Indiana University School of Medicine Program
Location:
Indianapolis, INSpecialty:
Dermatopathology (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
1001721020The Dermatopathology Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive training experience designed to develop advanced diagnostic skills and foster academic growth. This one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship is aimed at individuals with backgrounds in dermatology or pathology who seek further specialization in dermatopathology.
The program operates within the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, situated in a state-of-the-art pathology laboratory located in the heart of Indianapolis. The fellowship includes exposure to an extensive volume of cutaneous specimens, with over 17,000 cases processed annually from multiple hospitals on the academic health campus and surrounding regions, providing a diverse set of learning opportunities in real-world clinical scenarios. These cases encompass a wide range of complexities, including melanocytic neoplasms, lymphomas, and dermatologic rashes, which are essential for developing diagnostic expertise in dermatopathology 1.
Training Environment
The fellowship's training environment is enriched by collaboration with experienced faculty dermatopathologists who provide guidance in various specialties, including histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and molecular interpretation. Notable resources included in the fellowship experience involve daily slide reviews and formal clinical dermatology training through the Department of Dermatology, facilitating comprehensive patient care exposure 1.
Educational Framework
The educational framework of the fellowship incorporates a myriad of teaching modalities designed to enhance diagnostic proficiency. Weekly lectures, unknowns conferences, and bi-monthly Dermatology Grand Rounds form a core part of the educational calendar. Additionally, regular journal clubs and intradepartmental quality assurance (QA) conferences encourage active engagement with emerging research and clinical best practices 1.
Participation in national conferences is also encouraged, providing fellows with a platform to discuss their research and findings at a broader level. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly work, motivating fellows to engage with ongoing research projects and to contribute to the digital slide archive created for educational purposes 1.
Admissions Criteria
Applicants to the Dermatopathology Fellowship are expected to be board eligible in either Anatomic Pathology/Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) or Dermatology. This ensures that incoming fellows have a foundation to build upon during their specialized training. The application process necessitates submission of a standardized CAP fellowship application, curriculum vitae, a personal statement, and three letters of reference. Applications are reviewed, and successful candidates will commence fellowship with appropriate stipends based on their prior postgraduate experience 1.
Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness
The fellowship program supports visa applications for international medical graduates, primarily sponsoring J-1 visas, accommodating diverse applicants from various backgrounds. The fellowship is known to be competitive, accepting graduates from both MD and DO programs as well as international medical graduates, thereby promoting a diverse learning atmosphere that enrichens the fellowship experience 1.
Graduate Outcomes
Graduates of the Dermatopathology Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine pursue successful careers in both private practice and academic settings. Alumni report high levels of preparedness for independent practice, attributing their confidence to the rigorous training and exposure to a vast array of cases during the fellowship. Many have transitioned into roles as leaders in their respective fields, utilizing the knowledge and skills acquired during their fellowship at IU 2.
The program fosters a culture of excellence and continuous professional development, which is evident in the successful trajectories of its graduates who engage in multiple fields of pathology and dermatology 2.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$73,160First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Indianapolis, IN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Indianapolis, IN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Indianapolis has some high-crime areas, but overall, it has a moderate crime rate. It's always advisable to use common sense and take precautions.
- Fun Activities: Indianapolis offers a wide range of activities such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, museums, parks, and cultural events. The city is famous for its sports events.
- Climate: Indianapolis has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for all four seasons.
- Races and Population: Indianapolis is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities. The population is around 900,000 people.
- Education: Indianapolis has good educational institutions including universities and colleges.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Indianapolis is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in the US.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Indianapolis is around 3-4 hours' drive from Chicago, Illinois, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Both cities offer a wider range of entertainment options.
- Pros: Affordable cost of living, diverse activities, and good educational opportunities.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, winters can be cold.
Interview Questions
