WDS Career Corner: Tips for Applying to a Dermatopathology Fellowship

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Thanks to Contributors: 
Alison Seline, MD; Leah Swanson, MD; Angela Jiang, MD; Emma Johnson, MD; Jane Scribner, MD; Michi Shinohara, MD

What should I do if I’m interested in a dermatopathology fellowship?
  • Network! Learn more about the different programs, solidify your career choice, learn about opportunities for research or to increase your exposure to signout, possible away rotations/zoom double scoping
    • Speak with your program director and mentors early; if your program does not have a fellowship, ask that your faculty reach out to their contacts on your behalf
    • Attend ASDP if possible for networking events
    • Attend ASDP “Meet the Program Directors” event
    • Reach out to dermatopathologists within WDS, dermatopathologists are more than happy to provide advice and input!
  • Try to talk to people early as the typical application process begins two years in advance (beginning of PGY-3 year)
  • If your program does not have a dermpath fellowship, seek out research opportunities with programs that do. Contact faculty members based upon research interests. Consider applying for the ASDP mentorship award.
  • Cast your net widely.
  • Write case reports, poster presentations; participate in presentations & research projects; be engaged in teaching and learning of dermpath.

What are tips when applying to a dermatopathology fellowship?
  • Finding programs and application information:
    • All programs listed on ACGME site https://apps.acgme.org/ads/public/ → search by specialty → dermatology → dermatopathology
    • Programs participating in match and timeline https://www.asdp.org/physicians-in-training/dermatopathology-fellowships/
    • Visit individual program websites for application and timing details for those not participating in the internally devised timeline. ee ASDP website for details: https://www.asdp.org/physicians-in-training/dermatopathology-fellowships/
    • If information not readily available on website, reach out to the program coordinator via email
  • Plan ahead to be able to submit applications early in the cycle (June/July). There can be variability in timing of application due dates and interview dates, so keeping a spreadsheet of pertinent information can help you to stay organized.
  • Ask your letter of recommendation writer(s) to have your letters done by early July.
  • Be flexible. Say “YES” to visits, lectures, collaborations.

What should I look for in a dermatopathology fellowship?
  • Exposure to dermpath faculty from different backgrounds or with different styles
  • High volume and diversity of cases
  • Ability to independently preview some portion of signout or recuts, hopefully with dedicated time to do this
  • Curriculum
    • Rotations - high degree of involvement in areas most pertinent to dermatology (i.e. soft tissue pathology, hematopathology, head and neck pathology)
    • Structured vs relaxed dermpath curriculum (texts, journal club, etc) - depends on which style of learning you prefer
  • Teaching of residents and/or research support if that interests you

What are tips for interviewing at a dermatopathology fellowship?
  • Spend time with current fellows asking for honest feedback about pros and cons of the program
  • Be honest about your career plans and goals
  • Even though the application is early in your dermatology training, be prepared to explain an interest or focus within the subspeciality (i.e. pigmented lesions, lymphoma, inflammatory dermatoses).
  • Volunteer to do a didactic session, around scope or lecture format or resident unknowns- just the basics, but showcase your stuff!
  • Know that program directors don’t expect you to know everything dermpath, but they do expect you to be adaptable, flexible, and teachable.

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