Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship at the Indiana University School of Medicine is a prestigious one-year training program accredited by the ACGME. This fellowship is designed for dermatologists seeking to gain extensive experience in Mohs micrographic surgery, advanced cutaneous reconstruction, and dermatologic oncology.

The curriculum allows fellows to engage in a multidisciplinary approach by collaborating with various specialties, such as Otolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Dermatopathology, and Plastic Surgery. This integration is crucial for understanding and managing advanced cutaneous malignancies effectively, and it enables fellows to observe and participate in combined surgical cases during their fellowship experience 1.

Training Objectives

The fellowship aims to equip fellows with the skills needed to manage both common and complex cutaneous malignancies. Trainees will become proficient in performing a wide range of surgical reconstructions after skin cancer excision and will learn to coordinate multidisciplinary care when necessary. Comprehensive training ensures that graduates are prepared to deliver high-quality patient care in either academic or private practice settings 1.

Program Structure and Core Curriculum

Fellows spend several days each week within the Mohs Surgery Unit at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Initially, fellows will serve as first assistants, subsequently progressing to managing procedures with increasing responsibility under direct faculty supervision. This structured training is complemented by designated teaching times, such as monthly fellow-oriented teaching sessions and participation in case conferences and journal clubs that focus on relevant dermatologic surgery topics 1.

Fellows also attend the annual ACMS meeting and engage in a Multidisciplinary Cutaneous Melanoma/Oncology Conference, offering exposure to various perspectives in the treatment of skin cancer 1. The fellowship provides a rich clinical experience, as the Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology Division draws a high volume of skin cancer cases from across Indiana and neighboring states. Approximately 1000 skin cancers are treated annually in the Mohs Surgery Unit, and fellows have the opportunity to manage a diverse patient population including a significant number of high-risk skin cancer patients due to the additional complexities posed by organ transplants 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of the fellowship, with each fellow required to complete at least one original research project. This could take the form of a clinical trial, cohort study, systematic review, or textbook chapter relevant to dermatologic surgery. Additionally, fellows must complete a quality-improvement project and are encouraged to present their findings at regional or national professional society meetings 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for this fellowship, candidates must have successfully completed an accredited dermatology residency and be either board-certified or eligible for the American Board of Dermatology examination. Those eligible for the board examination are expected to take it at the earliest opportunity. The fellowship program welcomes exceptional international applicants meeting ACGME requirements 1. Applications are processed through the San Francisco Match central application service, and submission of all required materials is due by August 31 in the year prior to the start of the fellowship 2.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program provides visa support for qualified international graduates, including H-1B visas, allowing them to engage in the fellowship training legally. The program is generally competitive, with a strong emphasis on recruiting candidates with a solid academic foundation and demonstrated clinical experience in dermatology 1.

Educational Environment

Fellows contribute to the educational environment at the Indiana University School of Medicine by engaging in teaching roles and participating in various academic activities. This involvement not only enhances their own learning experience but also enriches the educational experience of residents and medical students within the department 2.