WDS Career Corner: Tips for Applying to a Dermatopathology Fellowship

-


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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Message from the President

-
Image
    Dear WDS family, When I gave my speech at the annual meeting, my mission was to focus on creating opportunities for equity for women in leadership and life. Sharing my personal trials and tribulations, I envision us continuing to grow together, learning from, and supporting one another. A little over halfway through the year and I am proud to say that we started this important work. Recently partnering with the AAD, we invited all our sister societies to a think tank about women in leadership and opportunities for inclusivity and equity. The meeting was exciting, inspiring, and laid the groundwork for this important work. In the coming months we plan to bring opportunities for you to get involved in this work and to grow with us.   On a personal note, I welcomed my little one, Olivia Sophia, and while the road to having her and the postpartum course were rocky to say the least, she is my own personal miracle. This reminds me that we need to celebrate one another and continu
Read more

7 Easy Habits to Conquer Public Speaking

-
Image
    By Dr. Azeen Sadeghian   Public speaking can be daunting, but with preparation and the right outlook, it’s possible to execute a notable delivery. Listed below are some high yield tips I’ve found helpful for public speaking. 1.       Know your audience a.       This includes location, the listener capacity, and current situation of the audience. For example, a group of lay people with no medical education may come to a talk for “anti-aging” tips. Another group may be 3rd year residents looking to prepare for their boards and wanting exam tips. Location in the sense of time and venue is important to consider. For example, a postprandial student population may have a harder time focusing during an academic talk in a dark lecture hall. b.       What is the one objective or item you want your audience to take away from your talk? Make it clear to them throughout the talk. You may have additional objectives and items for your audience if you have an academic talk. If this is t
Read more