# United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge and Research Productivity in Dermatology Residency Applications in the Post-Step 1 Era: Analysis of Match Outcomes From 2020 to 2024

## TL;DR

This paper analyzes how changes in USMLE Step 1 grading affect dermatology residency matches, showing that high scores and research output alone may not ensure success.

## Contribution

The study reveals that high Step 2 CK scores and research publications are no longer sufficient for successful dermatology residency matches post-Step 1 changes.

## Key findings

- Matched applicants with high Step 2 CK scores decreased from 2020 to 2024.
- Unmatched applicants with high scores increased during the same period.
- Research publications rose among both matched and unmatched applicants.

## Abstract

In recent years, the evaluation metrics for dermatology residency applications have changed, particularly following the transition of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 to a pass/fail grading system. This retrospective analysis examines dermatology residency match data from 2020 to 2024, focusing on trends in USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores and research publications. Data extracted from the National Resident Matching Program documents revealed a notable increase in unmatched applicants with Step 2 CK scores above 250 and a decrease in matched applicants with similar scores. Concurrently, research output has risen, with matched applicants reporting over 25 publications increasing from 80 in 2020 to 121 in 2024, and a corresponding increase among unmatched applicants from 10 to 35 over the same period. Despite these improvements in individual metrics, the overall match rates for applicants with high Step 2 CK scores and extensive research portfolios have declined, suggesting that excellence in these areas alone does not guarantee a successful match.