to tell people things that aren’t on your CV. Do you play chess in the park every Saturday, or have you traveled to some amazing places? Tell us about it!

You shouldn’t rehash your CV in your personal statement, but it is a great place to elaborate on activities listed on your CV. It can be used to explain why those activities are so important to you, how they have helped you grow as a person, and other things that don’t often shine through on the CV itself.

Proof of why you should be accepted 

The most important part of your statement is providing proof of why you should be accepted. Describe your strengths, but do not talk about things too generally. You should be able to back up everything you say. Give details and examples. Which doctors have you shadowed? What kind of research have you been involved in, and where was it published? Don’t just mention that you have volunteered, say the names of places you were at and what you were doing.

Why you are interested in your specialty

This doesn’t have to be a profound story, but it should be the truth!

What you are looking for in a residency program

Is a strong procedural curriculum important to you? Is the culture of the program more important? Try to mention things you know your programs of choice embody.

Address any red flags on your application

Did you do poorly on Step 1? Did you take a leave of absence for a long time? Best to just come out and talk about it without being defensive. Show how you have grown from the experience, rather than apologizing for it!

A cohesive closing statement

Sometimes the first and the last sentence of the statement are the hardest to come up with, but it’s worth your time to make it tidy, even if it isn’t profound.

3. What are things I shouldn’t include in my ERAS personal statement?

Controversial topics.

Stay away from extreme religious or political statements. It doesn’t mean you can’t say you are an active member of church, but don’t use this as an opportunity to discuss whether or not you are pro-choice. You never know who is going to be reading this, and anything too polarizing can be off-putting for some readers. 

Feelings of bitterness or negativity

Leave out any traces of bitterness, defensiveness, or anger about anything that has happened in your life. Everything must have a positive spin.  

Too much self-praise or too much modesty

Avoid talking about yourself in a glorifying manner, but don’t go too far the other way and come off as too modest.

Too many qualifiers

You don’t want to go overboard with the qualifiers, which are words such as “really,” “quite,” “very,” etc. In fact, in many cases, it’s better not to use them at all. 

“Flowery” language you wouldn’t use in real life

It’s a personal statement, not a creative writing assignment. Keep the language in your statement simple. You’re not going to score any points by using unnecessarily fancy words. Your goal is clear communication.

Also, don’t try to sound like a doctor. This is just another way of trying to impress the reader. You want the reader to like you based on the way you write, not be turned off because you are trying to impress them.

“Try to avoid using a lot of jargon and abbreviations,” advises Mary Dundas, educator at Academized. 

Exaggerations

Avoid talking hyperbolically about how passionate you are. As noted earlier, it’s better to show than tell so give examples of things you have done. Above all, keep the writing in your statement professional.

If you avoid these common mistakes, you’ll be way ahead of most applicants! 

4. How can I make my ERAS personal statement unique?

As evidenced by The Voice and American Idol , it is everyone’s impulse to divulge their “sob story” to help them stand out and garner sympathy from the audience. While it’s important to include stories that helped shape you as a person, it is very transparent and cliché to talk about that person you know who was struck by a medical tragedy, and how ever since you vowed to “save people.”

The best way to make your statement unique is to allow your personality to shine through. Use your words, your humor, and your depth to tell your story. Find a way to show yourself to your reader, and if you do this, your essay will be unique!

5. Should I have more than one ERAS personal statement to upload?

In short, absolutely have multiple personal statements to upload. Especially if you are applying to more than one specialty, it’s essential that you have several versions of your personal statement.

That doesn’t mean you have to write a whole new one, you just have to tailor it to fit that specialty. If you’re applying for a preliminary year, tailor your personal statement to explain how important you feel a solid foundation in medicine is for dermatology (or whichever specialty you are applying to) and what you’re looking for in a preliminary year.

Furthermore, I found that for the programs I really wanted to interview with, I would upload a tailored personal statement for that program saying something like, “I am seeking a family medicine residency position with ABC University program because of their dedication to XYZ.” Simply name-dropping their institution and noting the strength of their program demonstrates your attention to detail and interest in their institution. Even if you are an amazing applicant, if a program doesn’t feel you are interested in their specific program, they won’t interview you. It’s best to make sure you give those out-of-state programs some extra attention so they know you are willing to relocate for them!

Lastly, you should know that you can upload as many versions of your personal statement as you like onto ERAS, but be especially careful when uploading and make sure you apply the correct personal statement to each program! Triple-check your work! Pro Tip: Use your file names to help you stay organized. Pick a format and stick with it, such as “PS-JohnsHopkins,” “USCF-PS,” etc.

6. When should I start writing my ERAS personal statement?

The sooner the better, people. Get cracking now! You can even begin to think of ideas during your third year as you develop your interests in specific specialties. As ideas come to you, jot them into your phone so you don’t forget!

One of the best ways to begin writing your personal statement is to go over some questions about yourself. Ask yourself, who are you and what drives you forward? Think about the kinds of things that interest you and why you developed those interests. Maybe consider some mistakes you have made, how you learned from them, and how they have changed you. Or ask yourself, how do your interests and personality contribute to the goals you have set? 

Think about those kinds of questions and write down the answers. Reflect on them, put them away, and come back to them. Then, use them to form an outline—this will help you figure out all your points and what you want to say before you start writing. 

If you still feel like you just don’t know how to get started, give the five-point essay format a shot and see if it works for you. In short, you begin with a paragraph that is about four or five sentences long. The goal of this first paragraph is to grab a reader’s attention. Use the next three or four body paragraphs to talk about yourself. Try and have one of them focus on your clinical understanding, while another talks about service. Then end with a solid conclusion paragraph that mirrors your introduction, summarizes who you are, and ends by looking toward the future. 

7. Should I ask for any help with my ERAS personal statement?

Yes. Yes. A thousand times, YES! Absolutely ask for feedback on your personal statement. After getting your draft finished, show it to whoever will look at it—however, please remember to take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt and to strongly consider the source. It is absolutely essential to have your personal statement reviewed by an objective third party to ensure that the message you are trying to communicate is loud and clear. This means that you shouldn’t give it to a friend or family member who is going to placate you with a useless, “Yeah, looks great!”

Find a mentor, advisor, chief resident or attending, someone who is accustomed to reading ERAS personal statements, and get feedback from them. You can be certain that going through this step will only make your personal statement better. If you take their advice and don’t like how things are panning out, you can always revert back to an older draft.

But in just about every case, another set of eyes to give you big-picture feedback on what you’ve written will improve your piece. Do this early in the process, when you have gotten a simple draft together, so that you don’t present someone with an idea that you are married to, only to find out that it doesn’t come through clearly.

Be sure to ask other people what they think of your draft, but be careful about asking other students for help. Sometimes they get weird, and try to give you advice about making your statement more like theirs because they want to feel justified in their own efforts.

Finally, it should be mentioned that there are services out there that will “write your personal statement” for you. Aside from the obvious reasons why not to do this, you have to be really careful. Those services don’t know you, don’t know your voice, and oftentimes have very generic ways of putting these statements together.  Using a service to help polish your statement, though, is A-OK. Some you may find useful in that regard are ViaWriting , Writing Populist , StateofWriting , and SimpleGrad .

Lastly, you may consider working with a residency counselor who can help set your application apart with insider advice and ensure you optimize all elements of the residency application process. Our residency consultants are residents and attendings who have successfully guided hundreds of students from residency applications through the Match!

Typical residency consulting work consists of:

Not sure if a residency consultant is the right fit for you? Take this quiz to see if you would benefit from some extra guidance during the residency application process!

8. Where can I find examples of ERAS personal statements to inspire me?

Every good writer learned how to write by reading the works of other people. This includes personal statements! Very often your career offices from your undergraduate studies will have examples of personal statements that can serve as inspiration for your own masterpiece. You can also ask older classmates and recent graduates if they would feel comfortable sharing their personal statements with you. 

Remember, too, that inspiration can come from nontraditional sources. Try reading poetry or a novel before sitting down to write your statement. You might be surprised by how it helps to get your creative juices flowing!

9. Is it better to cover all of my experiences, or focus on a few in particular?

It’s better to focus on several key experiences rather than provide a broad overview of your life up to the present time. Your resume will fill in any gaps for your reader. The point of the personal statement is to spend a few paragraphs reflecting on one or two themes that define who you are as a person. Stay focused, and go deep!

10. How much should I share about my career goals in my ERAS personal statement?

Remember, the majority of training programs you will be applying to are academic medical centers. For those programs in particular, make sure to emphasize why an academic environment is a good fit for you. This does not have to mean research! Perhaps you like the idea of becoming a clinician educator and want to be at XYZ program for the opportunity to teach medical students. 

Likewise, if you are applying to a program at a community hospital, make sure to reflect on how your career goals are suited for that environment. Maybe private practice is on your radar, or you want to practice in a hospital that is more close-knit than a large academic center.

Whatever the case, try to make your stated career goals align with the orientation of the program you’re applying to. In reality, you may have no idea what direction you want your career to go in. But for a personal statement, try to commit to one general theme if possible.

11. What about my personal statements for preliminary or transitional year programs?

For applicants who are also applying to preliminary or transitional year programs, it can seem daunting to tailor your personal statement to a position that isn’t part of your ultimate specialty. But don’t worry—preliminary and transitional year programs still want to know who you are as a person and why you’re interested in anesthesiology, dermatology, or whatever advanced specialty you’re aiming for. You don’t need to change your personal statement as much as you may think!

The goal of a personal statement for these one-year programs is not to convince the reader that you suddenly love internal medicine despite going into radiology. The reader knows this is a temporary stopping place for you. Instead, emphasize the traits that make you YOU and will enhance their hospital!

12. What if I’m interested in a non-traditional path after residency?

Some of you may be thinking of alternative career paths after residency such as consulting or pharmaceutical work. It’s probably best to leave those specific goals out of your ERAS personal statement and allow readers to assume that you want to continue in clinical medicine after graduating from residency. You might want to instead phrase it as something you want to be incorporated into your clinical career, but not something you would leave medicine for, even if that’s what you have in mind!

Remember, you are under no obligation to share your every thought and desire in a personal statement! These statements are being read by reviewers who dedicated their lives to education and clinical medicine, so keep that in mind.

Further Reading

Keep these tips in mind as you write your ERAS personal statement, and you’ll be way ahead of the other applicants. If you start to get stressed out, remember, you have an amazing story to tell, and we are here to help tease that story out from the confines of your brain! For more help, reach out to one of our residency advisors .

Looking for more help during the residency application process? We’ve got you covered with more (free!) content written by Blueprint tutors:

• How to Get Standout Letters of Recommendation for Your Residency Application
• How to Maximize Your Chances of Matching With Your Dream Residency
• What’s It Like Working With a Medical Residency Consultant?
• Residency Interview Tips & Tricks: The Ultimate Guide
• Dual Applying for Residency: Is It Right For Me?

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The Residency Personal Statement (2023/2024): The Insider’s Guide (with Examples)

A physician and former residency program director explains how to write your residency personal statement to match in to your top-choice residency program in 2024.

Read example residency personal statements and suggested outlines..

Introduction

The residency personal statement allows residency program directors and associate directors the chance to get a sense of who you are and your commitment to your chosen specialty. 

As a former program director who understands how residency personal statements are reviewed, what “stands out,” and, most importantly, what will earn you interview invitations, the information below will help you write a residency personal statement to match!

It is imperative to make sure you get the most accurate guidance possible with regards to your residency personal statement content and optimal residency personal statement length (up to 5300 characters with spaces).

Want more personalized suggestions? Sign up for a FREE residency personal statement consultation .

Table of Contents

Goals for Writing Your 2024 Residency Personal Statement

Above all else, your residency personal statement offers the opportunity to show your interest in your chosen specialty when applying to residency to illustrate you are a good fit.

The more details you offer about why you are interested in the specialty and how your med school rotations, accomplishments and experiences have reinforced this interest, the stronger your personal statement will be, the more it will appeal to selection committees and the better you will do in the match process .

I encourage applicants to offer as much “evidence” as possible to “show” rather than “tell” what qualities, characteristics and interests they have. “Telling” a reader, for example, that you are compassionate and hard working means nothing. Instead, you must “show” that you embody these qualities based on your experiences in health care and the patients for whom you have cared.

The residency personal statement also offers the opportunity to write about who you are as a person to convey some details about your background, influences, and interests outside of your given specialty.

The Importance of a Balanced Residency Personal Statement

The key when writing your residency personal statement is to ensure that it is well-balanced so it appeals to a large group of people who might read your ERAS residency application.

However, it is important to understand that every program director and faculty member has his or her own idea of what he would like to read in a personal statement. As an applicant, you must go into this process understanding that you cannot please everyone, or a specific program, and your personal statement should therefore have the broadest appeal possible.

For example, some program directors would rather hear about your personal interests and curiosities and get to know who you are rather than have you focus on the specialty in which you are interested.

At MedEdits, we suggest taking a “middle of the road” approach; include some details about who you are but also focus on the specialty itself. In this way, you will make more traditional reviewers who want to hear about your interest in the specialty happy while also satisfying those who would rather learn about you as a person.

Above all, be authentic and true to yourself when writing your statement. This always leads to the best results! Read on to learn more about how to write a winning personal statement.

About MedEdits

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Founded by a former associate program director, the experts at MedEdits will make your residency personal statement shine. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Need Help With Your Residency Personal Statement?

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Residency Personal Statement Outline & Structure

Residency applicants often do well when given outlines or templates to follow, so, we will offer that, but, it is important to realize that many applicants deviate from these rigid rules. One very typical outline that serves applicants quite well in the residency admissions process is:

• Compose a catchy introduction. Your intro can be related to your interest in the specialty to which you are applying, about a hobby or personal experience, or about your background. Regardless of the topic you choose, you want to tell a story and start with something that will interest your reader and engage him.
• The next two to four paragraphs comprise the body of your personal statement. We encourage applicants to write about any significant experiences they have had related to their desired specialty and/or future goals. This would include information about rotations, electives, and sub internships related to the specialty, volunteer and research experiences and even significant outside interests.
• Finally, you want to conclude your essay. In your conclusion, write about what you seek in a residency program, what you will bring to a residency program, and, if you have any idea of your future career goals, write about those as well. Your conclusion is also where you can tailor a personal statement to a specific geographic area of interest or type of program (rural, urban, community).

Residency Personal Statement Length & Residency Personal Statement Word Limit

Residency Personal Statement Length: Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be between 4000 – 5300 characters with spaces or up to 900 words in length. 

The allowed ERAS residency personal statement length is 28,000 characters which equates to about five pages!

We have been hearing from more and more applicants that the personal statement should not exceed one page when typed in to the ERAS application . Because of this overwhelming trend, we are supporting this guidance unless you have extenuating circumstances that require your personal statement be longer.

Our recommendation is that your residency personal statement be a maximum of 5300 characters with spaces.

ERAS Residency Personal Statement Checklist

• Ensure your personal statement flows well

The best personal statements are easy to read, don’t make the reader think too much, and make your path and interests seem logical. Rarely does a personal statement have a theme. Also try to have each paragraph transition to the next seamlessly. 

2. Your personal statement should be about you!

Your personal statement should be about you and no one else. Focus on your interests, your accomplishments and your path. This is your opportunity to be forthcoming about your achievements – by writing in detail about what you have done.

3. Be sure your personal statement clearly outlines your interest in the specialty.

Since the reader wants to be convinced of your understanding of, experience in, and curiosity about the specialty to which you are applying, be sure you highlight what you have done to explore your interest as well as your insights and observations about the specialty to show your understanding of it.

4. Make it human.

Again, your personal statement should be about you! The reader wants to know who you are, where you are from, what your interests are and who you are outside of medicine. Therefore, try to include those details about your background that are intriguing or important to you.

5. Express your interest in the specialty.

The reader fundamentally wants to know why you are pursuing the specialty. The more details you offer the more convincing you are about your commitment and your understanding of the specialty. Be sure to include details that might seem obvious. For example, in emergency medicine you must like acute care, but try to include more nuanced details about your interest, too. What do you enjoy about the diagnoses and pathologies involved? What do you value about the actual work you will do? What do you enjoy about the patients for whom you will care? How about the setting in which you will practice?

6. The start and evolution of your interest.

Readers want to know how and when you became interested in your specialty. Was this before medical school? During medical school? What have you done to pursue and nurture your interest in the specialty?

7. What you have done to learn more about the specialty.

You should explain what you have done to pursue your interest. What rotations have you done or have planned? What research, scholarly work or community service activities have you pursued to further your interest?

8. Where you see yourself in the future – if you know!

Without going into too much detail, write about the type of setting in which you see yourself in the future. Do you hope to also participate in research, teaching, public health work or community outreach as a part of your career? What are your future goals? Since many programs typically train a certain type of physician, it is important that your goals are aligned with the programs to which you are applying.

9. What do you bring to the specialty?

You should try to identify what you can bring to the program and the specialty to which you are applying as a whole. For example, are you applying to family medicine and have a distinct interest in public health? Are you applying for internal medicine and do you have demonstrated expertise in information technology and hope to improve electronic medical records? Do you have extensive research or teaching experience, and do you hope to continue to pursue these interests in the future? Have you developed a commitment to global health, and do you hope to continue making contributions abroad? Programs have a societal obligation to select residents who will make valuable contributions in the future, so the more ambitions you have the more desirable a candidate you will be.

10. What type of program you hope to join?

Do you hope to be part of a community or university-based program? What are you seeking in a residency program? Programs are looking for residents who will be the right “fit” so offering an idea of what you are seeking in a program will help them determine if your values and goals mesh with those of the program.

11. Who you are outside of the hospital?

Try to bring in some personal elements about who you are. You can do this in a few ways. If you have any outside interests or accomplishments that complement your interest in your specialty, such as extracurricular work, global work, teaching or volunteer efforts, write about them in detail, and, in doing so, show the reader a different dimension of your personality. Or, consider opening your statement by writing about an experience related to your hobbies or outside interests. Write about this in the form of an introductory vignette. I suggest taking this nontraditional approach only if you are a talented writer and can somehow relate your outside interest to the specialty you are pursuing, however. An interest in the arts can lend itself to dermatology, plastic surgery or ophthalmology, for example. Or, an interest in technology could relate to radiology .

12. Any personal challenges?

Also explain any obstacles you have overcome: Were you the first in your family to graduate from college? Were you an immigrant? Did you have limited financial resources and work through college? Many applicants tend to shy away from the very things that make them impressive because they are afraid of appearing to be looking for sympathy. As long as you explain how you have overcome adversity in a positive or creative way, your experience will be viewed as the tremendous accomplishment that it is. The personal statement should explain any unusual or distinctive aspects of your background.

• Residency Match: How It Works & How To Get Matched

Common ERAS Residency Personal Statement Mistakes

Do not tell your entire life story or write a statement focused on your childhood or undergraduate career. 

Do not write about why you wanted to be a doctor. This is old news. From the reviewers perspective, you already are a doctor!

Do not write a personal statement focused on one hobby or begin with your birth. Some background information might be useful if it offers context to your choices and path, but your residency personal statement should be focused on the present and what you have done to pursue your interest in the specialty to which you are applying.

Do not preach. The reader understands what it means to practice his specialty and does not need you to tell him. Don’t write, for example: Internal medicine requires that a physician be knowledgeable, kind and compassionate. The reader wants to know about you!

Do not put down other specialties. You don’t need to convince anyone of your interest by writing something negative about other specialties. Doing so just makes you look bad. If you switched residencies or interests, you can explain what else you were seeking and what you found in the specialty of your choice that interests you.

Do not embellish. Program directors are pretty good at sniffing out inconsistencies and dishonesty. Always tell the truth and be honest and authentic. 

Do not plagiarize. While this seems obvious to most people, every year people copy personal statements they find online or hire companies that use stock phrases and statement to compose statements for applicants. Don’t do it!

Do not write about sensitive topics. Even if you were in a relationship that ended and resulted in a poor USMLE score , this is not a topic for a personal statement. In general, it is best to avoid discussing relationships, politics, ethical issues and religion.

Do not boast. Any hint of arrogance or self-righteousness may result in getting rejected. There is a fine line between confidence and self promotion. Some people make the mistake of over-selling themselves or writing about all of their fantastic qualities and characteristics. Rarely do readers view such personal statements favorably.

Do not write an overly creative piece. A residency personal statement should be professional. This work is equivalent to a job application. Don’t get too creative; stay focused.

Writing ERAS Residency Personal Statements For Multiple Specialties

An increasing number of applicants are applying to more than one specialty in medicine especially if the first choice specialty is very competitive. If you are applying to more than one specialty, even if there is disciplinary overlap between the two (for example family medicine and pediatrics ), we advise you write a distinct specialty for each. Remember that a physician who practices the specialty you hope to join will most likely be reviewing your statement. He or she will definitely be able to determine if the personal statement illustrates a true understanding of the specialty. If you try to recycle an entire personal statement or parts of a personal statement for two specialties, there is a high likelihood the personal statement will communicate that you aren’t sincerely interested in that specialty or that you don’t really understand what the specialty is about.

Writing About Red Flags in your ERAS Personal Statement

The personal statement is also the place to explain any red flags in your application, such as gaps in time or a leave of absence. When addressing any red flags, explain what happened succinctly. Be honest, don’t make excuses, and don’t dwell on the topic. Whenever possible, write about how you have matured or grown from the adversity or what you may have learned and how this benefits you.

If you have left a program or had a break in your medical education, you will also have the chance to explain this in your ERAS application . You should also write about this topic in your personal statement only if you have more to explain, however. 

If you have failed a Step exam or one course in medical school, this likely isn’t something to address in the personal statement. However, you should be prepared to discuss any failure during an interview. By the same token, it is best not to address one low grade or poor attending evaluation in your statement. 

Have you taken a circuitous path to medicine? If so you might address why you made these choices and what you found so interesting about medicine that was lacking in your former career.

Residency Personal Statement Example

Below are two great examples of residency personal statements that earned the applicants who wrote them numerous interviews and first choice matches. As you will see, these two applicants took very different approaches when writing the personal statement yet wrote equally persuasive and “successful” personal statements.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Traditional Approach

The most common approach to the personal statement is what I will call the traditional approach, in which the applicant conveys her interest in the specialty, when that interest began and what she has done to pursue the particular specialty.

Suggested outline:

• Introduction: Catchy Story
• Paragraph 2: Background Information and how Interest Started
• Paragraph 3: Write about what you did to explore your interest
• Paragraph 4: Second paragraph about your experiences related to your specialty
• Conclusion: Wrap it up. Write something about your future goals.

Below is an example of the traditional approach:

I looked into her eyes and saw terror. She knew the life of her unborn baby was in jeopardy. As tears streamed down her face, she looked to the attending physician. In desperation, she pleaded, “Please save our baby.” She and her husband had been trying to conceive for more than two years, and they knew this could be their only chance to have a healthy child. She went into labor at home and because of a horrible snowstorm was not able to reach the hospital for several hours. When she arrived in labor and delivery, she was crowning. But, the baby was having late decelerations. Because of the sweat on my attending’s forehead I knew the situation was serious. Yet we all tried to remain calm and to keep the patient and her husband calm as well. 

I entered medical school with an open mind as everyone suggested. Even as a first year medical student, however, I was fascinated with embryology. I entered my third year still unsure of what I would pursue. I knew I wanted a career that would be challenging and interesting. Because of my background in drawing and painting, I always loved working with my hands. Yet I also enjoyed working with people. Thankfully, my obstetrics and gynecology (ob/gyn) rotation was the first of my third year and I was immediately hooked.

I quickly sought out opportunities for research and became involved in a clinical study investigating the impact of a vegan diet on birth outcomes. I have always had an interest in wellness and nutrition, and this seemed like a perfect fit for me. My research is still in process, but through this experience I have learned how to analyze data, stay objective and critically evaluate the literature. So far, our findings suggest better than normal outcomes for babies born to vegan mothers. This reinforces my goal to educate my patients about the important of diet and nutrition, which I hope to make a part of my future practice. 

Early in my fourth year, I completed an elective rotation at Inner City Medical Center. There I cared for a diverse group of patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I realized how much I enjoy labor and delivery, but I also value the operative aspects of ob/gyn. I appreciate the importance of understanding the female anatomy so I can operate with precision.  I also value the diversity of practice in ob/gyn. Whether caring for a woman about to give birth, helping a woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer navigate her treatment options, or caring for a perimenopausal woman who is coping with symptoms of hormone fluctuations, I enjoy caring for patients with knowledge and compassion. The outpatient aspect of ob/gyn brings satisfaction as well. I look forward to building relationships with my patients, helping them to lead the healthiest lives possible. I have also realized how much I want to care for those who lack access to care. The work I have done at Medical School Free Clinic has helped me realize the gaps that exist in access to care and education. As a future practicing ob/gyn, I hope to work in such a setting at least on a part time basis.

On that snowy night, when we realized the baby was having difficulty being born because of shoulder dystocia, a simple maneuver eased the situation. The baby’s first cry brought such joy and relief to everyone in the room and, at that moment, I knew I had to be part of this specialty. I hope to join a program where I will have the clinical exposure that will give me the skills and experience to care for a wide range of patients. I do not yet know if I will subspecialize, and I will seek out mentors and experiences as a resident to make an informed decision. I would be honored to interview at your program and thank you for your consideration.

Why It’s Great

This is a great personal statement because it clearly conveys the applicant’s interest in, and understanding of, obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and what the applicant has done to pursue that interest. Not only does this applicant have a long-standing interest in OB/GYN, but, she conveys that she has experienced the specialty in different settings and understands the diverse nature of the specialty. She also includes information about her hobbies and interests and writes about her exploration of OB/GYN outside of the clinical arena. An added bonus is that the applicant writes well and uses descriptive language making her statement interesting and fun to read.

Residency Personal Statement Example, Analysis, and Outline: The Outside Interests Approach

Many mentors advise applicants to tell the reader something about them that is unrelated to medicine or the specialty they are pursuing. This is a fine idea, but be sure your personal statement also includes some details about your interest in your specialty if you decide to move in this direction.

Suggested Outline:

• Introduction: Write a Catchy Introduction. Be creative! Think outside the box.
• Paragraph 2:Elaborate on your introduction offering more details
• Paragraph 3: Write about your specialty choice and what appeals to you.
• Paragraph 4: Write more about your explorations in medical school.
• Concluding paragraph(s): Write about your future goals, the type of program you hope to join and consider looping back to your introduction.

Below is an example of the outside interests approach:

The landscape before me was lush and magical. We had been hiking for hours and had found a great spot to set up camp. As I was unloading my backpack and helping to pitch the tent, I saw a scene I knew I had to capture. I quickly grabbed my carefully packed Leica before the magnificent sunset disappeared. Trying to get the perfect exposure, I somehow managed to capture this image so accurately that it reflected the beauty of what was before us high in the mountains of Utah, so far away from the hustle and bustle of New York City where we attended medical school.

Throughout my life, I have pursued my interests and curiosities with focus and creativity. One of those interests is photography. Even as a small child, I wanted my own camera, and I started snapping interesting scenes and images at the age of 6. As I grew older, this hobby took on more significance. I took a college level course in photography as a high school student, worked as a photographer’s assistant and even considered a career in photography. Paralleling my interest, however, was a desire to travel and experience new places, foods, and cultures.

I have been fortunate to travel all over the world. Rather than stopping in a city or place for a couple of days and seeing the sights, I prefer to immerse myself in my surroundings, eating the food, meeting the people, and staying for as long as I can. My fluency in Spanish and Italian has made it easier to “fit in” naturally. My most recent trip to Costa Rica allowed me to visit sugar cane fields and rain forests. I also volunteered in a clinic that helps the most desperate citizens. Of course, because I never travel without my camera, I also captured the beauty of this country; those pictures can be found on my blog.

Surgery seemed like a natural choice for me. It is a very tactile and visual field that requires patience, attention to detail and creativity—just like photography. The operating room setting is invigorating. I love to be a member of a team, and in surgery team work is an essential part of practice. The ability to deal with anatomical variations also satisfies my creative side; I have always been fond of puzzles, and the field of surgery represents a real-world puzzle to me. I also appreciate the intensity of surgery and believe I have the personality and demeanor for the field. I have always enjoyed solving problems quickly, something the field of surgery requires. My rotations in surgery – in addition to my core surgery rotation I have done trauma and cardiothoracic surgery – have helped me to understand the tremendous opportunities and diversity of the field. I have heard some residents lament that the only reason they went into surgery is to operate. However, I really enjoy seeing patients postoperatively. It is only at that time that a surgeon can really appreciate the impact of his or her work.

Finally, my trip to Honduras with a surgical team from my hospital and medical school made me realize that I can make a great contribution globally in the field of surgery. There we saw patients who had no resources or access to care. The facilities in which we worked were bare-bones. Yet the impact we made was tremendous, given that this was a group of people who otherwise would have no surgical care. In this way, I hope to combine my interests in travel and surgery as a resident, if I have time, and certainly as a practicing physician. My ultimate goal is to use my training to help populations globally and domestically.

To gain the most clinical exposure possible, I hope to train in a busy urban hospital. I believe that such a setting will give me the operative experience I need to be able to navigate many situations in the future. Such a setting will also give me the outpatient experience to understand how to manage patients once the surgery is completed.

I look forward to the day when I can be snapping my camera intraoperatively, documenting what I am doing and seeking to help other surgeons. For some, such pictures may not represent the art of those pictures I take in the wilderness, but for me they reflect the beauty of surgery and the great opportunity to make a lasting impression on another human being’s life.

This is a really intriguing personal statement because the author writes about his outside interests in a compelling way that makes him instinctively likable. He then goes on to explain what he enjoys about surgery and what he has done to pursue that interest. As you can see, this applicant writes less about his specialty (surgery) than the applicant in statement #1 did, but, he still convinces the reader of his understanding of, and commitment to, surgery. In this statement, the reader gains a much broader understanding of who the applicant is as a person and what he likes to do in his free time.

Final Thoughts

Writing your residency personal statement should be about telling your story in your own voice and style. You want to highlight your interest in the specialty for which you are applying while also conveying some ideas about who you are as a person to keep your reader engaged in learning about you as a person.

Residency Personal Statement Consulting Services

MedEdits Medical Admissions offers comprehensive guidance and document review services for residency applicants to every specialty in medicine. With more than twenty years of experience in residency admissions and founded by a former residency admissions officer and physician, MedEdits understands what program directors want to read and can help you decide what aspects of your background to focus on in your residency personal statement to earn the most interviews possible.

Getting into a residency has never been more competitive. Let the experts at MedEdits help you with your ERAS personal statement. We’ve worked with more than 5,000 students and 94% have been matched to one of their top-choice programs.

Sample Residency Personal Statements

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Writing the Perfect Residency Personal Statement

If you’re in your third year of medical school, it’s time to sharpen your personal statement writing skills again for the ERAS application .

The good news is you already wrote a great one that got you accepted into medical school ! Now, you’ll need to dig deep and channel the same creative spirit that was there about 3 years ago. 

Many applicants are looking for a special formula for writing a personal statement . But here’s the truth: There’s no secret formula. A fantastic residency personal statement includes well-written storytelling detailing your experiences as a medical student and why you’re an excellent fit for the residencies you’re applying to.

In this article, we’ll talk about inspiration, length, structure, and dynamic writing. Let’s dive in.

What is the ERAS personal statement, and why do you need to write one?

Your residency personal statement is similar to your medical school personal statement in that it’s your chance to directly make a case for yourself . Residency program directors use these essays to get to know you beyond your CV. They can only learn so much about you from your medical education history.

Most of the information program directors use to determine if you’re a good fit is quantitative —  GPAs, USMLE scores, etc. Odds are, these numbers will be fairly similar across the board. 

What sets you apart from other applicants will be qualitative — your personal experiences and career goals, whether you’re hard-working or a team player.

What should you include in your residency personal statement ?

In your residency personal statement , include your experiences and interests that have driven your ambition to mature as a medical professional.

Take time to think about what qualities you’d expect in an exemplary physician. Then, create a list of topics reflecting these qualities from your background.  

Create a list of ideas of what to write from these prompts:

• Memorable or “a-ha” moments during medical school (including specific rotations ) that changed the way you think about medicine.
• Volunteering or non-profit work.
• Your greatest skills and qualities and how you use them when practicing medicine.
• Specific instances of when you used strong teamwork skills.
• A personal anecdote that isn’t included on a resume, like an elective that led to an unexpected encounter with a patient that you won’t forget.
• Professors, mentors , family, friends, or anyone else that has inspired your path.
• Your goals in your future career.
• Reasons you are drawn to your specialty.
• Meaningful experiences in medical school or extracurriculars .
• Your most commendable achievements.

Why did you choose your specialty?

When you explain why you chose a specialty, discuss the reasons why you enjoy that specialty and how your strengths will apply to your future career. 

Make your answer heartfelt and honest. If your only reasons are money and the lifestyle, your chances of an interview with the program directors will plummet.

Answer these questions while brainstorming :

• What appeals to you about this specialty?
• Did past experiences or clinicals influence your decision for this program?
• What do you believe are the most important qualities for a physician in this specialty? How have you begun to cultivate these qualities in yourself?
• Are there future goals you want to achieve in this specialty?
• Have you done any research related to this field or the advancement of this specialty?

How long should a personal statement be for residency?

The personal statement essay section on ERAS allows for 28,000 characters (about 5 pages). 

Our advice? Don’t max out your character count.

Program directors must read the demographics, transcripts, MSPE, experiences section, personal statement , and letters of recommendation before making a decision. That’s a lot of reading.

Your goal is to make your point concisely — writing about a page plus a paragraph is the sweet spot.

Personal Statement Structure

Many applicants don’t know where to start, so we suggest breaking the essay into bite-sized pieces. Use a standard 4-5 paragraph structure. This way, you’ve got small, manageable goals.

Write your residency personal statement using:

• An introduction paragraph.
• 2-3 paragraphs to expand on your theme.
• A conclusion paragraph to tie it all together.

Introduction

Draw the reader in with a story or anecdote, and introduce a theme. A narrative voice works well here to engage the reader and get them interested. 

Don’t tell an extensive story; provide just enough to provide context and introduce a theme.

Body Paragraphs (2-3)

Explore and expand on the central theme of your personal statement . You can talk about the traits or life experiences that will make you good at family medicine , dermatology , or whatever specialty you’re pursuing. 

Ensure you’re being specific to the specialty — you don’t need to prove you’ll be a good doctor so much as a good doctor in the field you’re applying to .

Wrap everything up and end with a “bang.” The conclusion should serve to bring all your points together in one place. When I say end with a “bang,” I mean to finish strong . 

Stating: “For the reasons above, I believe I will make an excellent internist, ” doesn’t leave the reader with much.

Try something a bit more passionate, idealistic, and enthusiastic. Here’s an example:

“ Internal medicine is centered around improving lives, orchestrating, and managing complex patient care . To me, the true challenge is in the art of internal medicine — to tailor to patients’ needs to maximize their health and improve their overall quality of life.”

With this approach to the structure of your personal statement , the essay becomes more manageable. You can set yourself mini-assignments by just developing one component at a time. Complete one portion each week, and you’ll be done by the end of the month!

Should a residency personal statement have a title? 

There is no hard and fast rule about whether a residency personal statement should have a title. Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to include a title in your personal statement is up to you.

Consider these factors when deciding whether or not to include a title:

• A good title can serve as a headline for the reader, making your essay stand out before they even start reading. 
• A good title can make your statement stand out and help it to be more memorable.
• On the other hand, a poorly chosen or overly generic title could actually detract from your personal statement.

Most residency programs do not require, or even want, a title for personal statements. Be sure to check the program’s guidelines before including one.

If you do choose to include a title, make sure it is relevant, concise, and impactful. Avoid overly generic or cliche titles, and focus on conveying the main message or theme of your personal statement. 

It is less common to have a title, so if you do it right, you may stand out from the crowd.

How To Make Your Personal Statement Stand Out

Take time to brush up on your writing skills to make your personal statement stand out . 

These skills may not have been your focus in the last few years, but concisely expressing your dedication to the specialty will retain a program director ’s attention. 

Oh, and always remember to proofread and check your grammar! If you specifically prompt ChatGPT to “review your personal statement for grammar and punctuation only,” it does a pretty good job. 

Just be sure not to have AI write your personal statement, as it doesn’t know your stories, and can’t convey your sentiment, tone, or emotion.

Language and Vocabulary

The simpler, the better. Hand your essay to a friend or family member to proofread. If they have to stop and look up any word, it’s probably the wrong word choice. Maybe it’s the perfect word for the sentence, but anything that distracts the reader from the content is a problem.

Avoid the following:

• Contractions. Contractions are informal language. They aren’t appropriate for applications or professional writing.
• “Really” as in “I really learned a lot.” Try the word “truly” instead. It sounds more sincere.
• “Really” or “very” as in “it was a really/very great experience.” Here, “really” is a qualifier that holds the place of a better word choice; e.g., Really great = fantastic, wonderful, exquisite; Very important = paramount, momentous, critical.

Simple sentence structure is usually the best. Follow these rules:

• Avoid quotations if you can. This is your essay, and it should focus on what you have to say, not someone else. There may be exceptions to this rule (like a statement a professor made that changed the course of your medical career), but these are rare.
• Punctuate correctly. Misplaced commas or a missing period can distract a reader from your content. If grammar isn’t your strong suit, have a friend (or a spellchecker like Grammarly) check your essay for errors.

Avoid Clichés

Saying you want to go into pediatrics because you love kids might be true, but it’s also a given. Everyone going into healthcare is interested in helping people. 

This is your opportunity to make it more personal. Talk about the life experiences that have uniquely informed your career path and what makes you different from every other med student trying to get a residency interview . 

Don’t Make It Too Complicated

Be simple, straight to the point, and authentic. 

Aim for clear wording that communicates your central theme. If you talk about your professional future and goals, they should be realistic and carefully considered. Your goal is to leave program directors with a strong impression of your character and maturity. 

Try Dynamic Writing

Dynamic writing is all about feel and rhythm. Even good content written poorly can come out flat. Here are some cues to evaluate and improve your writing:

• Read your writing out loud. Do you have to catch your breath in the middle of a sentence? If so, the sentence is too long and needs some additional punctuation, editing, or to be split up.
• Vary your sentence structure and/or the length of the sentences. When you’re reading, do you feel like there is a repetitive rhythm? This usually results from too many short sentences stacked on top of each other.

Be Prepared To Revise Your Statement

You’ve done this part before. Once the bulk of your statement is done, have someone else read it, then start revising. The great thing about the revision process is that you don’t have to write the first draft perfectly. 

If you can afford it, consider working with a professional team for help with the residency application process , including personal statement editing.

Our friends at MedSchoolCoach can help you with personal statement editing. 

Should you write multiple ERAS personal statements ?

Write a residency personal statement relevant to each specialty you apply to, each with a clearly stated goal.

While it’s a good idea to write a personal statement for every specialty you apply to, you don’t have to write one for each specific program . Maybe you have research experience in a few different specialties and aren’t sure where you’ll get residency training .

A blanket personal statement to cover all specialties is bland at best and, at worst, a red flag . Your interest in becoming an OB/GYN should be informed by different experiences than your interest in anesthesiology or plastic surgery .

Anyone who reads your personal statement should have all the relevant information for integrating you into their program. Don’t overshare experiences or learnings from irrelevant rotations , classes, or experiences.

Let’s say you send your personal statement to a program director for a radiology residency program . If he reads that you’re torn between radiology and emergency medicine , is he more likely to accept you, or an applicant who seems all-in for his program’s specialty?

Ready to write? Get your residency personal statement prepared!

It’s time to knock out that first paragraph ! We have given you the structure and tools to write a personal statement that reflects your strengths. Remember, there’s no formula for the perfect personal statement , but there are tried and true methods for strong writing.

Schedule a free consultation with MedSchoolCoach to see how we can help you increase your chances of matching into the residency of your choice. 

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Kachiu Lee, MD

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Sample Personal Statement: Dermatology

I have been drawn to multiple facets of medicine since beginning medical school. I have been intrigued by the intricacies of disease and the ability of physicians to alter the course of the illness. Not surprisingly choosing one discipline was challenging until the last week of my internal medicine clerkship when I was given a "gem" in the form of Maria. She was, according to my resident, the "perfect medical student patient." Without her knowing it, Maria was also responsible for my decision to become a dermatologist.

"She has a rash" was the only briefing I had as I entered Maria's room to begin my H &P, unsure what I would find with this "perfect" patient. With my limited Spanish and her limited English, our conversation was minimal but Maria was clearly in pain. The tense bullae and open, oozing areas covering her lower body made it visibly uncomfortable for her to sit. Maria gingerly touched multiple affected areas as I fumbled through my exam in Spanish asking her where she had "dolor." Tests were done, treatment started empirically. My attending provided a book for me to review on cutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases, instructing me to present to our team the next morning on common skin symptoms indicating underlying disease. I spent the rest of the day reading, fascinated by the pathology that presents itself on our bodies' surfaces. Maria clearly had more than a rash, and as I attempted to put together the pieces of her illness, the pieces of my own career path seemed to align. And as Maria improved and her pain decreased I knew I had found a field that would be fulfilling on multiple levels.

Dermatology combines the fields of medicine that captivate me most- infectious disease, immunology, and oncology. The discipline both fascinated and intimidated me in my first encounters with dermatopathology in course work and in actual dermatological pathology with patients. Skin pathologies were commonplace on my first year elective in South Africa where the combination of immunosuppression, poverty, congested living conditions, and a damp, cold winter caused our clinics to overflow with patients needing to be seen for various fungal infections, nonhealing wounds, and the multitude of infectious diseases running rampant in the townships. With treatment options limited to basic dressings and antibiotics, we did not have the advanced tools of diagnosis available in a typical American hospital. As a result, our primary concern was limited to the treatment of ongoing or prevention of secondary infection. Through the clinical clerkships of my 3rd year, I was drawn to patients with skin pathologies, spending extra hours in the burn clinic with advanced skin cancer patients, diligently checking the feet of my patient just home from Iraq whose tinea pedis infection served as a portal for staph bacteremia, and intrigued by the lacy "slapped cheek" pattern on my pediatric patient with Parvovirus B19.

The American Medical Student Association has a slogan "It takes more than medical school to make a physician." I was inspired by these words early on in my medical school career and realized this was particularly true for me as I made every effort to be involved in multiple extra-curricular activities relating to my passions in medicine. Although the core education in basic and clinical sciences is essential, it is the other activities which distinguish future physicians as unique individuals and help maintain the humanistic dimension of medicine. I will bring the same energy and passion to residency and my career that I have throughout medical school, allowing me to develop my leadership and communication skills while succeeding academically.

With the increased need for skin care in our fragile environment and the abundance of opportunities for work both locally and internationally, I am excited about the possibilities offered by dermatology. I look forward to working with patients of all ages and to being challenged intellectually throughout my career. With a background in public health and clinical research, I plan to become an active investigator in the dermatology field and contribute to advances in patient care through design of and participation in clinical trials and work actively in the community to develop primary prevention programs to decrease preventable disease. Working as part of a health care team is a high priority for me as I staunchly believe the best patient care is accomplished when collaborating with colleagues throughout the health professions. In a residency program, I hope to find a program which reinforces these values and one which promotes collegial interactions between residents and faculty in an environment where there is potential to be exposed to a wide variety of dermatological conditions.

Crafting a Compelling Dermatology Personal Statement: Examples and Insights

Crafting a Compelling Dermatology Personal Statement: Examples and Insights – In the competitive field of dermatology, a well-crafted personal statement is a crucial element of your application.

Admissions committees seek candidates who not only possess academic qualifications but also demonstrate a genuine passion for dermatology.

In this article, we will explore the key components of a strong dermatology personal statement and provide illustrative examples to guide aspiring dermatologists in showcasing their unique qualities.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Purpose of a Dermatology Personal Statement

A dermatology personal statement serves as a platform for applicants to convey their motivations, experiences, and aspirations in the field.

It goes beyond listing academic achievements, offering a narrative that reflects the candidate’s personality, dedication, and suitability for a career in dermatology.

Structuring Your Dermatology Personal Statement

To create an impactful personal statement, it is essential to follow a well-defined structure. Consider the following format:

1. Introduction

Begin with a compelling opening that grabs the reader’s attention. Share a personal anecdote or an experience that sparked your interest in dermatology.

Example : “As a child, I struggled with chronic skin conditions that not only impacted my physical well-being but also fueled my fascination with dermatology. This personal journey has driven my commitment to pursuing a career where I can make a difference in the lives of individuals facing similar challenges.”

2. Educational Background and Relevant Experiences

Discuss your academic background, highlighting relevant coursework, research, and extracurricular activities.

Emphasize experiences that shaped your interest in dermatology.

Example : “My academic journey in biology has equipped me with a strong foundation in the sciences. During my undergraduate years, I actively participated in dermatology research projects, exploring the latest advancements in the field. Additionally, my internship at [Hospital/Research Institution] exposed me to the practical aspects of dermatological care.”

3. Motivation and Passion

Articulate your passion for dermatology and the specific aspects that excite you about the field.

Demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact.

Example : “The intricate connection between dermatology and patient well-being fuels my passion for this field. I am particularly drawn to the challenges of diagnosing and treating complex skin conditions, and I am motivated by the prospect of improving the quality of life for those facing dermatological issues.”

4. Unique Qualities and Skills

Highlight the qualities and skills that set you apart as a candidate.

Discuss how these attributes contribute to your suitability for a career in dermatology.

Example : “My strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and empathy enable me to approach dermatological cases with both precision and compassion. During my time as a volunteer at [Dermatology Clinic], I honed my ability to communicate complex medical information in an accessible manner, fostering a positive patient-doctor relationship.”

5. Future Goals

Outline your long-term career goals in dermatology.

Express how pursuing further education or training will contribute to your professional development.

Example : “Aspiring to become a dermatologist, I am committed to continuous learning and staying abreast of emerging trends in the field. I envision contributing to dermatological research, advancing treatment modalities, and ultimately, making a meaningful impact on patient care.”

Dermatology Personal Statement Examples

To provide concrete examples, let’s explore two hypothetical personal statements that embody the principles outlined above.

“As a biology major with a keen interest in human health, my academic journey has been a stepping stone toward a fulfilling career in dermatology. Inspired by my own experiences with skin conditions, I embarked on a research project during my junior year, investigating the genetic factors influencing dermatological disorders. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying skin health and solidified my desire to contribute to the field.”

“During my internship at [Dermatology Clinic], I had the privilege of working alongside seasoned dermatologists, witnessing the diverse array of cases they handled. This exposure fueled my passion for diagnosing and treating skin conditions, motivating me to pursue advanced education in dermatology. My ability to communicate complex medical information became evident as I interacted with patients, fostering trust and collaboration in their care.”

“As I look to the future, I am eager to embark on a dermatology residency program to refine my clinical skills and engage in impactful research. My ultimate goal is to establish a dermatological practice that prioritizes patient education and holistic care. I am confident that my unique blend of academic excellence, research experience, and compassionate approach will contribute to the ever-evolving field of dermatology.”

“My journey into dermatology began with a personal struggle—battling severe acne throughout my teenage years. This experience not only shaped my understanding of the profound impact skin conditions can have on one’s life but also ignited a passion for dermatology. Armed with this drive, I pursued a degree in biology, delving into coursework that laid the groundwork for a future in dermatological care.”

“During my undergraduate years, I actively participated in a dermatology research group, where I collaborated on projects exploring innovative treatments for common skin disorders. This hands-on experience allowed me to witness the transformative power of dermatological interventions and solidified my commitment to contributing to the field. Additionally, volunteering at [Community Health Clinic] provided me with the opportunity to interact with a diverse patient population, enhancing my ability to tailor care to individual needs.”

“As I embark on the next phase of my academic journey, I am eager to enroll in a dermatology residency program that aligns with my commitment to patient-centered care and research. My long-term goal is to merge clinical practice with advocacy, working to increase dermatological awareness in underserved communities. I am confident that my academic achievements, research background, and unwavering passion position me as a dedicated candidate ready to make a meaningful impact in dermatology.”

Crafting an exemplary dermatology personal statement requires a combination of personal reflection, academic achievements, and a forward-looking perspective.

By following a structured approach and infusing your unique experiences and aspirations, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions committees.

Remember, your statement is an opportunity to showcase not just your qualifications but also your passion for dermatology and your potential to contribute to the field’s advancement.

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January 19th, 2023

Dermatology Residency Personal Statement – A Complete Guide with Examples 2023

Do you aspire to specialize in dermatology?

If so, a personal statement is needed for your application.

The term “personal statement” and what it entails may be confusing to you. It’s normal! And that is the reason we are here.

Together, we examine dermatology residency personal statements through this blog.

What is Dermatology? What Quality Do You Need to Become A Dermatologist?

Dermatology is the branch of medicine that specializes in the treatment of the skin, hair, and nails.

Dermatologists handle severe accidental problems including skin burning in addition to cosmetic problems of people.

Qualities needed for you as a dermatologist:

• Quick decision-making skills
• Communication skills
• Should be detail-oriented
• Excellent organizational abilities
• Ability to solve issues

What is Dermatology Personal Statement? Why Should You Have One?

The dermatology personal statement is a one-page essay that discusses your character, your enthusiasm for the field, and your experience.

Why do you need it?

• To portray your personality and qualities.
• Aids in grabbing the evaluator’s attention.
• Displaying your enthusiasm for the subject
• Increases the likelihood of admission
• To understand you better.

GET YOUR DERMATOLOGY PERSONAL STATEMENT CRAFTED BY EXPERTS NOW

How Long Should Your Dermatology Residency Personal Statement Be:

Word count –, character limit –, no.of pages –, margin –, font size –, font style –, things you must address.

Considering that your personal statement is a crucial component of your application, you might be confused by what should be included in it.

When writing, you should include;

• Your motivation for choosing the field
• Experiences you had in the field
• Qualities and skills
• Future plans

What Should Be The Tone

It’s important to find the right balance between outlining your experiences and history and explaining why dermatology appeals to you so much.  Combining a story-telling style with your own personal experiences is one of the finest ways to generate this balance.

Instead of concentrating on the story, you should emphasize your passion for it.

How to Compose your dermatology personal statement?

Writing a personal statement for dermatology cannot be completed overnight.

You should invest your time into it.

Let’s take a look at the six steps for writing a personal statement.

Step 1- Thinking

Identify what information needs to be added to your personal statement as a first step. Note it down after giving it some thinking.

Step 2 – Sort out

Your personal statement does not necessarily need to include all of the details about your studies, experiences, skills, etc. Sort the relevant and necessary information.

Step 3- Organize

Once you have your arguments, consider how you can structure or organize them in your personal statement. Finding a creative and innovative perspective can be helpful.

Step 4 – First Draft

Make a first draft of your personal statement for dermatology right now. By writing just one draft, one shouldn’t finalise it.

Step 5 – Edit

Once you’ve finished writing your personal statement, edit it to identify any grammar or syntactical mistakes.

Ask friends, co-workers, or experts for their comments and feedback on it.

Step 6- Rewrite & Finalise

You should write your next draft after receiving recommendations and criticism from friends.

In order to write a personal statement that is effective, write several drafts. Then, finalise it.

How to Structure Your Dermatology Residency Personal Statement

Before beginning to compose your personal statement, decide what you want the audience to understand about you.

Ask yourself.

You now understand what has to be written. Right?

At the next stage, you must organise it.

Divide your personal statement into:

Paragraph 1

The first paragraph is the most challenging to write.

This is the point at which you create and maintain the attention of your reader.

An engaging personal anecdote at the beginning will keep the reader engaged.

 It’d be good to mention here if your motives are influenced by your own skin condition or a close member’s experience.

Similarly, you can subtly include patient encounters in your introduction.

Paragraph 2

You should now describe your journey to become a dermatologist.

Explain to the reader how you came to specialise in this area and everything you’ve done to research it.

Your clinical and research experiences can also be added to it.

Paragraph 3

Take the opportunity to repeat the key ideas you need your reader to know.

You could try persuading the reader that your experiences have equipped you for a residency in dermatology.

Furthermore, explain your future plans.

With this, craft a compelling conclusion.

Example 1 – Dermatology Personal Statement

When the doctor requested that the patient return to the room, my clinical rotation was almost complete. A little mole, however, was visible on the back of the patient’s arm when he got up from the chair, as I later discovered. The patient’s mole was noticeable because of the light-coloured gown he was wearing. My focus was drawn to the irregular shape, discolouration, and fuzzy boundaries. I considered melanoma to be a possibility. When the dermatologist sent the sample and performed a biopsy, it was certain that the patient had low-stage melanoma. I pondered how far our healthcare has come since the patient was quickly diagnosed. In the contemporary environment, a dermatologist’s responsibility in ensuring excellent skin is inevitable. Additionally, my time spent on the clinical rotation made it clear to me why it’s important to be a dermatologist. I discovered how important it is to be aware of every aspect of a patient and to treat them gently. In order to develop both my experience and my talents to become a great dermatologist, I have chosen to specialise in dermatology residency. I intend to carry it out through the dermatology residency programme at your prestigious institution.

Skin and tissue-related medical disorders can have a significant impact on a person ‘s way of life. I encountered people who had a range of skin issues throughout my rotation at the medical school’s Dermatology department. These conditions ranged from melanoma to rosacea. Every person or patient who had such illnesses hoped for a recovery and a cure. To such circumstances, however, a quick response is impractical. Developing the proper diagnosis and treatment plan requires a methodical approach that takes time. I also learnt more about the biology that underlies these disorders and how to treat them more effectively with technology during the training. In dermatology, technology plays a significant role. To get the desired results, the proper equipment and treatment must be chosen. In his or her medical career, my doctor frequently advises physicians to be tech-savvy. Some answers to our issues rely only on it. Physicians can outperform one another if they comprehend and value it.

Successful career in dermatology requires more than just medical skills. I became aware of how crucial having good communication skills are to the process while seeing my superior Dr. Jane throughout the clinical rotations. To encourage patients to open up, a dermatologist should foster a comfortable and caring environment. I have observed that some patients spent more time discussing their problems when I was helping her during her sessions. Dr. Jane, however, waited calmly and cheerfully. Beyond just having medical knowledge, a dermatologist needs certain personality traits. I have since worked on improving my soft skills. I improved my communication abilities by spending my leisure time in the ward with patients. Participation in a free medical camp run by our college helped participants develop the capacity to function under pressure and the ability to make quick decisions. The time I invested in developing these abilities widened my horizons. I had the opportunity to view the world from a different angle. I attempted to comprehend the world from the sufferers’ perspective by putting myself in their shoes.

As a future dermatologist, I am aware that various skin disorders can have numerous, diverse origins. In order to work effectively, it is crucial to become acquainted with the profession and diseases. This residency programme will provide me with the training and opportunity I need to diagnose and treat skin problems in addition to the knowledge I have been seeking. I see this dermatology residency programme as providing a solid platform upon which to construct my future professional life. Only then can I start my own clinic for the residents of my community. I am looking forward to the prospects and challenges in the dermatology residency programme at your esteemed institution.

Example 2 – Dermatology Personal Statement

For me, dermatology was an unexpected career choice. I never learned about maintaining healthy skin in the society in which I was raised. Even when one’s face was covered in pimples, they never went to a dermatologist. However, the circumstances have changed now. People are aware of the value of having healthy skin in their lives. I wasn’t interested in dermatology until attending medical school. During one of my medical school rotations, I met a woman who was receiving treatment for skin cancer, which was the first time I had ever encountered a significant skin issue. She had two kids. She had epithelial cell cancer. However, she accepted it and acted towards it in a way that most surprised me. She constantly had a smile on her face and was certain the treatment will be effective.

Because of her dermatologist’s unwavering support, she was able to see things despite the misery. The aspects that impressed me the most about them were their relationship, the way she trusted her physician, as well as how joyful and optimistic she remained. Despite the fact that I had seen doctors’ care and compassion towards their patients, this specific scenario emerged as the one that I could quickly relate due to my involvement. Dermatology caught my attention, and I made the decision to keep it in mind as a possible future field of study.

Although all humans have the same facial features, there really are huge differences between the genders’ skin conditions. Due to hormone changes, I have had skin problems since I was a young girl. Many of my male classmates and friends in high school and college shared the same issues, but for some reason, the way their rash or pimples appeared on their skin were different. This idea gave me the inspiration to conduct research on the various skin disorders that affect both men and women and the various treatments available. Through my studies, I have learned that several situations, such as puberty, menopause, pregnancy, and others, can lead to women experiencing different skin disorders throughout their lives. The subject piqued my curiosity, and I intended to explore it further in the future.

As a first step, I volunteered to help spread awareness about children’s skin conditions. It took place in a nearby community school. I believed that knowing their bodies and their sexuality would allow them to understand their skin problems effectively. Why does this happen? So what can I do? Only a very thorough understanding of oneself can provide an answer to such concerns. My activities were made easier by my experience in research. We were able to understand their belief system through arranging an interaction session with them. Their brains have been greatly impacted by the ideas of fairness and light skin. I took the decision at that moment that I would make a difference in society after completing my education and obtaining a dermatology specialty. Though it takes time, I want the younger generation to realise that having healthy skin is more important than having fair skin.

Whenever I studied about a different skin problem, it transformed into a new adventure for me. I aspired to become like my mentors as they were proficient at assessing and resolving diseases from the tiniest details on their patients. They had a good sense of observation and sharpness. Later, I understood that such abilities wouldn’t appear overnight. It demands patience and knowledge. I therefore believe that your acclaimed dermatology course will allow me to obtain the diagnosis ability and competence of a dermatologist while also offering me enough space to concentrate on research. The shift in the community’s perception of beauty is one of my future goals as well as being a skilled dermatologist. I am hoping your university will enable me to grow both personally and professionally.

Common mistakes

Weak or clichéd language.

Do not use meaningless or clichéd language.

You need to deliver more than what the reviewers are anticipating.

Using such words could have the opposite effect.

Don’t get too intimate

Avoid employing language that lets you express your feelings in cathartic ways.

In your personal statement, it is not a good idea to discuss politics or the lack of education.

Copying personal statements

Although you can read other examples of dermatological personal statements, you must never copy their content completely.

Create a statement of your own.

Lack of editing

You should thoroughly edit your personal statement at least three times.

A crucial step in your process is editing and proofreading.

How Do Experts Write? Tips From Experts!

Knowing how to write a dermatology personal statement requires you to be aware that it is not an easy journey.

Therefore, here are some tips that will be useful for you from experts:

Show rather than tell

Instead of claiming to be an expert in dermatology, use instances to show the admissions committee that you actually are.

Strictly follow length guidelines

Keep in mind and make sure to pay attention to your program’s requirements.

Never exceed the word count.

Follow the format rules

Be sure to organize your statement according to the conventions of a formal essay.

Your statement will be easier for the reader to understand if it has a solid structure, style, and pace.

Do not repeat your resume

Instead of repeating what is in your CV, discuss the aspects of your profile that are not covered anywhere in your application.

Grammar and syntax mistakes in the personal statement can be lessened by proofreading. If you’re unsure, you can get help from a professional.

How to Apply for Dermatology Residency Programs

• For the dermatology residency programme, you must submit an application using the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).
• The ERAS application requires several documents (mentioned below in the next section).
• Once you applied through ERAS with all the necessary documents, wait for the response.

To secure your ERAS token :

• US medical school grads should get in touch with the Dean’s Office or Student Affairs department.
• Graduates of foreign medical schools need to get in contact with the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).

Documents Need to Apply

• Personal statement
• Current curriculum vitae
• Transcript of the medical school record
• A letter from your medical school’s dean
• Three letters of recommendation
• USMLE Step 1 score

Best Universities for Dermatology Residency Programs

Stanford university.

You will have accessibility to everything you want for the best education due to a cutting-edge dermatological centre that has the biggest clinical practice in the world.

University of Pennsylvania

When it comes to dermatology research output, Penn’s dermatology programme is fourth in the US.

Northwestern University

They offer both inpatient and outpatient experience.

Yale University

A dermatology lab with all the necessary equipment is one of its many attractions.

John Hopkins University

They provide students with dermatological electives that combine fundamental and advanced clerkships.

Your application to the dermatology residency will be heavily influenced by your personal statement.

It ensures that you stand out from the other candidates.

We believe you now have a solid grasp on how to write a personal statement.

Did our advice assist you?

If so, feel free to comment with your thoughts.

Mrs Jizah M

Mrs Jizah M has always enjoyed writing down her thoughts since school days. What just started as a hobby slowly transformed into a passion. Her writing skills were first acknowledged by few of her professors when she wrote content for the college website; this was a turing. Slowly she started getting freelance works and later on, a series of events led her to specialize in academic and higher education related documentations. In additional to personal statements, she along with her team writes LORs, SOPs, college application essays, admission essays and all similar types of documents.

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Your Personal Statement: The Ultimate Guide (Example Included)

A step-by-step medical residency personalities declare guide for promote you match into your dream program.

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: brainstorming topics for your special statement, part 3: how to write an amazing residency personal declaration, part 4: in-depth analysis of a full-length personal statement exemplar, appendix: frequently asked ask.

Applying to medizinischer habitation schemes isn’t exactly simply. After four time of medical school, and years view spent before that preparing for heilkunde school, you’re probably complete for an breather. But residency applications hit you with everything from USMLE scorings to Medical School Performance Grades (MSPEs). The uncertainty lenken up on match day can be stressful and dread inducing—will choose near-decade of work pay bad?

Thankfully, of residency usage process is fairly transparent—we know what the most importantly aspects of the residency application are. Every two years, the NRMP’s Program Director Survey reveals which factors are cited as the greatest critical components of your habitation application and are thus the core deciders for whether or not you’ll get an interview. Though the exact ranking varies upon years to year and by to specialty, typically you’ll find USMLE scores, letters of recommendation from physicians into your targeted specialty, and MSPEs hovering at the top.

But these materials may not express where pick you to the specialty in question or what got i into medicine in general. And while i can seem because while programs are overwhelmingly interested in their scores press evaluations, they are also interested in the person behind the grades. A step-by-step medical residency personal statement guide to help you match with your dream program

In this guide, we’ll discussions the factor that was fourth-most cited the program directors on the NRMP’s 2020 survey: the permanent personality statement.

Forward we get into the step-by-step lead, we’ll quotation some generic framing thoughts. Being can the communicate my motivations and personality through choose application, especially your personal statement, body now with your skills to bring ensure same enthusiasm and driving as a resident and in who rest of your career as adenine physician, so get note.  Dermatology Permanent Personal Statement Examples

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Reasons does the domicile personal statement what?

The personal statement is a essay of about a page (one next in ERAS exists 3,500 characters including spaces) in which you articulate who you are and why you want up enter ampere certain specialty. It’s your big opportunity to set yourself separate from other applicants the highlighting anything that isn’t fine played in other parts of will application but that nevertheless contextualizes your CV and accomplishments. This context could include interesting life experiences and motivations in pursuing a given specialty. 

There’s a good reason aforementioned humanressourcen statement is relevant for program principal. Because like greatly of the information so programs have to determine determines you’ll become a okay fit is quantitative in nature, it’s likely that programs will reception many applicants who have similarly competitive scores and grades. What can serve how a tiebreaker?

Letters of recommendation offer qualitative data. But the personal statement is the main opportunity for you to directly make a case for yourself, at qualitative terms, before you attend medical talks .

The custom statement can moreover weed out applicants who don’t demonstrate an adequate getting of their specialty of interest or who come across as pretentious and pompous. For this reason, in addition to the basic requirements of correct syntax and how, you’ll need to strike the right tone with your writing: seeming conscious of your motivations and accomplishments to date, passionate about what you hope up achieve includes who specialty, and see humble.

Remember: a great personal statement cannot save an otherwise weak application, but a poor only could hurt an otherwise strong application.

What should the personal statement accomplish?

The residency personal statement should including and reflect:

What tie you to the specialism

The skills or grade that will help you succeed during the residency and as a practicing physician

Your long-term schedules, what you express to accomplish, and your preferred setting

Personal features that make you well-suited to the specialty and training

What attracts thee to a particulars program (if you’re applying for a specific run outside of of national customizable system or if her customize a personal statement during NRMP)  Background . A strong personal statement is deemed favorable inches the overall application review process. Anyway, doing on this part off personal statements in the application process is lacking. Objective . Up determine if personalize statements out matched applicants differ from unmatched applicants. Methodology . See dermatology residency application (

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Residency personal statement: the ultimate guide.

Reviewed by:

Rohan Jotwani

Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia University

Reviewed: 08/08/23

Are you planning on writing your personal statement for residency? We’ll cover everything you need to know about the process.

The residency application personal statement is an essential part of applying to programs, but it can be intimidating. We get it. It can be challenging to write about yourself and your life experiences within 3,500 characters. We’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a powerful statement!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

Importance of Your Personal Statement in a Residency Application

The importance of your personal statement in your application cannot be overstated. Yes, you have secured solid letters of recommendation from physicians and crushed your USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) .

However, your personal statement is the one component of your application where you can make a case for yourself and leave a lasting impression on program directors. 

Think about it this way: program directors receive thousands of applications From aspiring medical residents and review thousands of standardized, quantitative factors like grades and test scores across the board. They also read thousands of essays and want to see something that will pique their interest. 

Your personal statement is an opportunity to show program directors specific qualities that make you stand out and shine . Program directors want to know the person behind the stellar numerical achievements. 

They want to know that you will thrive, reach your greatest potential in their program, and continue to have an exceptional career as a leader in healthcare.

Because of how competitive programs can be, your writing may very well be the tiebreaker that leads to your acceptance into a top program over another applicant. 

While a strong personal statement might not compensate for low exam scores, a weak one will definitely hurt an otherwise strong application.

Residency Personal Statement Outline

Knowing what you should include in your personal statement will help you get started. Your statement should include and reflect on a combination of the following:

• What draws you to medicine/your specialty?
• The desirable qualities, attributes, and skill sets make you well-suited to a  program and will help you succeed.
• Your long-term plans as a practicing physician after you complete your program. This can include what you hope to accomplish in your residency and your preferred setting.
• What attracts you to a particular program, and how would it make you a good fit?

Ultimately, program directors are looking for residents who are the best candidates and colleagues to work with and train. Combining the above suggestions will give program directors a good sense of what having you on their team would be like.

3 Tips to Help You Start Writing

Here are three tips to help you get started! 

1. Consider Why You’re Pursuing a Particular Residency

Before you start your application personal statement, you should be clear on why the specialty you’ve chosen is the right one for you . Program directors want to know that you have a realistic idea of what the specialty entails. 

If your writing fails to convey solid, meaningful reasons for pursuing the chosen specialty, you will likely not be invited for an interview. Don’t hurt your chances by sounding disinterested in the field or focusing on superficial aspects of the specialty, like high salaries and benefits.

UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine urges you to “remember that this is your chance to focus on your medical career objectives, i.e., what specialty you'd like to go into and what your ultimate goals might be.” 

2. Brainstorm 

To begin drafting your personal statement, brainstorm. Brainstorming allows you the freedom to be creative and informal. When brainstorming, you do not have to worry about grammar, spelling, or editing. You want to write down your ideas and get your creative juices flowing. 

After you have a body of ideas, you can work on weaving one or several elements into a strong, concise narrative. 

3. Ask Yourself Questions 

The following questions will help you get started brainstorming ideas for your personal statement:

• What first drew you to the specialty? 
• What are your greatest qualities, and how have you demonstrated these qualities? Focus on a few desirable qualities for a medical professional during specialization.
• What is your greatest accomplishment?
• Name an experience, clinical or otherwise, that significantly impacted you. Why was the experience meaningful, and how did it change you?
• What obstacle, challenge, or failure did you overcome, and what did it teach you about adversity?
• When did you know you wanted to pursue your chosen specialty?
• What is your most meaningful extracurricular activity?
• Who are your role models? What qualities do they possess that inspire you to be like them? How does this translate in your chosen field?
• What medical cause do you care about the most, and what led you to care about it?

Remember, brainstorming aims to put down everything you can remember with as much detail as possible without worrying about grammar, sentence structure, spelling, or revisions. 

The more details you explore while brainstorming, the easier it will be to extract and expand upon the stories you want to tell.

How to Write An Amazing Residency Application Personal Statement

Now that you have completed your preliminary brainstorming, let’s review how to write a personal statement. Later in this guide, we will review samples of other applicants’ personal statements and analyze what makes them successful.

Start With A Catchy Introduction 

A captivating introduction pulls the reader in and makes them want to read to the end. Your introduction should lead with detail. Don’t rely on platitudes, clichés, and vague language . 

One way to accomplish this is to have an anecdote or two in mind that will be the central focus of your narrative. Then, introduce that anecdote while being aware of both brevity and detail. 

Focus on Things That Aren’t on Your CV

The personal statement should never regurgitate what’s already on your CV. Instead, focus on important aspects about you, your experiences, and your qualities that do not appear on your CV.

For example, if you have a hobby that demonstrates personal growth over time, tell a story about it and tie it together with your goals.

The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine suggests that if you want to repeat accomplishments, ensure they’re “relevant to your personal/professional growth. You want the emphasis to encourage the reader to bring this up in the interview.” 

Talk About You and Your Desirable Qualities 

Program directors want to get to know you as an individual and what you would bring to their program. While this might seem like a no-brainer, it is important that your personal statement remains about you. 

Program directors often read narratives that include information about the program they already know and not enough information about the candidate. Shift your tone to reflect on what makes you desirable to the residency. 

When talking about your attributes, remember that quality is more important than quantity . Narrow your focus to one or two qualities, and work on incorporating them as part of your storytelling.

Make Use of Storytelling

Avoid generic and superficial declarative statements when you write about yourself and your desirable qualities. For example, don’t simply say, “I am empathetic and compassionate.” This is forgettable, and you will not stand out from all the other applicants. 

Instead, it is better and more memorable to show how you exhibited empathy and compassion by telling a story about a real event. Show, don’t tell. People will remember your name if you tell a great story.

Include What You Expect From a Residency Program 

Program directors want to know why you are pursuing their program and what you want to gain from the experience. Tie this in with nuanced details about what you have done to pursue your particular interests and how your interests will align with what the program offers. 

How will your interests and goals support their mission? What specific strengths will you add or hope to cultivate? Again, the focus should be on you and your expectations, not on over-explaining a program to its directors. 

Cite Strong Reasons to Choose a Particular Specialty

Clearly outline your interest in a particular specialty. Program directors want to know your understanding of and interest in a specialty. Highlight what you have done in your career to explore a specialty and detail some of your insights and observations. 

Perhaps you’ve researched the length of the residency and were swayed by it. Or you were intrigued by the nature of another one. The more details you can provide, the more persuasive you will be. 

For example, you might like acute care in emergency medicine but try to be more specific than that. What do you enjoy about the diagnoses and pathologies involved in emergency medicine? What do you enjoy about the patients in your care? What do you enjoy about the setting in which you will practice?

Include Your Personal and Professional Achievements 

Your achievements should demonstrate personal and professional growth over time. Your unique personal or professional achievement may not be listed on your CV. The personal statement is where you can delve into those exceptional and distinctive details about yourself that will set you apart from the crowd. 

Always uphold your credibility by being honest and authentic. People will pick up on subtle cues of inauthenticity. Remember, you don’t have to use your personal statement to convince someone of how perfect you are because perfection doesn’t exist. 

For example, if you achieve something with a group of colleagues, give credit where it’s due and don’t take the credit all for yourself. Remain true to who you are and the experiences you’ve had thus far. You don’t need to embellish or dramatize them to impress program directors. 

They’re looking for someone reliable, credible, and genuine.

Address Areas of Improvement on Your Application 

If anomalies are anywhere in your application, such as gap years or leaves of absence, address them with a brief explanation. You don’t need to dwell on areas that need improvement, and you shouldn’t provide long explanations or be defensive. 

It’s more important for your readers to see that you faced hardship but took steps to overcome it.

Deliver a Strong Closure

Lastly, end your statement with a punch. Don’t lose steam. Succinctly and naturally wrap up your story. You don’t want to end with a weak declarative statement like, “And that’s why I would be a great resident.” 

Instead, try to deliver a callback to your introduction and include the imagery and insights that bring everything together.

5 Things to Avoid in Your Personal Statement

There are certain things that you should avoid in your personal statement. As a rule of thumb, avoid topics and language that risk alienating your readers. Be aware of the following:

1. Acronyms and Jargon 

Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, and jargon. Don’t assume that your reader knows everything. Be courteous and spell everything out. According to The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), “If there’s a shorter, simpler, less pretentious way of putting it, use it.” 

2. Poor Writing Mechanics

Avoid informal, casual writing and poor sentence structure. Be professional and ensure your writing is free of grammatical and spelling errors. You don’t want programs to be distracted by errors while they read your story! 

3. Controversial Topics 

Avoid controversial topics like ethical issues, religion, and politics. You don’t want to make polarizing or offensive statements, so don’t cross the line. Even if the statements you make aren’t offensive, there’s no guarantee the person reviewing your application will agree with you. 

4. Rehashing Why You Want to Be a Doctor 

Avoid going into the origin story of why you wanted to become a doctor. You are not applying to medical school, so your personal statement should reflect deeper insights that support your professional and personal experiences. UCSF’s Office of Career & Professional Development offers this advice : 

“Presumably, new things have happened in the past four years that inform your decision to choose your specialty or career path, or that illustrate your dedication, leadership, and teaching skills, ability for empathy, etc.” Use these new experiences in your statement! 

5. Using Vague/Generic Language

Avoid vague and generic language. The most seasoned writers draw readers in with rich detail and nuance. Using descriptive language makes your statement easier to read and is much more likely to keep the reader’s attention. 

With these tips, you should be able to write your personal statement with ease.

Get Professional Help Writing Your Residency Personal Statement

Contrary to popular belief, writers don’t need to hole up in a dark room, slouch over a messy desk, hit a wall with writer’s block, and suffer in solitude. Ask for help! Even the world’s bestselling authors need editors. 

Your storytelling ability and writing skills will only improve when you receive editorial feedback from trusted professionals. Getting professional help on writing your narrative will get you closer to being accepted at your first-choice program.

Inspira Advantage is here for you. We are an admissions consulting firm with extensive experience helping candidates get accepted to their dream programs. An expert residency application consultant can ensure you get the support you need at every step while you write and edit your personal statement.

Residency Personal Statement Examples

​​Reading examples of residency personal essays that program directors consider effective is advantageous. Not only will you gain insight into how to structure your writing, but you will also learn why program directors and career advisors find certain personal statements more successful than others. 

We’ll review two good personal statement examples below. Please note that both have been anonymized to protect the authors’ privacy. 

Residency Personal Statement Example 1

Here is an ERAS sample personal statement: 

One of my most formative memories of medical school was a patient high-fiving me. A seemingly minute detail, that moment came as a culmination of spending hours with a neurologically devastated patient. At the young age of 40, he was unable to speak or even interact with any of the dozens of healthcare workers at his bedside every day. I felt helpless, yet compelled to spend my time talking and reading to him, and urging him to do simple things like turning his head. He suddenly dramatically improved, and it peaked when he gave me a high-five during rounds, after I had playfully asked for one every day for three weeks. In that moment, I felt elation that he was able to lift his arms and regain some ability and autonomy. Pride, in the healthcare system that I had chosen to be a part of. And surprise, that he had been hearing and processing my words all this time when he had given no indication of doing so. On that last day before transfer to a rehabilitation facility, he hung onto my arm and sobbed “thank you” while refusing to let go. I was so impacted by this patient because for such a long time, he was unable to communicate his wants and needs to the outside world. 

I believe medicine is the most fundamental form of equity and equality – ensuring someone’s health is the most elemental way to ensure justice for their being. As physicians, we are inherent agents of change, on both an individual and community level. I want to bring this to people all around the world – those desperately fighting just to survive and whose voices are not being heard. Global health is my calling – a consummation between my interest in humanity and my desire to heal historical traumas. This came as a lifelong dream after growing up on both the East Coast and Midwest, having been surrounded by large immigrant and refugee populations. My vested interest in global health has been reaffirmed through my experiences rotating at a children’s hospital in [city], Ghana, and taking trainings and courses aimed at decolonizing global health. Both in and out of my passion for global health came a natural attraction to med-peds. Both medicine and pediatrics have always drawn me in as they both afford me the opportunity to provide holistic care – fitting the puzzle pieces between physical, mental, and social health. Med-peds will also help me become the best trained and most adaptable physician for anyone, womb-to-tomb, in local and global medicine due to the vast fund of knowledge I will develop. 

One reason I best fit with med-peds is my adaptability and persistence. I have faced setbacks in my academic career, the biggest of which was after I failed a course during my second year and had to retake the semester. During a hiatus, I pursued independent sociology courses to expand my knowledge base. In the new semester, I developed new study techniques to truly learn medicine instead of just memorizing it. This experience helped me form a cycle of analyzing, changing, and re-examining the way I learn in different scenarios; I built on that methodology repeatedly as modes of learning changed, as evidenced by my step exam scores. I learned the value of reaching out, and I strived to become that person to lean on for my peers going through similar hardships. I am also proud that despite flaws in my test-taking acumen that I have worked on during my later years of medical school, I have always been able to readily apply my medical knowledge in the wards and clinics in a way that is reflected by my patient care. 

Furthermore, I see multiple sentiments of the med-peds community reflected in myself. Med-peds folk are mobilizers of change, always creating life-changing and systemic reforms – ideals to which I fiercely relate. I have done my best to embody the amplification of voices that I have seen so vigorously amongst my med-peds mentors both on an individual and community level. To that end, I have always prided myself on being a strong advocate for patients and acting as a loudspeaker for their voices. On a broad level, I started an organization early in my medical training called [organization name] which aims to alleviate food insecurity in [city], which has a complex racial history causing countless food deserts. I have been excited and proud to help [organization] partner up with local organizations and the student-run free clinic to expand access to nutritious foods. I learned to engage with religious and community leaders in [city] to build strong community relationships to sustain change. To address upstream causes, I am starting a voter registration drive for patients in my institution’s safety net med-peds clinic. These experiences taught me the strategy and logistics of organizing systemic changes and enlightened me to people’s powerful stories. 

I picture myself practicing a mix of both hospitalist medicine and primary care to adapt to any low-resource community. I want to establish continuity of care amongst those who need it most while also managing higher acuity situations. After rotating in Ghana, I hope to pursue a fellowship in global health after completing my residency. My first-hand experience exposed me to the unique conditions of disenfranchised nations that are not readily discussed in the US. I hope to utilize fellowship training to gain the critical knowledge and translational skills required to establish the greatest benefit. All in all, I am excited to use my experiences and skills to provide care to every type of patient, especially in low-resource settings. I am committed to amplifying the voices of the disenfranchised and helping navigate the difficult road towards better, more equitable healthcare. If, in the process, those voices come in the form of more high-fives, I would not complain.

Residency Personal Statement Example 2

Here is another example: 

It was not even the end of the first week of medical school, and I was fighting for my life — and the life of others. On September 19th 2017, Hurricane Maria hit and battered the Island of Dominica. I woke up the next day from a concussion after being thrown 20 feet in the air during the storm. This once lush island was reduced to brown sticks, live wires, and broken glass. I survived the storm, but the destructive aftermath was our new reality. 

During the evacuations and rescue missions, I solidified my purpose to become an Emergency Medicine physician. I joined the [EMS name], which was the only organized medical personnel available. One of my most inspiring experiences was the emergency medical evacuation of a six-month-old girl. This patient was an infant with untreated pneumonia. She came in with respiratory distress to our pop-up clinic at 1am. The child was assessed by the only physician on the island and her prognosis was poor, she was unlikely to survive the night. As a student, I realized that in these critical moments I want to be the first responder to aid and to make the best decisions for the patient. She needed to be on a ventilator, and we did not have the facilities or equipment to help the child, only the capacity to provide supplemental oxygen. With limited resources, we had to secure the airway if needed, and I was given the role to disinfect plastic tubing left on the ground. As we provided supportive care, we also organized the logistics of the medical evacuation – from security to cleaning a landing zone for the helicopter. As the helicopter finally arrived at 3am, the sign of relief was clouded by the debris inadvertently thrown towards us during the landing. Despite the difficulties, all team members were safe, and we were finally able to get the patient to a definitive center of care.  

To work in medicine, one must be able to function in a team. This event gave me first-hand experience of coordination of care. I was a part of this team for the little girl and learned the importance of delegating tasks, cooperation among members, and having defined goals. Moreover, I was tested to perform under pressure and think clearly. I have been able to translate these skills as I have moved forward with my education, always considering my responsibilities within a team in order to provide the best care. We found out that the little girl survived, and I could not help but feel relieved that our efforts were successful. At times, there is not always the end result that is hoped for however, it is important to persevere and act for the benefit of the patient. These challenges faced during the hurricane also reaffirmed my desire to address the needs of the population during emergency situations. I was exposed to making quick, yet thoughtful decisions in order to produce the best plan of action. These attributes are integral for patient care in the emergency room and I hope to continue to develop these skills as an emergency medicine physician.  

As my medical school journey continued, I experienced another challenge – completing my studies on a boat. We had no internet and there was limited space. I learned to cohabitate with four students in a 20 square foot living arrangement. We were docked at [country] during the night, but the school was at sea for four months during the days and we as a school were then displaced to various locations to complete our preclinical studies including [multiple cities]. The difficulties unfortunately continued, with the pandemic occurring at the start of my clinical rotations. The adversities of my limited learning environment did affect my academic performance and impeded me from participating in research opportunities. I struggled with trying to reset my foundational knowledge and had to repeat my third semester. Unfortunately, I shared similar setbacks in my USMLE step 1. I knew that my results did not reflect my abilities to become a clinician. I adapted and made appropriate changes in order to better my scores. I worked on expanding my medical knowledge by attending workshops, study groups, and taking extra time after class to talk to my professors in order to better understand the more complicated concepts. As a result, my clinical acumen improved. I strengthened my time management skills allowing me to study more efficiently, which proved successful as I bettered my Step 2 scores. I have learned how to study well despite distractions and this will be of benefit to me as a future physician.  

I did not have the conventional education as others, however the experiences that I encountered molded me into the individual I am today. My desire to help others brought me to the Ukrainian refugee camps as they faced a desperate humanitarian crisis during the war. I was drawn to volunteer this summer in [city] and joined the [organization name] to provide medical services to displaced civilians I wanted to improve people’s well-being through community healthcare services, medical care, and mental support. Having had my own experiences with disaster and crisis, I provided much needed empathy for those people who sensed that they have lost control of their livelihood. Being able to provide support and healthcare to this disenfranchised group of people was extremely gratifying. I continue to expand on my medical knowledge through my involvement in relief efforts and through my clinical education. I have learned to manage the external stressors of my environment, along with my academic deficiencies, by refocusing my efforts into robust translational skills. It is an important facet in my practice to take care of the welfare of the individual. Emergency Medicine would enable me to do so, providing a solid foundation to continue involvement in public health affairs and ability to impactfully respond to relief efforts. 

Medicine is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. To know that someone is there to help you in your time of need, you do not have to understand the language they are speaking to feel that impact. Emergency medicine truly has no borders. The “ER” is a centralized area of care. However, as an emergency medicine physician, I will be able to apply my knowledge outside the walls of the hospital to the rest of the world. I want to be that healing hand, to help as many lives as I can – whether it be in global health or in my surrounding community. With Emergency Medicine, I can achieve that and protect those who need help the most. I hope to continue to pursue opportunities for community aid and patient advocacy as an effective first line of care. I want to not only be able to identify life-threatening conditions, but have the capacity to treat patients and provide access to the appropriate avenues for their continued care. I will always strive to be someone who runs towards people in need, never away. 

More Sample Residency Statements

Looking for more personal statement samples that worked? These medical schools also have examples: 

• University of California – San Francisco 
• University of Alabama School of Medicine 
• University of Nevada School of Medicine 

You can view these statements to better understand the tone and format programs look for.

If you still have questions about writing your personal statement, check out these frequently asked questions. 

1. Is It Better to Cover All My Relevant Experiences, or Should I Discuss a Few in Particular?

When in doubt, quality over quantity. You should always aim to focus on one or two themes and include a few experiences in particular. Never sacrifice depth and detail just to accommodate quantity. If you write about all your relevant experiences, their significance will get lost in trying to compete for attention in a limited space. 

It looks better to hone in on key experiences and provide depth, self-reflection, and nuance. Your CV should list all your relevant experiences, not your essay.

2. Do I Have to Write a Personal Statement for Every Residency Program I Apply to?

No, you should not write a different personal statement for every program you apply to, but you should write one for every specialty. For example, prepare one for family medicine and one for emergency medicine. 

You do not have to completely rewrite personal statements for each specialty—you can use elements that will work across the board, like introductory or concluding sentences. Use your best judgment of what will work as a template, then tailor your personal statement for every specialty. 

3. I’m Applying to Multiple Specialties. Is There a Limit on the Number of Personal Statements I Can Upload?

No, there is no limit to the number of personal statements you can upload. Your writing should be tailored for the specific specialty.

4. How Long Should a Residency Personal Statement Be?

The length of your personal statement can vary depending on the specific requirements of the program or institution to which you are applying. However, as a general guideline, most programs recommend that essays be approximately one page long.

Typically, a one-page personal statement consists of around 750 to 850 words. Your writing should be concise, focused, and well-structured to effectively communicate your experiences, motivations, and qualifications.

Final Thoughts

Writing a residency application personal statement is stressful, but our step-by-step guide will make the process much easier as you navigate your application timeline . Now go forth and match into the residency program of your dreams. We believe in you.

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Writing Your Personal Statement for Residency

Tips to convey “ why you for residency specialty”, use your personal statement to introduce yourself to your interviewer..

• Include topics that help the interview go smoothly.
• Be sincere and help the interviewer know what’s important to you.
• Include only the information that you want to discuss.

Write a focused essay, four or five paragraphs in length, that covers the basics.

• The first paragrap h could introduce the reader to you and could focus on what led you to a career in medicine, more importantly your specialty. The tone of the first paragraph sets the tone for the rest of your personal statement.
• The second paragraph should let the reader know how you arrived at your choice of the specialty. (Personal experiences from rotations, leadership activities, work, volunteer, community service, studying abroad, background and/or life/ family experiences).
• The third/fourth paragraphs should confirm why you think this choice is right for you AND why you are right for the specialty. This is an opportunity further distinguish yourself.
• The  close/final paragraph could inform the reader what you see as your long-term goals and/or how you see yourself in this specialty. Also, avoid spending too much content on “ What I want/seek/am interested in from a residency program …” The focus should be more on why they should choose you over other candidates

Questions to ask when approaching your Personal Statement:

• What are the reasons for choosing the specialty?
• What are your key attributes?
• What contributions can I make to the specialty and the residency program?
• What are your career plans and how will your background/additional education contribute to the field?
• What makes me unique enough to stand out among other candidates?

Your goal should be to write a well-crafted statement that is both original in its presentation and grammatically correct. Articulate your personal drive in as eloquent language as you can provide. The writing should flow. No one expects you to be a novelist. The most important thing is to write a concise, clear statement about why you?

Don’t spend a lot of time providing information about you that programs will generally assume to be true for most competent medical students; “I want to help people”, “I love medicine”, “I want to match into a residency program where I can learn”

If you explain your reasons for entering the field of medicine, do so to inform the reader of points beyond the career choice. Avoid spending too much time on “Why I Wanted to Go into Medicine.” How did you arrive at your specialty choice and what experiences support how you arrived at the specialty choice?

Support your strengths and skillset with examples . Most medical student personal statement list similar strengths, “hard worker/will work hard”, “good communication skills”, “relate to/interact with patients” – so if you provide strengths that are common among medical students or even unique to you, it will be important to provide evidence to support your claims, directing programs to come to their own conclusion about your strength.

I f you repeat accomplishments already listed on your CV , they should be relevant to your personal/professional growth. You want the emphasis to encourage the reader to bring this up in the interview.

Use your own words rather than rely on quotes; your own thoughts are more powerful. If you can make it work, great, but don’t dwell on quotes. With only 800 words or less…it is favorable to make them all your own.

Do NOT plagiarize your personal statement.

Length ; Since one page in length in a Word Doc is not the same as what one page will equal one page in ERAS for personal statement formatting, the key is stick to 750-850 words for your ERAS/residency application personal statement. One page in ERAS equals nearly 1,200 words, however most programs preferences for a typical personal statements in terms of Word Count will be within range of 650-850 – this will be acceptable for most residency programs.

Need a review of your personal statement…professional review and editing?

• Melva Landrum , TCOM Residency Counselor will provide thorough feedback through an evaluation form that breaks down your entire personal statement including: content, grammar, structure, flow and overall impact. You can email your personal statement to [email protected] within one week.
• The Career Center can also review personal statements and Center for Academic Performance (CAP) office can provide feedback mostly on grammar and structure.

This page was last modified on November 10, 2023

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Dermatology Residency Personal Statement #1

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My Personal Statement for Dermatology Residency Applications

Guys! Go easy on me… This was written a few years ago LOLOL. BUT I know there are limited resources out there for writing residency application personal statements, so without further ado…..

I noticed the little boy sitting in the corner immediately after walking into the brightly painted room. His skin was dark brown, with many scattered patches of milky white color. The boy was alone, while his peers all played a game outside in the sunshine.  Sensing that he was distraught, I approached him. He sat in my lap and told me his name. Benele. Through stifled sobs, Benele told me that the other kids were afraid to play with him because of his skin. This was my first day at New Beginningz, an orphanage for infants and children with HIV/AIDS in South Africa.        

Something had to change. Benele had already been plagued with so much hardship during his short lifetime; he didn’t need to be isolated by the other children for his appearance as well. That night, I researched everything that I could about vitiligo. It amazed me to learn that vitiligo is a cutaneous manifestation of an internal physiology.  Working to educate Benele’s peers over the next several weeks about his disease was life changing. Even though a language barrier existed with some of the children, it was inspiring to see how receptive they were. Benele’s true personality began to shine; instead of acting invisible, he became the center of attention.  My passion to help build self-confidence in others, like Benele, has continuously pointed me toward a career in dermatology.  

Sta rting in college, I began to shadow dermatologists in my free time and this allowed me to gain tremendous exposure to general dermatology. From the beginning, I was enthralled with each aspect of the field such as dermatopathology, dermatological surgery, general dermatology, and cosmetology. These experiences have continually strengthened my desire to pursue this specialty. Although I learned the physiology of medicine in my medical school classes, I learned the other, more personal side, from witnessing the impact these dermatologists had with each individual that they treated. The small things that a doctor does, like making a patient laugh or coming in on a day off, is what shapes the patient’s healthcare experience. Having numerous leadership positions throughout my undergraduate and medical school career has taught me valuable communication skills and how to work well with others. Physicians are part of a large team, all working towards one goal. Therefore, being able to communicate on a personal, yet professional level with patients and coworkers is key, not just in dermatology, but for all specialties. The commitment doctors have to their patients is remarkable and my dream of being able to form my own professional relationships has finally come true.  

During medical school, I always seemed to enjoy both medicine and surgery, and to me, dermatology is a perfect combination of the two. It will allow me to practice procedure based medicine in an outpatient setting, yet still be able to see challenging cases that require critical thinking. This is something I believe is not found with any other medical specialty. The continuity of care found in dermatology is extremely important to me. Being able to witness patients get better quickly is very rewarding.  During my third year, I was given the opportunity to rotate with a Moh’s surgeon. Although to many people skin cancer excisions are seemingly minor procedures, I see the opportunity to save someone’s life. I will never forget diagnosing my first case of melanoma on a middle-aged woman’s thigh. Although the patient had come into the office for a completely different skin concern, I spotted it almost instantly. I had felt no greater sense of accomplishment during my clerkships than I had at this moment. Being able to treat a skin cancer in an elderly patient one minute and help build self confidence in a teenager with acne the next, is what keeps me inspired and continually draws me to the field of dermatology. 

As is evident throughout my experiences, I am a well-rounded student who is capable of excelling in a dermatology residency. Being able to maintain a high level of involvement in extracurricular activities and exceed academically in medical school, while still having time to explore my wide array of interests and hobbies, proves that I am able to handle the high stress environment of a residency program. I am proud to call myself a D.O. and believe that attending an osteopathic medical school has given me the knowledge and confidence to succeed in any dermatology program. I am a goal-oriented person with great ambition and determination. I achieve anything that I set my mind to, and because my goal is to become an excellent dermatologist, I know that I will succeed. 

I hope this helps you get some information for your personal statement!

Further Reading...

Why I chose to become a D.O.

Tips for Dermatology Audition Rotations

Oat Milk Matcha Latte

Winning & Personalized Dermatology Personal Statement on Offer

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Our Dermatology Personal Statement Experts Will Meet Your Demands

Dermatology is a subject that is expanding as skin problems and other associated diseases become increasingly prevalent. This implies that dermatologists are becoming increasingly important as the best-qualified doctors to treat and cure various dermatology illnesses and ailments. Nonetheless, most residency programs in the dermatology field are difficult from the start.

When a student applies for a dermatology program, they must prepare a dermatology personal statement. A personal statement in the dermatology area is required for all applications, and with over 500 hundred dermatology program candidates each year, a personal statement has become more of a need than a simple dermatology program requirement. Most dermatology programs may choose their students considering a dermatology focused personal statement, ensuring that they meet all personal statement standards and the dermatology committee’s expectations about a personal statement.

We Make a Dermatology Residency Personal Statement Convincing

A dermatology residency personal statement, like other personal statements, has three primary requirements that each dermatology candidate must meet: writing your personal statement honestly, discussing their ambitions and future dermatology career expectations, and making sure, in a personal statement, they describe their dermatology abilities and traits relevant to the dermatology program in an interesting manner.

The personal statement for your dermatology residency is more significant than your medical school GPA, USMLE scores, and even your CV. As a result, a dermatology personal statement is an essential component of every application for a dermatology program and a requirement for any applicant seeking admission to a dermatology school. However, writing your personal statement in the dermatology area is not as simple as it appears, so you have to know numerous factors of a personal statement for your dermatology program.

The process of writing your dermatology personal statement is difficult since, as a document, the personal statement does not truly boost a dermatology program applicant’s chances of admission. In fact, it is more likely to diminish the odds of dermatology program acceptance. As a result, a personal statement for your dermatology program must be flawless in every manner.

Impress the Committee With a Personal Statement Dermatology Document

Every dermatology program candidate wants to create a good first impression with a personal statement, and it all starts with crafting their personal statement dermatology residency document. The following personal statement stages will walk you through the process of writing your personal statement in the dermatology field.

Nothing is more effective for a personal statement than outlining what you will write for the dermatology program and discuss in your personal statement. This may be done months before writing your personal statement in the dermatology field, and doing it well will provide enormous benefits that will undoubtedly pay off in the shape of an outstanding dermatology personal statement document.

Begin writing your personal statement for your dermatology program. Once you’ve decided what you want to write about and what you want to express in your personal statement for your dermatology program, our residency personal statement dermatology expert can begin writing any personal statement.

The first rule of starting your personal statement for your dermatology program is to simply get started. Simply begin composing the personal statement for your dermatology program, and you will discover whether or not it appears suitable for your dermatology program and reads properly.

When working on a dermatology personal statement, we also stick to the following:

• Any personal statement has a fixed and logical structure and flow
• First personal statement component is used for the introduction and presentation
• Second personal statement section is about development and description
• Third personal statement part is an explanation, closing arguments, and conclusion

Engaging the personal statement reader is a must-do phase for making the personal statement in the dermatology area. Most dermatology program committees seek dermatology applicants who may be engaging since this shows that they are knowledgeable, smart, and enthusiastic about their dermatology program choice, and it all can be expressed in a personal statement for your dermatology program.

However, your dermatology personal statement must aim to be interesting from the first line so that the remainder of the personal statement is characterized by how you started it all, and the dermatology program committee will undoubtedly be drawn to keep reading your personal statement.

Be optimistic in your personal statement for the dermatology program. Every dermatology program committee looks for applicants who can, in a personal statement, describe their talents and experiences in a positive manner, indicating that they are innovative, engaged in dermatology, and emotionally well. In a dermatology personal statement, never bring up or debate topics such as religion or politics, and never speak critically about anything or anybody. Always keep a personal statement for your dermatology program cheerful.

Which Dermatology Personal Statements Guarantees We Provide to You

It is vital that your personal statement for a dermatology program appears fantastic:

• You must demonstrate your clinical training as well as any complex medical information
• Show the details you may have concerning the curriculum and job you choose to pursue
• If you follow instructions, you will have a personal statement to accompany your application
• Our personal statement specialists can adapt materials to several dermatological subspecialties

However, if you are having difficulty writing your dermatology personal statements on your own, whether because it does not meet your expectations or because you feel like you need more personal statement assistance, please let us know. Our personal statement dermatology experts would happily assist you. We create amazing personal statements for any dermatology residencies, but we also provide dermatology program documents on time and in direct connection with personal statement authors.

Contact us if you need assistance with your personal dermatology statements, and relax!

Value of personal statements to dermatology programs: a survey-based critical review

Affiliation.

• 1 Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, NC. [email protected].
• PMID: 33147664

The personal statement is a required component of the residency application, offering applicants the opportunity to showcase their personality as well as unique thoughts and experiences not explicitly stated elsewhere in their application. Although the applicant-generated nature of personal statements can gauge an applicant's professionalism, creativity, sound judgement, and tact, specific criteria for evaluating personal statements and comparing them to one another is lacking. Research on the value of personal statements in the application process is also lacking. The purpose of this research project is to quantify the perceived value of the personal statement to program directors and faculty members of U.S. dermatology programs involved in residency application review. Analysis of our survey responses determined that although the majority of participants consider the personal statement to be a necessary element of an application, it was rated least important compared to other components of the application. An applicant's Medical Student Performance Evaluation, clerkship grades, research projects and publications, board scores, and letters of recommendation were consistently rated as more important than the personal statement. These findings suggest the personal statement lacks the standardization needed for decision makers to confidently choose the best new dermatology residents for their program.

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How to Craft the Perfect CV

March 1, 2022

How to Craft the Perfect CV A medical CV is simple in theory. It’s just a factual, chronological inventory of a physician’s credentials and experience. But when the time comes to prepare your CV, this straightforward definition may leave you asking questions: What should you include? What should you leave out? How should you format it? “The CV’s the one thing that the practice you’re interested in is likely to see about you [to help decide whether to interview you]. Think about how much effort you’ve already put into pre-med, medical school, your boards. You’ve put in all of this work toward your medical career over many years. And now, whether or not you land that crucial interview all rides on your CV,” explains Ben Kornitzer, M.D., chief medical and quality officer of agilon health in Boston. “It’s what will help you get that dream job you’ve worked so hard for. Putting in the extra effort to get it right really matters.” CV vs. résumé: Tomato, tomato? Your CV is a practice’s first look at your potential. “Putting in the extra effort to get it right really matters,” says Ben Kornitzer, M.D. – Photo by Brianna Broyles If you’ve ever prepared a résumé for a summer job or previous career, you may think you’re halfway done creating the perfect CV. But there are important differences between these documents. For starters, a résumé has more stylistic flexibility. In many non-medical industries, it’s acceptable for entry-level candidates to create a document that broadly describes their traits, interests and accomplishments instead of their chronological work history. In fact, business candidates are expected to sell themselves by burnishing their own personal brands in their résumé. But in medicine, objectivity and clarity about your credentials and experience are paramount—and even a whiff of embellishment could backfire. “[Business résumés] use catchphrases and imply skills and motivation to entice the prospective employer. It can become nebulous,” says Robert Marinaro, M.D., a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Sherman and Richardson, Texas. “But a physician CV should be really cut and dry.” Most résumés don’t exceed two or three pages, even for tenured professionals. But CVs expand as needed to include all the publications, credentials and awards a physician has accumulated over the course of their career—which can yield very extended CVs, especially in academic medicine. Generally speaking, a long and complete list of your publications, awards, credentials and experiences will make your CV more impressive. This is especially true if you’re focusing on an academic career. Still, length for length’s sake isn’t a good thing. And if you’re looking outside of academic and hospital medicine, hiring physicians and recruiters say to aim for a more compact, targeted document. “You have to understand your audience,” Kornitzer says. “If you’re talking to a private practice, you may want to give them a very succinct two- or three-page résumé. But if you’re going for a hospital or academic setting, you absolutely should keep the longer form [of a CV]. For most people going into non-academic medicine though, the CV will be relatively short.” Gary Pinta, M.D., president of Pioneer Physicians Network in Akron, Ohio, says that if you’re hoping to land a job in a private medical group, a long bibliography might even send an unintended message. “Long lists of publications are nice for academic settings, but if you’ve got 20 or more papers listed, I don’t know if that makes a difference to us [as a private group],” Pinta says. “It actually might imply you’re not interested in seeing patients all the time or that you might intend to leave to teach at a medical school.” You should also leave out irrelevant non-medical work experiences. This makes it easier for readers to evaluate your CV, especially since they may be professional recruiters and not physicians themselves. “[Even] for someone coming right out of training, I’m not looking at prior work history unrelated to the medical field. You can omit your service industry positions,” says Marissa Phillips, physician recruiter for U.S. Dermatology Partners in Dallas. And while résumés usually include a personal statement or objective, this isn’t customary in a CV. Some experts think it’s unnecessary. But others argue a personal statement or objective is a résumé custom worth borrowing. It can be an efficient way to tell hiring physicians and recruiters what type of job you’re looking for. “A brief headline of who you are can be really powerful. Practices want to find someone who’s a good fit and will stay for the long run,” Kornitzer says, noting that employers are concerned about the high cost and disruption of physician turnover. When Pinta’s hiring physicians, he looks for an entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to lead and an interest in practice ownership. A personal statement or objective emphasizing these things can indicate a good fit. “If candidates say that they want what we have, then I know they understand what the job is,” he explains. “If you’re looking at jobs and like a certain type of job, go ahead and say that it’s your objective or vision. Then [the hiring physician will] know that you know what you’re looking for.” “I like when people include personal interests,” says Gary Pinta, M.D. “Then when I meet them, it gives us something to talk about.” – Photo by Tori Behnke Your perfect CV tells a story An objective or personal statement isn’t the only way to make a good impression. You can also include extra details to paint a bigger picture. Go beyond your credentials, experience and accomplishments to tell the story of your path as a physician. But be careful you only include things you want potential employers to know. For example, if you did medical volunteer work that doesn’t relate specifically to your current interests, it may make sense to omit it. On the flipside, if you had an entry-level job directly related to your current goals, it could be worth including—even if it happened before or during medical school. Similarly, if you’re applying for a position that would require relocation, make it clear that’s where you consider home, even if it’s been a long time since you’ve lived there. Editing your publications can also help spotlight those most relevant to your future job. As Vanessa Hettinger, a recruiter for Wilderness Medical Staffing of Spokane, Washington, points out, it’s simply not feasible for a busy recruiter to review every publication in an extensive bibliography. Trimming the fat ensures your expertise won’t be missed. Kornitzer says curating your CV is like curating your social media posts: It’s all about what you choose both to include and leave out. “Your CV absolutely must be accurate and truthful,” he explains. “But at the same time, it should highlight those aspects of your background you want other people to focus on—just like with Facebook and Instagram, where you post when you are dressed your best or your kids are being really cute. You only have a page or two to convey what you want people to know.” Format and content: The essentials Your CV should tell a story, but it shouldn’t literally be a story—or any other nontraditional format. Anyone reqauesting your CV will expect certain conventions. If your approach is too unexpected, your strengths could get lost. “I have received CVs that were formatted as an autobiography,” says Phillips. “While this is a unique structure for a CV, I’ve found it hard to follow and not a good tactic.” When it comes to fonts and other stylistic decisions, she adds, “Despite what you may see online, you don’t need to have the prettiest CV with graphics and different colors to be noticed. Keep your CV simple and easy to follow, ensuring that you highlight your accomplishments.” Classic fonts like Times New Roman and Georgia that are known for readability are always a safe bet. Use 12-point font to ensure the text is easy on even the most tired eyes. Instead of a narrative format, a CV should follow a relatively simple outline that includes the following: Name and medical credentials Contact information: Include your address, phone and email at a minimum. Links to a personal website or LinkedIn profile are also appropriate, and if you are not a U.S. citizen, you may wish to add information about your work authorization status. Professional statement or objective (optional) Academic rank and position (if applicable) Military service (if applicable) Schools and degrees Internships, residency, fellowship Certifications and licensures Work history: Include brief descriptions of your duties. Awards, honors, grants, and memberships Publications, presentations, research and related activities Personal activities and interests It’s likely your CV will initially be scanned by a recruiter who is not a physician, and this person may be reviewing dozens of CVs every day. That’s why it’s so important that your credentials and your contact information are front and center. Training and experience typically appear next. Accurate start and end dates for your education, work history, certifications and licenses are essential. “[To enable] us to make a quick assessment of whether a physician is qualified for a particular position, they should list their most recent job first, then work backward in time for every subsequent position,” explains Hettinger. When describing job duties or other highlights, you should use short sentences or fragments. Maintain parallel structure in these sentences and be specific, especially if you’re targeting your first job after residency or fellowship. “[New graduates, residents and fellows] often omit specifications regarding what their job duties were. We need to know what they did on a day-to-day basis, what procedures they can perform and what type of scenario it was performed in … so we know what they’re capable of,” says Hettinger. “It’s helpful if physicians list their credentials and certifications in their CV. For example, if they have completed an ATLS course, that should be included—as well as the expiration date.” If you’re still working on a particular certification or credential, it’s a good idea to mention that, along with the date you expect to complete it. Not every section in a CV template applies to every physician. Omit those that don’t and present your publications, honors, memberships, personal information and activities in the order that best suits your purposes. Help recruiters help you Your résumé will likely travel from a recruiter’s inbox to several others as physicians and administrators in the practice review it. Prepare your file to make it easier for everyone in the chain. For starters, get the file format right. “Always save your CV as a PDF to ensure all parties are able to open the attachment,” recommends Phillips. Next, label your file to make it easy for recipients to save and find. Avoid file names that only make sense to you, such as “my CV 2021.” Instead, include your full name and credential, along with a date if it’s helpful for you (e.g., “Jane Doe MD CV December 2021”). If you use any acronyms or abbreviations a recruiter might not understand, take care to include the full term in parenthesis. After all, the first review of your CV might not even be done by a human being. Recruiters often run CVs through software to spot qualified candidates. “If physicians don’t list relevant keywords that could match them to available positions, our software might not signal that they are qualified for the position,” Hettinger explains. Your CV will probably be printed at some point, too. Add page numbers to make it easy to keep in order. Avoid easily fixable mistakes If there’s one thing everyone agrees will hurt your chances, it’s typos. Yet they still happen far too often, recruiters and hiring physicians say. “I have received many CVs that had simple misspellings that I will correct before distributing the CV to our team,” says Phillips. But don’t count on a kindhearted recruiter. Fix those errors ahead of time by using spellcheck then carefully reviewing for missing words, misused homophones and inconsistent structure. “Medical training frequently doesn’t emphasize writing skills as much as other graduate disciplines. With physician notes, no one cares if there’s a run-on sentence or typos, but in a CV, it looks really sloppy,” adds Kornitzer. “Get another set of eyes—or a few sets of eyes—on your CV before you send it out. You want it to be as buttoned-up and professional as possible.” Enlisting friends with good grammar and proofreading skills can help. You can also try the age-old trick of reading your CV aloud or using the read-aloud feature of Word to catch slippery errors. Another common mistake: using “Dr.” instead of your name followed by M.D. or D.O. This could make it harder to verify your credential. Worse still: using both Dr. and M.D. or D.O. in your name, creating a redundancy that will irritate readers. Add personal details with caution “I like when people include personal interests,” says Pinta. “Then when I meet them, it gives us something to talk about.” Hiring physicians mostly agree. Including personal interests like hobbies, fitness activities or travel adventures can build rapport in the interview process. But certain personal details may be too delicate, controversial or otherwise problematic for your CV. For example, if religious affiliations limit your availability to work certain schedules or perform certain procedures, it’s best to save those concerns for the interview. You’ll be in a better position to ask for flexibility after an employer realizes you’re a potential match. Similarly, avoid listing salary expectations on your CV. Waiting until there’s clear mutual interest will put you in a better negotiating position. Some experts advise listing references on your CV, but this could cause problems if references are contacted too frequently. And if you’re currently employed, a premature reference check by an overeager recruiter could put you in an awkward spot at work. “Have a half dozen professional references available to vouch for you, but don’t include those in the CV,” Marinaro says. Instead, wait until you’re asked for references, ideally at the last stages of the interview process when you’re sure you want an offer. Then choose two or three from your list who best match the prospective employer’s likely questions and let them know they’ll be contacted. Mind the gaps Accurate dates for all your education, credentials, certifications and work history are non-negotiable. Unfortunately, this means recruiters and hiring physicians will notice any unusual gaps and will likely have questions. That’s why Phillips advises candidates to include explanations for any such gaps. However, some breaks—such as maternity leave, medical leave or a research opportunity—are easier to explain than others. What if you took time off because you had doubts about your specialty or even your decision to pursue medicine? In that case, Kornitzer recommends explaining these complex personal issues in a cover letter or, better still, an interview. Start early and update often You likely prepared a CV as part of your residency application, but that document shouldn’t gather dust until you’re ready to search for a job. “We reach out early if we see potential. We recruit starting year one of residency, so I think residents should have a CV in year one and build on it as they go,” explains Pinta. “We have recruiting dinners a couple of times a year, and sometimes include PGY1s.” Pinta adds that if a resident is prepared early with their CV, it sends a message that they’ll also be prepared in their job. Besides, as Kornitzer notes, keeping your CV up to date is much easier than waiting until you need it. “You should be updating it constantly,” he says. “Otherwise, you’ll find it hard to remember, ‘What talk did I give last year? Was I on a committee? Did I sit in on a podcast?’” Updating regularly also allows you to tweak the content to target your current job goals. That starts with formatting, since the style you used in med school may not be right anymore. And if you develop the habit of regularly updating your CV, it will help you long beyond your first job search. You’ll want to keep it up to date even after your career begins, so you can respond promptly to opportunities. “You’ll always need to have your CV ready. There’s always going to be a situation where someone will say, ‘I want you to be on a speaker bureau,’ or, ‘I’d like to add you to our medical advisory panel. Can you give me a copy of your CV?’” Marinaro explains, adding that you’ll also need a current CV for administrative purposes, such as applying for a medical license in a different state.

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