Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School Program

The Harvard Medical School Dermatopathology Fellowship, part of the Mass General Brigham system, is an ACGME-accredited program that provides comprehensive training in dermatopathology. This fellowship utilizes the extensive resources of Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), along with didactic contributions from multidisciplinary institutions such as Boston Children's Hospital and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The fellowship typically spans one year, although two-year training may be considered in specific circumstances.

Fellows enter the program with eligibility for board certification in either dermatology or pathology. The training includes a six-month supplementary experience in pathology or clinical dermatology, depending on the fellow's prior training. Core components of the fellowship program include:

• Basic dermatopathology
• Dermatoimmunopathology
• Immunofluorescence techniques
• Microbiology and mycology
• Tissue processing for specialized microscopy
• Diagnostic electron microscopy
• Immunocytochemistry

There are also opportunities for participation in clinical and basic research activities, and fellows are encouraged to attend various clinical and pathological diagnostic conferences, facilitating an enriching educational environment.

In terms of appointment availability, the program offers two dermatopathology fellowship positions annually. Additional research fellowships are accessible through collaborations with faculty at Harvard Medical School institutions. Applicants must possess board certification or eligibility in either Pathology or Dermatology, and an active Massachusetts medical license is required before commencing the fellowship. International medical graduates must hold a valid ECFMG certificate and appropriate visa status.

Curriculum and Training

The robust training curriculum is supported by a substantial volume of pathology specimens—approximately 150,000 in total, including 30,000 skin biopsies. Research facilities available at BWH and MGH include specialized histology laboratories, advanced electron microscopes, and facilities for immunocytochemistry and molecular studies. This integration of resources allows fellows to engage with a high volume of diverse cases, enhancing their clinical and diagnostic acumen.

Research and Clinical Opportunities

Fellows in the program are encouraged to partake in both clinical and basic research activities. Research opportunities extend across various specialties, offering fellows experience in multidisciplinary approaches to pathology. Fellowships are designed to nurture aptitude for academic and clinical careers in dermatopathology and pathology at large.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted by October 15 of the year preceding the start date, as the fellowship typically begins on July 1. Interested candidates will need to send a complete application packet to the fellowship program administration. These components ensure that candidates have ample opportunity to showcase their qualifications and readiness for this competitive fellowship.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is known for its competitiveness and is friendly towards both U.S. osteopathic graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program offers support for visas, including J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship for fellows who qualify, thus facilitating participation from qualified international candidates. Specific application requirements also apply; for instance, there are assessments concerning the year of graduation and limits on STEP exam failures that applicants must adhere to. This structured approach ensures that all fellows are well-prepared to engage in the rigorous training offered.

Unique Aspects

The dual-resource environment of BWH and MGH, alongside a faculty with a wealth of experience and insight, distinguishes this fellowship. It offers a holistic educational experience, focusing on both educational attainment and clinical competency while promoting a collaborative spirit among fellows across different specialties.

Overall, the Harvard Medical School Dermatopathology Fellowship is a premier training program that prepares its fellows for successful futures in academic and clinical dermatopathology, leveraging extensive institutional resources and a collaborative training environment.