Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Dermatopathology Fellowship at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare fellows for a successful career in dermatopathology. The program consists of two distinct tracks, each catering to different backgrounds and career goals. This one-year fellowship meets the certification requirements of the American Boards of Dermatology and Pathology in dermatopathology, ensuring that graduates are prepared to excel in the field.

Both tracks within the fellowship provide fellows with extensive clinical exposure and opportunities for professional growth. The first track is tailored for clinically-based, board-eligible dermatologists. This track encompasses six months of training in Mayo Clinic's dermatopathology laboratories, combined with another six months split between anatomical and surgical pathology, and additional dermatopathology training. The second track is intended for laboratory-based, board-eligible pathologists. This track is fully dedicated to clinical experience, combining extensive training in dermatology with dermatopathology.

The fellowship involves multiple facets of training, including daily patient conferences, hospital rounds, and participation in clinicopathological conferences. This structure promotes an in-depth understanding of the clinical and pathological correlations necessary for effective diagnosis and management in dermatopathology 1.

Application Process

Admission into the Dermatopathology Fellowship program is competitive. Each year, two fellowship positions are available, requiring applicants to have board eligibility in dermatology and/or pathology. It is important to note that applications must be submitted through the Recruit application service rather than through printed applications 2.

Applications are accepted starting in July, with a submission deadline of September 1, about two years prior to the intended start date. Prospective applicants must create an online account to initiate the application process and upload all required documentation. After submission, selected candidates will be invited to interview with the program director and faculty members, typically occurring between August and September.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Dermatopathology Fellowship is individualized based on fellows' backgrounds in dermatology or pathology. Dermatology-trained fellows will engage in rotations across various anatomical pathology subspecialties, such as soft tissue and lymph node pathology, ensuring a well-rounded experience that includes intensive dermatopathology exposure. Conversely, pathology-trained fellows will focus on obtaining clinical dermatology experience during their rotations, integrating clinical history and images into their dermatopathology training 3.

Furthermore, all fellows engage in advanced training in essential areas, including: Molecular genetics, Immunopathology, and Electron microscopy. Within the fellowship, participants will also take part in the Department of Laboratory Medicine Leadership and Management Course, attend weekly dermatopathology conferences, teach residents from other specialties, and engage in journal club activities, all fostering a collaborative environment for learning and professional development 3.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty in the Department of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic is composed of 31 board-certified experts in various domains of dermatologic care, handling over 44,000 outpatient visits annually. This creates a vibrant learning environment rich in cases ranging from common to rare dermatological conditions. The Division of Dermatopathology and Cutaneous Immunopathology processes more than 35,000 skin pathology specimens each year, providing fellows with exposure to a wide array of dermatopathological conditions 4.

In addition to their clinical roles, faculty members are dedicated to teaching and mentoring fellows. Each fellow is assigned a faculty adviser who offers comprehensive educational guidance and personal support throughout the program. Furthermore, Mayo Clinic hosts visiting professors who participate in lectures and hospital rounds, providing additional educational opportunities and insights into the latest advancements in dermatopathology.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Dermatopathology Fellowship program at Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive visa support for international medical graduates. The program is capable of sponsoring various visa types, which facilitates the participation of international applicants who meet the eligibility requirements. The application process is highly competitive, welcoming qualified candidates from both MD and DO backgrounds, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs) 2.

Special Application Requirements

To apply for the Dermatopathology Fellowship, candidates must meet specific prerequisites, including board eligibility in either dermatology or pathology. Additionally, prospective fellows should ensure that they adhere to the application timelines and provide all necessary supplementary materials as detailed in the application guidelines. Previous experience in both dermatology and pathology is advantageous and may strengthen an application depending on the chosen track.