Ethical Issues in the Dermatology Match

The first centralized matching of graduating medical students with postgraduate training programs through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) occurred in 1952. However, the process of applying to dermatology residency programs actually encompasses much more than just the match. Throughout the process, there are opportunities for both applicants and residency programs to behave unethically. Unethical behavior may involve outright dishonesty, violation of NRMP policy, or more nuanced actions. Additionally, multiple systemic issues in the application process have important ethical implications and potentially negative consequences for trainees, residency programs, and patients. As dermatologists and physicians, we are obligated to examine the ethics of the system through which we select candidates for post-graduate training. This chapter will explore potential unethical behavior by both applicants and residency programs. Issues including potential bias, the “shotgun” application method, application costs, and lack of holistic review have ethical implications worth considering and consequences not only for the process but also for our specialty’s future.