Kuchnir Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery is a private dermatology practice in Metrowest Boston and parts of Worcester county. For over 10 years our practice has provided the opportunity for premedical post baccalaureate students to gain invaluable clinical experience working alongside our doctors and NPs across what has expanded to 4 office locations. This program is an excellent fit for any students who hope to maximize their gap year experience through strong mentorship alongside a dermatology provider, immersive hands-on clinical work assisting in rooming patients, scribing, and procedures, guided research projects, grants, and clinical case reports when applicable, and enrichment events such as a provider lecture series, a suture clinic, and much more!
Program Description:
Our program offers a truly unique one-on-one mentoring experience, with each student spending over 2,000 hours annually working directly with our providers. This level of individualized guidance is rare, even in medical school. Before medical school, students often focus on expanding their breadth of knowledge, but they may not yet cultivate the empathy and skills necessary for providing truly compassionate care.
At the Kuchnir Dermatology GapYear Program, students immerse themselves in a fast-paced clinical environment, assisting in the care of thousands of patients alongside our physicians and NPs. They not only develop expertise in patient management and triage but also learn to connect with patients on a deeply personal level, recognizing that each individual is not just a case but a person—someone’s family member, someone much like themselves. Over time, patients begin to request specific students during follow-ups, and even years later, they inquire about these students' whereabouts, underscoring the profound connections formed.
Our students often share that their attending physicians later praise them for their natural intuition and clinical acumen in the clinic or operating room—a testament to the skills and values instilled during their time with us.
In addition to clinical exposure, we place a strong emphasis on research. Students participate in extensive clinical research projects, with their involvement tailored to their enthusiasm and commitment. Many students go on to publish and present their findings at local and national meetings, as seen in some of our program’s photos. Beyond publishing, our students have drafted patents and authored IRB protocols—opportunities typically reserved for professional school or beyond. Through these experiences, students cultivate their curiosity and develop a strong foundation in scientific methodology, often working evenings and weekends alongside academic residents and attendings from specialties like plastic surgery.
Finally, we pride ourselves on fostering a close-knit, supportive community. Our program is more than just a professional opportunity—it’s a family. We form lasting relationships through shared experiences like hiking in the mountains, skiing, and even attending cooking classes together. These bonds endure well beyond the program, creating lifelong connections.