Curriculum

Clinical training

Residents see patients in the dermatology clinic under the supervision of an attending physician. Clinics use a continuity of care model in which residents are responsible for the care of assigned patients throughout their three-year tenure. Our robust consult service at Royal Oak Hospital provide a major source of clinical teaching throughout the residency. Rotations through each of the Dermatologic sub-specialties are an integral part of the resident experience.

Transitional year

Internship is an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned during medical school and expand your ability to treat patients in need. A robust internship is necessary for every physician to become comfortable delivering care in various settings. 

Our transitional year rotations include the following:

• Inpatient Medicine – 3 months
  
• Critical care – 1 month
  
• CCU – 1 month
  
• Ambulatory Medicine – 1 month
  
• Surgery – 1 month
  
• Emergency Medicine – 1 month
  
• Elective – 4 months
  

First year

This year is dedicated to establishing a broad foundation of dermatologic knowledge, physical exam skills, and the ability to synthesize information to deliver patient care. 

Our first year rotations include the following:

• General Dermatology – 5 months 
  
• Complex Medical Dermatology/Surgery – 2 months
  
• Surgery/Mohs – 3 months
  
• Dermatopathology – 1 month
  
• Consults at Beaumont Royal Oak – 1 month
  

Second year

The second year is dedicated to honing residents’ physical exam, diagnostic, management, and surgical skills. Surgical experience includes routine, as well as, complex procedures as determined by the supervising attending surgeon. 

Our second year rotations include the following:

• General Dermatology – 3 months 
  
• Complex Medical Dermatology/Surgery – 3 months
  
• Surgery/Mohs – 3 months
  
• Dermatopathology – 1 month
  
• Consults at Beaumont Royal Oak – 1 month
  
• Elective* – 1 month 
  

Third year

Senior dermatology residents supervise junior residents, manage complex dermatological diseases, and perfect the necessary surgical skills to perform routine and complex surgical cases. Senior residents serve their own patients with graduated autonomy.

Our 3rd year rotations include the following:

• General Dermatology – 2 months 
  
• Surgery/Mohs – 2 months
  
• Complex Medical Dermatology/Surgery – 4 months
  
• Dermatopathology – 1 month
  
• Consults at Beaumont Royal Oak – 1 month
  
• Elective* – 2 months

Electives include: dermatopathology, Mohs surgery, complex medical dermatology, and advanced cosmetics and laser training. 

Didactics

Monday

Residents are granted dedicated didactic time on Monday. During this time, residents review lectures based on their required reading for that week. 

Wednesday

AM:

• Lectures in dermatopathology and slide review with faculty dermatopathologist
  
• Grand Rounds with Wayne State University Dermatology
  

PM:

• Lectures in dermatopathology and slide review with faculty dermatopathologist
  
• Resident Continuity Clinic
  
• Cosmetic training in injectable fillers and neurotoxin
  

Other educational opportunities include monthly journal club. In addition, residents attend annual conferences (AAD) and participate in Michigan Dermatological Society meetings where they are exposed to rare and interesting cases from around the state.

Call

Dermatology residents take pager call two months per year, and receive a total of 20 days of paid time off. Weekly schedules vary month to month, depending on the rotation