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Gap Year Program
A St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Medical Assistant Program
A paid, full-time gap-year role for recent grads who want real clinical experience, close mentorship, and strong letters of recommendation — working with a team that genuinely cares for each other.
Take a smart gap year
Taking a year before Medical School, PA/NP School, or Nursing School?
At St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, our Gap Year Medical Assistant Program is a paid, full-time position designed for recent college grads who want real clinical experience, close mentorship, and strong letters of recommendation, all while working with a team that genuinely cares for each other.
Our north star: exceptional care for every patient, powered by a kind, high-performing team. If that sounds like your kind of place, keep reading.
Program details
A year that moves your career forward.
What this program is
A one-year, hands-on clinical role where you’ll:
- Work as a medical assistant and scribe alongside dermatologists and advanced practice providers
- See the full spectrum of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology
- Help with skin cancer surgeries (including Mohs) and reconstructive cases
- Build the kind of experience that stands out on Medical School, PA/NP School, or Nursing School applications
Who this is for
- Pre-Med, Pre-PA, Pre-NP, or Pre-Nursing
- A recent college graduate or in your final year, and planning a gap year
- Excited to work directly with patients and providers
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
- Someone who loves learning, asks questions, and shows up for the team
What you’ll actually do all day
Patient care & clinic flow
- Room patients, take histories, vitals, and photos
- Prepare exam rooms, manage supplies, and help keep the clinic moving smoothly
- Assist with biopsies, excisions, and Mohs reconstruction set-up and clean-up
Surgical & procedural support
- Assist during skin cancer surgeries and other procedures
- Learn how to handle specimens, dress wounds, and support patients pre- and post-op
- Observe the full process: from diagnosis → treatment → reconstruction → follow-up
Scribing & documentation
- Scribe visits in the EMR in real time
- Learn to document like a future clinician: clear, concise, and accurate
- Understand how coding, documentation, and medical decision-making actually work
Practice & professional growth
- Help with patient education, instructions, and follow-up
- Participate in team meetings, case discussions, and quality improvement projects
What you’ll gain
By the end of your gap year, you’ll walk away with:
- Serious clinical experience: hundreds of hours of direct patient contact
- Assist in hundreds of procedures and surgeries
- A deep understanding of dermatology, skin cancer, and outpatient care
- Strong professional relationships with physicians and APPs who know your work
- A compelling story for your personal statement and interviews (“Tell me about a time…” becomes easy)
And yes, when you show up, work hard, and live our values, you’ll be in an excellent position for a strong, personalized letter of recommendation.
Program snapshot
- Title: Gap Year Medical Assistant
- Locations: St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in St. Louis & Troy, MO
- Type: Full-time, paid position
- Duration: 1 year (minimum)
- Schedule: Monday–Friday clinic hours (exact schedule may vary by location)
- Ideal start: late spring / early summer (to align with most application cycles)
- Application timeline: rolling consideration until positions are filled
From a past Gap Year Program graduate
“Spending my gap year at St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery was the single best decision I made before applying to medical school. I wasn’t just shadowing — I was in the room, working directly with patients, assisting with procedures, learning medicine and seeing firsthand how compassion and excellence show up in day-to-day medicine. Dr. Beal and the team invested in my growth, pushed me to think like a clinician, and gave me honest feedback that strengthened my applications and interviews. I left with incredible experience, lifelong mentors, and a letter of recommendation that truly reflected the depth of what I learned here. This practice is a true springboard for future physicians and PAs.”
— Caitlin Wright
What we’re looking for in applicants
- Professionalism: you show up on time, prepared, and ready to help
- Coachability: you take feedback well and use it
- Detail orientation: you double-check IDs, labels, medications, and orders
- Empathy: you treat every patient with kindness and respect
- Team mindset: you help your coworkers, not just your “assigned tasks”
How to apply
Please include the following:
- Resume — education, GPA, relevant experience (clinical or non-clinical), leadership, volunteering
- Short cover letter / statement — why you’re taking a gap year; why you’re interested in dermatology and outpatient care; and why you’d be a great fit for St. Louis Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
Apply today
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you’d be a great fit, and our team will be in touch.