WDS Career Corner: Applying for Dermatopathology Fellowship: Tips from 3 Fellowship Directors

 Applying for Dermatopathology Fellowship: Tips from 3 Fellowship Directors

Special thanks to Drs. Emily Chu, Tammie Ferringer, and Michi Shinohara for providing tips, resources, and guidance on the best way to prepare and apply for a dermatopathology fellowship! Drs. Chu, Ferringer, and Shinohara currently serve as dermatopathology fellowship directors at the University of Pennsylvania, Geisenger Medical Center, and the University of Washington, respectively. 

 

 

 1. Since dermatopathology fellowship applications are typically submitted two years in advance of the fellowship start date (usually during the beginning of second year), how should dermatology residents decide or explore whether this fellowship is right for them?

Chu - The timing is tricky for dermatology residents! The good news is that dermatopathology is usually well integrated into the didactic curriculum even during the first year of residency. If you find that you enjoy looking at slides during unknown sessions – by all means see if you can spend a little time with the dermatopathologists at your institution to gain more exposure.

 

Ferringer - If a resident finds it fun to learn about the histopathology of what they see clinically, they may want to talk to their program director (PD) and express their interest and desire for early exposure. I encourage residents with an inkling of interest to talk with a dermatology-trained dermatopathologists at their program. I also encourage dermatology residents to consider practicing dermatology a year before doing a dermatopathology fellowship.  It provides time to make a little money, hone your dermatology skills, and finish the applied board exam.  I had the fortune of staying on staff at my residency program for a year before doing a fellowship and highly recommend it. 

Each year the dermatopathology fellowship PDs work toward a unified and delayed application and interview period.  If the majority agree this year, there could be a match with a later timeline for fellowship programs starting July 2026. 

 

Shinohara - This is such a challenge! The reason the application is so early is because dermpath is a multidisciplinary training program, and we align with pathology application cycles. Dermpath fellowship directors recognize how challenging this is for derm applicants, and there is ongoing discussion about how to improve this.

The first thing I would recommend is to check out the American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP)’s fellowship forum webinar. I would also approach your program's dermpath director or one of the dermpath faculty to mention your interest (you aren't committing to applying, don't worry!), talk about the career and how you might get earlier exposure. You could also consider applying for the WDS mentorship grant or the ASDP mentorship grant.

 

 

2. How important is it for dermatology residents to do research or have published in dermpath when submitting their application? Are there other ways that applicants can show their interest?

Chu - I think doing research and publishing is helpful to an extent, but not absolutely necessary -  partly it’s a way for potential applicants to explore whether they are interested in dermatopathology and is a way of spending more time with dermatopathology attendings and/or fellows. Often, we can also gauge interest by participation in unknown sessions and time spent reviewing slides and at the microscope.

 

Ferringer - Publishing a dermatopathology specific article so early in residency is difficult but certainly a plus.  The best option early in training is presenting a case report, case series or small study (including dermatopathology relevant QI or education related) at local, state, and national meetings. Posters and oral presentations at AAD, International Society of Dermatopathology (ISDP), and ASDP meetings are also great opportunities. Popular dermatopathology journals include Journal of Cutaneous Pathology and American Journal of Dermatopathology, but several other journals have dermatopathology sections. If available, spending even a couple of days as an observer with a fellowship program not only shows interest, but also allows the resident to learn about the program.

 

Shinohara  - In my opinion, it's not critical for derm residents to demonstrate dermpath research, especially if they have a lot of research experience already (which many derm residents do!), though it certainly doesn't hurt and it generally helps. You don't have to have a finished project, but even one in progress can help. Other things that would help show interest are participating in a QI project around dermpath, attending the ASDP meeting (and presenting a poster or abstract), or doing an ASDP mentorship.

 

 3. What qualities do fellowship directors look for in applicants? I.e. what makes a successful applicant?

Chu - Those who are hardworking and resilient, and who demonstrate a zeal for dermatology and making dermatopathology diagnoses!

 

Ferringer - Program directors differ, but I look for candidates who are stimulated and excited about dermatopathology and show a talent for it.  Fellowships require a lot of one-on-one time between PDs and fellows, so it is especially important for personalities to meld and work together well. 

 

Shinohara - What fellowship directors look for in an applicant is pretty program dependent. Some programs are higher volume, and will be looking for a fellow who can thrive with that, and others have more research time, and might look for a fellow who is likely to stay in academics. All programs want someone who is excelling in their derm residency and have shown some kind of interest in dermpath. They might be interested in whether you have ties to the area - do you have support? How likely is it you might stay on afterwards (that could be good or bad, depending!). In the end, all program directors want to know that you are going to be happy and successful in their program.

 

 

4.     4. What factors should applicants consider in evaluating which fellowship program is the best fit for them?

Chu - It’s helpful to see what the focus of the program is and what you might like to do in the future. Is there an educational or research bent to the program? How do the attending dermatopathologists spend their time at work (dermatopathology only, mixture of direct patient care and dermpath, research, education, etc)? There may be certain programs that feel like a more natural fit based on some of the answers. 

 

Ferringer - Nothing is better than seeing it in person if they can, as programs do show notable variability.  I would inquire about how the program incorporates the surgical pathology training. Ask about the structure of conferences and didactics, opportunities to teach, case volume and diversity, fellow involvement in sign-out, and number and background of faculty that interact with the fellow. As dermatopathology evolves, exposure to molecular testing, immunofluorescence, expansive immunohistochemistry, virtual pathology, and artificial intelligence are all increasingly important.  For those interested, inquire about research and moonlighting opportunities. 

Fellowship spots are competitive, especially with pathology residents also applying.  Think of it as an adventure and apply broadly. If you don’t first succeed, try, try again! If you love it, it’s worth it! 

 

Shinohara - Programs shouldn't be afraid for you to talk to their current fellow. Be sure to ask the current fellow your nitty gritty questions. What are the best and worst parts of their fellowship? Would they choose it again if they could?

 

5.     Dermatopathology Resources

a.      The AAD mentorship database (https://server.aad.org/mentorship/search/Default.aspx)

b.     ASDP mentorship awards https://www.asdp.org/ASDP/ASDPWeb/Physicians-In-Training/Mentorship-Awards.aspx

c.       ASDP fellowship forum webinar recordings: (https://asdp.org/ASDP/ASDPWeb/Physicians-In-Training/Fellowship-Forum-Webinar.aspx?hkey=429d0568-759d-41fa-9333-faaa55c01da2)

d.     Collections of online dermatopathology resources for residents and fellows: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdin.2022.12.007; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.16922