Program Goals
The Department of Dermatology offers a one-year fellowship in Procedural Dermatology. Our department offers two such fellowships each year, fully approved by the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS) and the ACGME. The Fellowship is only open to dermatologists who are either American Board of Dermatology certified or are eligible to take the American Board of Dermatology exam.
The goal of this fellowship is to thoroughly train an individual in all phases of procedural dermatology including Mohs surgery and reconstruction, excisional surgery, dermabrasion and chemical peeling, hair transplantation, scalp reduction, cryosurgery, laser surgery, tissue augmentation, sclerotherapy, liposuction, and other physical modalities.
Allison Vidimos, RPh, MD is the Director of the Procedural Dermatology Fellowship Program, and Dr. Christine Poblete-Lopez, MD is co-director. Drs. Jennifer Lucas and Jon Meine are approved surgical faculty. This exposure to several surgical faculty members broadens the scope of the program significantly.
Program Structure
The fellow spends several days per week in the Mohs Surgery Unit. During this time, he/she initially serves as first assistant, and then later attains graded responsibility for primarily treating cases under supervision. Each year approximately 2000 carcinomas are treated in our unit by Mohs surgery. The majority are also repaired in our unit. The other time periods are varied. New patients are evaluated in consultation for cancer surgery or cosmetic procedures. Post-surgical patients and other continuing cases are seen weekly. Considerable time is devoted to laser procedures. Additionally, there is time set aside for direct supervision and teaching of dermatology residents in basic excisional surgery.
A rather close relationship has been developed between our department and those of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology, and Plastic Surgery. Thus, the fellow in procedural dermatology has an opportunity to spend time with these other services to participate in combined cases with them.
In terms of didactic material, there are several conferences weekly which the fellow may attend (Dermatopathology, Journal Club, Grand Rounds, etc.). Fellows receive certificates in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Every fellow attends the annual Cutaneous Anatomy Course in San Diego. They also attend the annual ACMS meeting.
We expect every dermatologic surgery fellow to complete at least one paper during their fellowship regarding some phase of surgery or cutaneous oncology.
Our fellowship offers a broad experience in all aspects of dermatologic surgery, and our patient population is an excellent one.
Application Process
We require a copy of your curriculum vitae and at least 3 letters of recommendation to complete your application. The deadline for submission of the required materials is August 1st of the year prior to the position. The CV and letters should be forwarded to:
- Allison Vidimos, RPh, MD
Director Procedural Dermatology Fellowship
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave., A61
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.444.3345
Interviews will be arranged in the late summer to mid fall for all qualified candidates.
Useful Links
Cleveland Clinic’s Dermatopathology fellowship is a one-year ACGME-approved fellowship. Eligible candidates must have completed their dermatology or pathology training and be board eligible or certified.
The Dermatopathology fellowship is an integrated fellowship which includes a year of dermatopathology and a concurrent minimum of six months in clinical dermatology or anatomical pathology, which is dependent on the fellow’s previous training.
Each fellow is exposed to a variety of dermatopathology subspecialties, special studies and techniques. The major emphasis is placed on inflammatory disease, cutaneous tumors, pigmented lesions, laboratory procedures, immunopathology and molecular diagnostic techniques.
Limited and clinically relevant time is spent in clinical pathology, microbiology, mycology, bacteriology, virology and electron microscopy. Research projects, teaching, publications and local and national presentations are encouraged and expected.
For more information, please contact
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Graduate Medical Education -- NA23
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.444.5690
Toll-free: 800.323.9259
Useful Links
The Department of Dermatology offers a one year fellowship in contact dermatitis and patch testing. Fellows will see patients in the Patch Test Clinic and General Dermatology Clinic as well as conduct clinical research.
Applications will be reviewed from graduates of a three year dermatology residency program who are eligible to take the examination of the American Board of Dermatology.
The fellow will work in the Patch Test Clinics with Drs. Apra Sood, James Taylor and Golara Honari: 4 days will be spent patch testing, photo patch testing or seeing patients in the general dermatology clinic; 1 day will be spent seeing general dermatology patients independently.
The fellow will evaluate patients in the Patch Test Clinic with history and physical examinations and will be directly involved with patch and photo patch testing as well as open patch testing, use testing and evaluation for contact urticaria. The fellow will also participate in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, photosensitivity and putative industrial or environmental skin disorders. There will be a 2 week elective rotation time in the department of Allergy and Immunology.
Further responsibilities will include performing procedures associated with the evaluation of those disorders including skin biopsies and other standard medical and surgical dermatologic procedures.
The fellow will also be directly involved in clinical research, including the design and implementation of one or more projects during his/her year here along with updating and maintaining the existing patch test registry with the patch test nurse. The fellow will be encouraged to attend and participate in departmental conferences and provide occasional teaching to the residents in the form of lectures and journal clubs.
For more information, please contact:
Apra Sood, MD, Fellowship Director
Department of Dermatology –A60
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Phone: 216.445.2668
Objectives
To provide an opportunity to observe the work-up and management of the full spectrum of dermatology patients on a busy outpatient service.
Description
The student observes the work-up and management of patients, attends teaching rounds, lectures, Journal Club, and learns the principles of dermatologic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, such as tissue examination for fungus and mites, skin biopsy and histopathologic examinations.
The student also is exposed to more complicated dermatologic procedures such as microscopically controlled surgery for skin cancer (Mohs micrographic surgery), laser surgery, hair replacement surgery, and facial resurfacing.
The professional personnel of the department consists of 15 well-trained and experienced full-time staff members, 13 residents in various stages of specialty training, two dermatologic surgery fellows, two dermatopathology fellows, one lymphoma fellow and one environmental fellow. Also, we have just brought on a consultant pediatric dermatologist who is here two times a month establishing new pediatric patients.
The Department of Dermatology comprises primarily an outpatient service that treats more than 50,000 patients per year. In addition, dermatologic consultations are rendered to about five or more inpatients per day for all other services on request. The entire range of dermatologic disease is seen at the Cleveland Clinic, from acne to pemphigus. Interesting, unusual and difficult patients often are referred here. The student meets with the chief resident(s) on the first day for assignments.
Evaluation forms are given to staff members to whom the student is assigned. A report will be given to deans and phase coordinators on request.
Medical students interested in doing an elective rotation in Derm should go to:
Program Director:
Christine Poblete-Lopez, MD
Assistant Program Director:
Melissa Piliang, MD
Duration:
4 weeks
Number of Students:
1
Available:
Year around
Time:
Full time
For more information, please contact:
To receive additional information or to schedule a rotation, contact the:
Medical Student Education - NA24
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Phone: 216.445.7435
Among the more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties, the Department of Dermatology was the third department established at the clinic and is currently located on the sixth floor of the outpatient superstructure known as the Crile Building
The department has grown over the years to include 7 full time clinical staff including specialists in general dermatology, contact and occupational dermatitis, phototherapy, oral and bullous diseases, and hair disease. Our surgical dermatology department includes 7 full time Mohs and cosmetic surgeons with and lasers, peels, dermabrasion, botox, fillers, liposuction, and sclerotherapy routinely performed. We also have a full time research staff. Currently, 13 residents glean extensive training in this all-encompassing dermatologic learning environment.
2012-2013 Applicants for Dermatology Residency Program
Please be advised that this year's candidates should have completed and received their Step 1 USMLE scores and have sat or will be sitting for their Step 2 USMLE test prior to the close of our deadline for applications on November 1, 2012. No exceptions will be made due to the large number of applications we received last year to enter our program.
Interview dates:
January 10, 2013
January 17, 2013
January 24, 2013
January 31, 2013
Program Goals
The Department of Dermatology offers a four-year training program that fulfills the requirements of the American Board of Dermatology. Candidates apply for a four-year program to include a year of transitional GL-1 training. Exposure to dermatology is available to GL-1 residents, residents in internal medicine, senior medical residents and some paramedical personnel on a rotational basis.
Residents in dermatology may rotate on other services such as allergy and immunology, vascular medicine and hematology, depending on their specific interests. The entire range of dermatologic disease is represented. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenge is the rule, since most patients are referred for consultation either from other departments within Cleveland Clinic or from outside sources.
Program Director:
Christine Poblete-Lopez, MD
Assistant Program Director:
Melissa Piliang, MD
Duration:
4 weeks
Number of Students:
1
Available:
Year around
Time:
Full time
For more information, please contact:
The Graduate Medical Education Department -- NA23
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44195
Phone: 216.444.5690
Toll-free: 800.323.9259
Fax: 216.444.1162
Useful Links
Program Overview »
Intern Year
Our program is a four-year categorical program and as such, all our residents complete the intern year at Cleveland Clinic in either internal medicine or pediatrics. Staff and residents agree that this structure has many advantages including excellent training in general medicine, familiarity with the hospital and its computer system, and generation of many colleagues in fields other than dermatology.
Thirteen four-week modules have been chosen to provide a well-rounded fund of knowledge in general medicine while providing exposure to fields of medicine and surgery that routinely have the most overlap with dermatology, such as rheumatology, endocrinology, and plastic surgery.
The 13 modules include five modules of inpatient medicine with exposure to subspecialties including hematology and oncology, nephrology, and pulmonary and critical care medicine. Interns work side by side with residents on call to see admissions and take care of patient care issues as they arise. There is a daily cap of five admissions per team, with a total patient cap of 10 patients per intern. The maximum duration of a shift is 16 hours with at least 10 hours off between shifts, in compliance with ACCME regulations.
Other modules include dermatology clinic, dermatopathology, infectious disease consults, emergency medicine, and vacation. Weekly didactic conferences are held in conjunction with the Internal Medicine Department. Lunch is provided for all noon conferences.
First Year Dermatology
The first several months of residency familiarize the new resident with the program. Under close supervision by the staff and senior residents, new residents practice the history taking and physical examination. Plans for diagnosis and treatment are discussed with staff physicians who make the ultimate decisions at this stage.
Residents learn many specialized techniques and procedures as well as administrative routines, protocols, instructional and departmental policies and the language of the specialty. Time is spent in general dermatology clinics, specialized dermatology clinics including environmental, hair loss, pediatric dermatology, oral clinic, and phototherapy. Surgical dermatology and dermatopathology rotations are also included.
Unique to the first year, several months are spent on the hospital inpatient and consultation services. Residents have an opportunity to evaluate and treat inpatient dermatological problems, develop diagnostic strategies, interpret laboratory findings, order medications and counsel patients. Residents make rounds three times a week with a staff member who discusses the problems and reviews residents’ decisions. Dermatology admissions are also cared for by the consult resident and rounded on daily in conjunction with the admitting staff.
Teaching is emphasized throughout the residency and some additional educational opportunities are included in the first year schedule. These include weekly chief rounds consisting of an afternoon of teaching sessions surrounding a particular aspect of dermatology. Sessions include unknowns, article reviews, and high yield board review materials. These teaching sessions are run by one of the third year residents. Teaching conferences, textbook club, and other scheduled educational events are outlined below.
First year dermatology residents take home call, which is divided among all first year residents. Second and third year residents do not take call.
Second Year Dermatology
During the second year, resident time is primarily spent in the outpatient clinic. As in other years of training, all clinics are onsite at the main campus. During this year, residents begin to assume primary responsibility for patient evaluation and care and continuity clinics are established to help ensure follow-up with particular patients.
Third Year Dermatology
During the third year, new patients are assigned to residents, with staff physicians acting as consultants. Surgical skills are polished. The administrative and teaching responsibilities of serving as chief resident are granted to a deserving senior resident(s). Research projects are completed and presentations at major medical meetings are expected. Teaching focuses on preparation for board examinations. Residents are allowed to attend special postgraduate courses sponsored by staff members of the Department of Dermatology.
PGY-4 residents have 4-5 modules of Primary Health Care (PHC), providing dermatologic care for Cleveland Clinic employees and their families. Residents are the primary decision makers in this clinic.
A 4-week elective is incorporated into the fourth year schedule. Senior residents may train at an approved institution outside of Cleveland Clinic potentially working with future colleagues or pursuing fellowship interests.
Program Strengths »
- Large department with multiple world-renowned staff in clinical dermatology, dermatopathology, and dermatologic surgery.
- Clinical dermatology includes training with staff encompassing all facets of clinical dermatology including contact dermatitis, phototherapy, oral clinic, hair clinic, pediatric dermatology, and general dermatology.
- Surgical department provides exposure and training encompassing all facets of surgical and cosmetic dermatology including Mohs, multiple lasers, dermabrasion, peels, Botox, sclerotherapy, hair transplants, liposuction, and photodynamic therapy.
- Culturally diverse patient population with extensive exposure to all skin types.
- Tremendously supportive program directors.
- High volume of patients with emphasis on continuity.
- Categorical program with internship tailored toward dermatology including rotations relevant to medical and surgical dermatology.
Educational Opportunities »
Throughout the year, residents attend and participate in various scheduled teaching conferences as outlined below. Noon conference time is used primarily for journal clubs, textbook club, and didactic lectures.
Textbook Club
Currently, Bolognia’s text Dermatology is the text reviewed and readings are assigned on a weekly basis with textbook club held 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. Additional books used for selected chapters include Fitzpatrick, Wolverton’s Drugs in Dermatology, Spitz Genodermatoses, Arndt Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, among others.
Journal Clubs
The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Archives of Dermatology, and Dermatologic Surgery journals are routinely reviewed. Selected readings may be reviewed from Journal of Investigative Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, British Journal of Dermatology, and Drugs in Dermatology, among others. Typically, residents are assigned specific articles to review and summarize for the benefit of the group.
Grand Rounds
Every Thursday morning, patients with rare or unusual skin conditions or patients who pose diagnostic or therapeutic challenges participate in grand rounds attended by staff, residents, and medical students from Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve University, and MetroHealth Medical Center departments of dermatology. The location of grand rounds alternates between the three programs. Cases are presented and discussed as a group following the patient viewing.
Meetings
Attendance and participation in important regional and national meetings is encouraged and supported. For the last few years, all residents have attended the annual AAD meeting, and most also present interesting cases at the Gross and Microscopic symposium or compose a poster for display at the meeting.
First and third year residents participate in the annual Indiana Basic Science course to augment exposure to basic science principles. Additional meetings residents often attend include the Ohio Dermatological Society Meeting, American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons (ASDS), and Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting, among others.
Additional meetings attended by residents include the annual May Day focus on dermatologic therapy, the fall Seminars in Dermatology, and annual Dermatopathology Workshop, all organized by members of our department.
Cleveland Dermatological Society
Coordinated by Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Metro Hospital dermatology departments, this meeting occurs 4 times per year and consists of the most interesting and complex cases in dermatology, attended by over 100 dermatologists from northeast Ohio.
Dermatopathology Lectures
Weekly dermatopathology lecture series are supplemented with additional workshops, outside lecturers, and review sessions throughout the year.
Staff Lectures
Each staff provides didactic lectures based on their area(s) of interest and program directors help coordinate many other lectures throughout the year.
Guest Lectures
Guest lecturers both from within Cleveland Clinic and outside institutions are invited to the dermatology department for participation in grand rounds, meetings, and noon conferences.
Vascular Medicine Grand Rounds
Quarterly meetings with the vascular medicine department focus on diseases and interesting or complex cases that hold a shared interest for both departments.