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Northwestern McGaw/NMH/VA-IL

Northwestern

Chicago, IL

NRMP
2247080A0
ACGME
0801621031

Applicant sentiment — from 140 anonymous posts, 2017–2027

6.5 / 10

What anonymous posters said

Anonymous posters frequently described Northwestern's program as highly competitive, citing large applicant pools relative to available spots. Many comments framed the program favorably in comparisons with other programs, and a few highlighted strengths in pediatric dermatology and Mohs training, while some posts referred to it as a 'rotation mill.'

AI-generated summary of opinions expressed in anonymous, unverified posts. It describes what posters wrote, not verified facts about this program. Based on these 140 posts · Updated Aug 2026 · Contest or respond to this entry · Takedown & right of reply

Match terms
mcgawnmhnmh dermnorthwestnorthwest mcgawnorthwesternnorthwestern dermnorthwestern mcgawnu dermnw dermnw med

Fame & Shame

2025–2026 Derm

2 entries

1. Formal between faculty and residents and tense. Not a relaxed feeling and some residents are standoff-ish and rude (some are wonderful, but it's very hit or miss). Generally not as social as they may seem. I was sad as this was my first choice in the beginning (esp given their social media) and I was a little shocked at how much I disliked it. I ended up ranking them very low after my interview. Also, only 1 resident has matched MOHs since 2019 and that match was back in 2020. One match in 2020? Are they not interviewing their own candidates? This was a red flag for me but if this is a consideration for you, maybe talk to the current residents to sus out program support. There do seem to be residents aiming for MOHs in the next classes, so hopefully their outcomes are better. Anyways, always try to get the most exposure to your top programs if possible, because they may surprise you in a bad OR good way. More info is better.

2. Have heard this is not a great program for Mohs since department is not as supportive in taking their own residents.

Page 2 of 15

0

Anyone have any tea on Northwestern? Vibe?

#23612025–2026 DermFeb 21

a bunch of snobby researchers who devote little to no time to patient care. Interviewed and rotated with them so I know what I'm talking about. Happy for the interview but I will be ranking them near the bottom. If you want to go to residency to become a researcher who has little clinical skills and must rely on chatGPT for differentials and plans a month before graduating, then this is the place for you.

Feb 21
0

Did RY, no IV disclaimer. Many of the faculty, especially the young ones, have large unjustified egos. I would argue this translates to resident selection from preferring nearly exclusively elite medical schools (not saying these people aren't qualified). It also translates to some faculty much worse teachers than others and having little autonomy for the typical resident. There's a large emphasis on research. However, all the residents except for 1-2 are very kind, supportive and enthusiastic. Word of advice when it comes to doing a RY here, you need to thoroughly vet your PI and talk with the previous fellows. Not all relationships are created equal and it's almost like 10 different possible experiences under the NU umbrella

Feb 21
0

Damn! I'm sorry to hear that. I appreciate you sharing your experience.

Feb 21
1

this has been a consistent sentiment but not as extreme for years

Feb 21
0

NorthWestsern sucks eggs

Feb 21
0

Hmm, i did a rotation here and had a different take. Felt like the attendings were really invested in learner growth / very strong clinically in addition to the research strength

Feb 21
0

also did rotation, agree about the egos and bad vibes very unappealing, tbh even the residents feel a little egotistic but i think it's the environment bc they are so personable in moments

Feb 21
0

now that's a roast lol

Feb 21
0

this has been a consistent sentiment but not as extreme for years

Mar 7
0

NorthWestsern sucks eggs

Mar 7
0

Hmm, i did a rotation here and had a different take. Felt like the attendings were really invested in learner growth / very strong clinically in addition to the research strength

Mar 7
0

also did rotation, agree about the egos and bad vibes very unappealing, tbh even the residents feel a little egotistic but i think it's the environment bc they are so personable in moments

Mar 7
0
0

am sure i will get flamed if this is dumb lol but do most derm programs not do second looks anymore? Have not heard anything about it from interviews, etc

#23602025–2026 DermFeb 21

I think a lot of them aren't anymore. I know MedStar and Duke aren't doing them. UConn does not either. Northwestern is also not hosting one.

Feb 21
0

this is a great question, i was also wondering

Feb 21
0
0

should we make a list of places that assign interview dates for next year's applicants? like someone mentioned below that's an easy way to get a conflict

#21072025–2026 DermFeb 21

UVA, Penn, UConn, USC, lake granbury, northwestern peds derm, yale

Feb 21
0
0

guysss does anyone know if TY/prelim are still coming out? I only HAVE 2???

#20652025–2026 DermFeb 21

I think most are out. However, I did get an IV invite today randomly, so who knows

Feb 21
0

are mount sinai morningside west and northwestern not accepting prelims?

Feb 21
0

They are, but very limited spots for MSW

Feb 21
0

I got a random one yesterday! x3

Feb 21
0

POOP

Feb 21
0
0

is northwestern releasing anymore interviews?

#19952025–2026 DermFeb 21

prob not

Feb 21
0

POOP

Feb 21
0
0

anyone else interviewing with NW med derm confused by the social tonight? derm email said 7:30 but separate email said 7?

#19232025–2026 DermFeb 21

program overview at 6:30 though right?

Feb 21
0

Wat?

Feb 21
0

I was also confused.

Feb 21
0

all communications i've gotten are for 7:30!

Feb 21
1

POOP

Feb 21
0
0

For those who received II for Northwestern med-derm, the email indicated that the interview will also serve as our advanced derm interview. Does this mean that we will have two separate programs to rank (both advanced derm and med-derm)?

#18832025–2026 DermFeb 21

only if you applied to both on ERAS

Feb 21
0

Only if you applied to both on ERAS. I just emailed to ask if I can still apply to their IM program so that I can rank it. I will let you know what they say.

Feb 21
0

POOP

Feb 21
0
0

schools that didn't II aways tab is brutal. what happened this year

#18462025–2026 DermFeb 21

some schools that are known to interview all their rotators changed it up this year and didn't invite all their rotators if you're going off the schools that didn't II aways tab. i wonder if that's a new thing this year or if it jsut changes year by year??

Feb 21
0

its like whack a mole, unpredictable behavior

Feb 21
0

Overall it seems that schools are offering less interviews as a whole, I'm guessing now it makes getting interviews from aways less likely

Feb 21
0

which schools?

Feb 21
0

<< also wondering this for NW med derm (they mentioned the day before will be an info/social event, but no further details yet?)

Feb 21
0

got my medicine schedule

Feb 21
0

POOP

Feb 21
0

got my medicine schedule

Mar 7
0
0

Does anyone know if Northwestern still has open interview spots?

#18092025–2026 DermFeb 21

King/queen, let me hold your hand as i tell you this: NW is done sending II, so only hope is if someone cancels

Feb 21
0

damn bro

Feb 21
0

STOPPPP LOL LVOE THIS...CAN U ACTUALY hold my hand pls

Feb 21
0

POOP

Feb 21
0

damn bro

Mar 7
0

STOPPPP LOL LVOE THIS...CAN U ACTUALY hold my hand pls

Mar 7
0
0

can we make a new tab for these x program vs y program comments? Like interviews havent even started please get this away from where I can see it

#17422025–2026 DermFeb 21

Made one, titled X vs Y. i also added the michigan vs northwestern i saw someone type earlier

Feb 21
0
0

so I guess it was just the first release date for northwestern and they actually didn't mean to release on all 3 dates :/

#16852025–2026 DermFeb 21
1

Is Northwestern releasing today? is this confirmed?

#16072025–2026 DermFeb 21
3

Doing away and golding and ending up w no II hurts a lot :((

#14242025–2026 DermFeb 21

name and shame that is awful

Feb 21
0

wake forest?

Feb 21
0

and Northwestern

Feb 21
0

USC

Feb 21
0

Utah(yawn)

Feb 21
0

and Northwestern

Mar 7
0

USC

Mar 7
0

Utah(yawn)

Mar 7
0
0

Has anyone gotten confirmation from Northwestern of their date

#13102025–2026 DermFeb 21

I got an email today that said confirmations will be sent out "later this week"

Feb 21
0

hm I didn't get one. Did you guys just send the one email on Monday?

Feb 21
0

I think I got a reply because I emailed more than once.. lol

Feb 21
0

so is all of northwestern out or are they releasing more?

Feb 21
0

anyone that has a NW interview able to look at Thalamus and let us know if there's any remaining available slots for interviews?

Feb 21
0

they sadly aren't using thalamus so we can't see :/ i believe they had multiple waves last year though?

Feb 21
0

ahhh got it thank you! We'll see I guess, congrats :)

Feb 21
0

anyone that has a NW interview able to look at Thalamus and let us know if there's any remaining available slots for interviews?

Mar 7
0

they sadly aren't using thalamus so we can't see :/ i believe they had multiple waves last year though?

Mar 7
0

ahhh got it thank you! We'll see I guess, congrats :)

Mar 7
0
0

If you're waiting for northwestern and are from a mid to low tier school don't bother, they're only looking at people from top med schools

#12952025–2026 DermFeb 21

how cutesy

Feb 21
0

just to give everyone a bit of hope I got an II here and my school isn't in the top 40 (: have faith!

Feb 21
0

not true, got II from a mid-tier T40> same

Feb 21
0

same here

Feb 21
0

I think NW is yield protecting as well.

Feb 21
0

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