Mentee: Akash Rau, BS
Mentor: Frank Wang, MD
My experience in the SOCS Mentorship Program was incredibly meaningful, largely due to the mentorship of Dr. Frank Wang, Associate Program Director of the University of Michigan Dermatology residency. From the beginning, Dr. Wang demonstrated a genuine investment in my growth, consistently making himself available to meet whenever I needed guidance. He was remarkably approachable and generous with his time, which made a significant difference in my experience.
He provided thoughtful, candid advice at every stage of the dermatology residency application process, helping me better understand how to strengthen my candidacy and approach decisions strategically. One of the most impactful aspects of his mentorship was his detailed feedback on my personal statement. He worked closely with me to refine it in a way that clearly conveyed my motivations and experiences.
Additionally, having the opportunity to learn from someone in his leadership position offered unique insight into how residency programs evaluate applicants and what qualities truly stand out. His perspective as an APD gave me a clearer understanding of the application process from the program side, which was invaluable. Overall, his mentorship not only strengthened my application but also gave me greater confidence and clarity as I pursue a career in dermatology.