Chicago, IL
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
❌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 3 of 15
Can someone confirm if you received northwestern med-derm should we expect the gen derm invite separately? Or does getting med-derm automatically mean you got gen-derm too and can rank that separately?
If you got med-derm it counts as your categorical interview. It said so in the confirmation email I received when I confirmed my slot. "The December 9th interview day will also serve as your interview for the Preliminary Medicine program and the Categorical Dermatology program."
If you got a Northwestern Med-Derm IV does that also count for gen derm or do you need to get invited for both to be considered for both?
My understanding is that Northwestern, as most programs with different tracks, is only allowing people to apply/interview to 1 track (Gen Derm vs Med Derm vs Ped Derm)
Do they say this somewhere? For example Penn states you can apply to multiple tracks
I applied to multiple tracks within the same program and for most programs a PC reached out to me asking to only select 1
wait i'm confused by this, I thought we could apply to any tracks we wanted? where are you getting this info that we're only allowed to apply to one?
I think this is program dependent
ok but my question was to the person saying NW only allows applying to one track, I'm not seeing that anywhere on their website/wasn't aware of that
I've heard that they're mostly doing this to people who applied gen derm and peds derm; they're trying to weed out people who are not geniunly interested in Ped Derm and only applying because Peds Derm is less popular and may be seen as an easier way to get in for people who do not have an actual intention to pursue peds derm
ahh ok I see, that makes sense. thank you!!
yes i know people from prior cycles who interviewed gen derm and med derm at programs (altho not NW so unsure)
Did anyone get a peds derm interview who didnt apply for peds derm?
I think this is program dependent
ok but my question was to the person saying NW only allows applying to one track, I'm not seeing that anywhere on their website/wasn't aware of that
I've heard that they're mostly doing this to people who applied gen derm and peds derm; they're trying to weed out people who are not geniunly interested in Ped Derm and only applying because Peds Derm is less popular and may be seen as an easier way to get in for people who do not have an actual intention to pursue peds derm
ahh ok I see, that makes sense. thank you!!
yes i know people from prior cycles who interviewed gen derm and med derm at programs (altho not NW so unsure)
Confused, so did Northwestern send everything today? Are they not doing the 11/17 and 12/1 releases anymore?
i think it's hard to tell at this point, we might have to just wait until 11/17 to see
Confused, so did Northwestern send everything today? Are they not doing the 11/17 and 12/1 releases anymore?
i think it's hard to tell at this point, we might have to just wait until 11/17 to see
Wait so is northwestern releasing on 11/17 and 12/1 as well?
I hope so??? but it seems like a lot of ppl already received them.
Right, I'm confused.
Did anyone else get a Wayne State II?
Yes
Yes
Is northwestern peds-focused track for those who have done peds residency only? why am I just finding out they had peds-derm focused track :/
yes, they said at the virtual open house that it's for those who have completed pediatric residency (same with Columbia)
ooo thank you!!
Is Northwestern virtual or in person? >V >Thank you :)
Northwestern Invite just came out (gen derm track), not participating in coordinated scheduling so schedule ASAP
their letter says first come first serve, but also "Per the APD coordinated release guidelines, applicants may begin scheduling interviews on Wednesday, November 5th and must respond by Friday, November 7th" so honestly unclear
so NW all released?
I just sent them an email saying which date I wanted?
Northwestern away rotators who received IIs on Friday, what month were your aways?
I got one and was later in the summer!
Northwestern internal interviews have dropped.
did everyone who did an away get an interview?
email said "select external rotators"> what month did you do aways?
I think their interviews may be rolling
what makes you say that
copium
LMFAO
what makes you say that
copium
LMFAO
can we compile a list of places that are anticipated to release invites nov 3rd??
duke, penn, mcw, univ of arkansas, hopkins, UNC, OSU, UPMC
wait penn is 11/3???
also Baylor, Geisinger, Mayo, Cornell, Northwestern (?), Ohio State, Arkansas, UT San Antonio, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech
pretty sure penn is 12/1
isn't Yale traditionally 11/3?
per the spreadsheet, 11/17
wait penn is 11/3???
also Baylor, Geisinger, Mayo, Cornell, Northwestern (?), Ohio State, Arkansas, UT San Antonio, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech
pretty sure penn is 12/1
per the spreadsheet, 11/17
Does anyone have info on how UCLA views gold signals, since they dont have their stats on residneyc explorer? + same with Penn, Northwestern?
Penn views gold and silver the same
penn basically said in their open house they want a gold
them wanting gold seemed more for those wanting to do ped derms because of CHOP
for general they said they treat gold and silver the same
Yall love getting bamboozled by Guttman
what programs are super heavy on research?
Penn, Hopkins, Harvard, UCSF, Stanford, Duke, Mich, Northwestern, basically the top tier academic institutions
< what if you're a DO that's heavy on research? Consnsus is MD programs like more research. DO programs like higher scores/academics. < then im cooked < CWRC/UH hospitals is DO friendly and research heavy
Someone deleted my message (probably someone from DermLinkScholars). I said I worked with Derm Link Scholars and wanted advice on if I should remove my publication with them from my CV since doctors have said it's unethical and low-quality research published in shitty journals that accept everyone who pays.
Hard to say, depends on if you did basic or clinical research. I'd just compare your productivity with your PI's other fellows or prior fellows to see where you stand
12+ if clinical, basic science isnt as much as clinical. have seen on average RY
applicantsget to 20+ on pubmed for their RYs.
20+ pubs or just research items in general? did basic science, and got 6 research items, with one manuscript in publication, would this be considered productive?
12+ pubs or items?
Recently matched after a basic science RY. I had 1 major pub that barely got published in time for ERAS. Basic science papers take forever and people reading your app know that. Supplemented with case reports and review papers. As a side note: for those applying after taking a basic science RY, please please please carefully evaluate what programs you apply to. Most schools that don't value research will not view you as a great fit and you're less likely to get an interview. < adding on to this that if you have a bunch of pubs and applying somewhere where they don't value research / residents don't have a bunch of pubs - same thing, you wont be seen as a great fit to interview or take as a resident
12 pubs in 1 year is ridiculous. unless ur PI is on the board of a journal it takes months for papers to get accepted
I mean "submitted" things count
does it? I recall the PD at Penn during the USC panel saying that anyone can say they "submitted" something so I'm worried they don't really value those
I have heard anecdotally that people have been asked in interviews to provide updates, so that may be one way that they verify "submitted" things ?
yeah submitted things count but im referring to them saying 12 things published
I was reffering to actual publications (not research items). Not saying it to scare anyone as I think research is just one part of your application in addition leadership, volunteering etc, so you can get in with less. Also basic science is dif very different from clinical. Just in my experience I have interacted with mentors that say 12-15+ . Just looking at Mayo, Mt Sinai, Albert Einstien, UM. California, Northwestern those are what some would consider productive
12+ if clinical, basic science isnt as much as clinical. have seen on average RY
applicantsget to 20+ on pubmed for their RYs.
20+ pubs or just research items in general? did basic science, and got 6 research items, with one manuscript in publication, would this be considered productive?
12+ pubs or items?
Recently matched after a basic science RY. I had 1 major pub that barely got published in time for ERAS. Basic science papers take forever and people reading your app know that. Supplemented with case reports and review papers. As a side note: for those applying after taking a basic science RY, please please please carefully evaluate what programs you apply to. Most schools that don't value research will not view you as a great fit and you're less likely to get an interview. < adding on to this that if you have a bunch of pubs and applying somewhere where they don't value research / residents don't have a bunch of pubs - same thing, you wont be seen as a great fit to interview or take as a resident
I mean "submitted" things count
does it? I recall the PD at Penn during the USC panel saying that anyone can say they "submitted" something so I'm worried they don't really value those
I have heard anecdotally that people have been asked in interviews to provide updates, so that may be one way that they verify "submitted" things ?
yeah submitted things count but im referring to them saying 12 things published
I was reffering to actual publications (not research items). Not saying it to scare anyone as I think research is just one part of your application in addition leadership, volunteering etc, so you can get in with less. Also basic science is dif very different from clinical. Just in my experience I have interacted with mentors that say 12-15+ . Just looking at Mayo, Mt Sinai, Albert Einstien, UM. California, Northwestern those are what some would consider productive
Urgent: Should I take an away at UChicago or Northwestern? Northwestern is the better program
general thoughts about UChicago?
Anyone know if Lake Granbury is doing aways this year? Emailed several times with no response
they do not offer aways this cycle, PC told me to circle back in June>but on their website it says "If you are granted an observership or visiting rotation position, a Northwest Healthcare program coordinator will provide detailed instructions for you"? Just want to make sure I am not missing something here
Some posts are shown because their comments mention this program.
does anyone know a current resident and can ask