DermOwl was founded in 2015 by Consultant Dermatologists, Dr Natalia Spierings and Dr Fiona Worsnop.
When we embarked on our Dermatology careers, we were struck by the fact that there is absolutely no dermatology-specific interview guidance. Knowing that preparation is King, we worked tirelessly to glean as much information as possible from a variety of sources about what to expect. When the time came we both ranked within the top four candidates nationally at our first attempt, a fact that we attribute entirely to thorough research, preparation and practice in dermatology-specific interview techniques.
We are passionate about passing on our knowledge and, since 2016, through our courses and one-to-one sessions, we have helped over 200 candidates succeed in securing numbers – not only in the UK but also in Australia! We feel our feedback speaks for itself; please look through our Testimonials. We are very excited to help you achieve your goal!
Vision Statement
To provide wisdom and guidance to aspiring Dermatology Registrars by honing their interview skills as part of their first steps towards a successful future career in Dermatology, ultimately benefiting patients who suffer from skin conditions.
Mission Statement
To provide the most comprehensive, effective interview skills and CV coaching for junior doctors preparing for dermatology ST3 recruitment.
About our founding Owl
Dr. Natalia Spierings, BSc (Hons) MBBS MRCP(UK) (Derm) MBA is a Consultant Dermatologist, Dermatological Surgeon and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. She completed a post-CCT fellowship in Mohs Micrographic & Cutaneous Surgery in August 2017 at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. She completed her medical training in 2008 at St. George’s University of London and stayed in the Southwest London area for foundation and core medical training, before securing a very competitive dermatology training number at her alma mater. Dr. Spierings competed for her NTN in 2012. In that year, there were only 17 numbers available nationally in dermatology and Dr. Spierings’ was able to secure two places, both in highly competitive deaneries. She was, of course, coached to success by her good friend and colleague, Dr. Fiona Worsnop. Dr. Spierings has now passed on the baton to her DermOwl team, which continues to expand and grow in expertise and experience, ensuring we continue to provide the best targeted interview and clinical prep for future dermatologists.
Testimonials
‘I have always been nervous at interviews, and my interview for a number clearly was so important that I was sure my nerves would impede my performance. Dr Worsnop and Dr Spierings provided me with the tools to sell myself effectively to the panel and make myself stand out. The interview could not have gone better and I attribute this entirely to preparation and practice. Thank you, Owls!’
‘I received great support and tutorage from Dr. Worsnop and Dr. Spierings in preparation for my Dermatology ST3 interview. With their guidance and knowledge I managed to boost my confidence and preparation to rank number one out of the candidates nationally.’
‘I have wanted to be a dermatologist since medical school and have made my CV as competitive as possible, so I knew my application was strong. I also knew that 80% of the marking criteria for getting a number comes from the interview. Dr. Spierings’ and Dr. Worsnop’s took a personal approach in my one-on-one sessions to help me present the best version of myself in the interview. They gave me the skills to be ‘confident, not cocky.’’