Carilion Clinic-Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Program

The program is dedicated to training exceptional dermatologists who are committed to lifelong learning and service to their specialty and community. As a residency program, it seeks self-motivated physicians who possess a strong work ethic and who aspire to become leaders in a collaborative medical environment.

The curriculum includes a comprehensive core education in medical, surgical, pediatric dermatology, and dermatopathology. Residents are immersed in a faculty-directed program that fosters teaching, out-patient consultations, and encourages collaboration with specialists in rheumatology, infectious diseases, and surgical oncology for the management of complex cases. The program aims to produce physicians who display competence, compassion, and ethical standards upon completion of their training.1

Program Overview

The primary mission of the residency program is to cultivate dermatologists who excel in patient care while advancing the field through scholarship, teaching, and leadership. Residents have access to a broad range of experiences overseen by a knowledgeable faculty across various dermatological specialties.1

Training Structure and Facilities

The program features a three-year training structure, fully accredited and structured to promote progressive autonomy. Residents engage in continuity clinics managing both routine and complex dermatological conditions, complemented by a rich training experience in procedural dermatology, inpatient dermatology, and teledermatology.2

Clinical and procedural training occurs in various locations including the Carilion Riverside and Franklin Road dermatology offices, and residents perform inpatient consults at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Didactic Learning

The curriculum incorporates a robust set of didactic sessions involving faculty-led lectures, kodachrome sessions for unknown slide reviews, monthly surgery didactics, journal clubs, and quarterly grand rounds, thus fostering an environment of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.2

Research and Teaching Opportunities

Residents participate in scholarly activities, including research and clinical observations, which are essential in advancing the practice of dermatology. Opportunities for teaching are available, enabling residents to provide clinical education to internal medicine and family medicine residents, as well as to medical students.1

Population Served

The program serves a diverse patient demographic, ranging from pediatric to geriatric patients, as well as individuals with varying insurance statuses including those uninsured or requiring charity care.1

Application Process

The application process for the program mandates submission through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Eligible candidates must have completed a first clinical year (PGY1) in an ACGME-accredited program or similar. The program supports the J-1 visa type and has specific additional requirements such as USMLE Step 2 scores and references from supervisors.4

Resident Composition

The residency consists of a close-knit group of residents and faculty, with a typical size of six dermatology residents. This small size fosters a strong sense of collegiality and enhances the educational experience through personal interactions and mentorship.3

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is known to be competitive, placing emphasis on a broad medical knowledge base and a demonstrated aptitude for dermatology. It maintains a welcoming stance towards Diversity and inclusion, receptive to applications from international medical graduates (IMGs) as well as DO candidates.4

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is uniquely positioned in Roanoke, Virginia, offering a scenic environment and collaboration with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. This partnership enhances the educational opportunities provided to residents through access to research scientists and medical educators.1