McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

Program Overview and Philosophy

The McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program offers a comprehensive residency in Dermatology alone or as a combined Dermatology-Internal Medicine Residency 1. The program aims to provide residents with an exceptional education in both clinical care and research while fostering professional growth in a supportive environment 1. By integrating evidence-based practice with cutting-edge research, the program is dedicated to cultivating future leaders in dermatology and internal medicine who are well-prepared to address diverse and complex patient needs.

Curriculum and Rotations

Dermatology Residency Curriculum & Rotations

The dermatology residency spans three years and is structured to ensure residents gain extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings 1. Throughout the program, residents rotate through a variety of clinical sites, including Northwestern Medical Group clinics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center 1. The curriculum covers a wide range of dermatologic subspecialties, including:

• General Dermatology
• Complex Medical Dermatology
• Pediatric Dermatology
• Dermatologic Oncology
• Dermatologic Surgery
• Dermatopathology
• Dermatopharmacology
• Immunodermatology
• Phototherapy
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery
• Laser and Cosmetic Procedures

In the first year, residents focus on general medical dermatology and dermatologic surgery 1. The second year places greater emphasis on pediatric dermatology and inpatient dermatology, while the third year involves increased responsibilities in both clinical and leadership capacities 1. Continuity clinics are a key component of the training across all three years.

Combined Dermatology-Internal Medicine Residency

This five-year integrated program offers dual training in internal medicine and dermatology 2. The training is evenly split between the two fields, allowing residents to acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills across both specialties 2. In the first year, residents concentrate on internal medicine with rotations at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Jesse Brown VA Hospital 2. The second year shifts the focus to dermatology 2. From the third year onward, residents spend equal time in each specialty 2. The curriculum includes general and complex dermatologic conditions, dermatologic surgery, and continuity clinic responsibilities, ensuring a well-rounded education 3.

Training Sites and Facilities

Residents benefit from training at top-tier facilities, providing exposure to a diverse patient population and a wide range of dermatologic conditions 1. Key training sites include:

• Northwestern Medical Group Clinics: Offers a dynamic outpatient experience with access to state-of-the-art resources and multi-specialty collaboration.
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago: Provides specialized training in pediatric dermatology and access to unique pediatric cases.
• Jesse Brown VA Medical Center: Offers experience in treating a veteran population with diverse healthcare needs.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

For the dermatology residency, prospective applicants must complete a preliminary year of PGY-1 clinical education 1. Application submissions are made through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with three letters of recommendation required 1. The program conducts interviews in December and January, and the application process is competitive, attracting top candidates nationwide 1.

For the Combined Dermatology-Internal Medicine Residency, one position is available annually through the National Resident Matching Program 2. Candidates must submit four letters of recommendation, with two focused on internal medicine and two on dermatology 2.

Research Opportunities

The program strongly emphasizes the importance of research, encouraging all residents to engage in either basic or clinical research activities 5. The structured Physician-Scientist Training Program (PSTP) offers a "two-plus-two" model, with two years devoted to clinical work followed by two years dedicated to research 5. Additionally, the Dermatopathology Fellowship provides further research exposure, including clinical trials and collaborative projects, allowing residents to advance their academic and clinical expertise 5.

Unique Program Features

One of the distinguishing features of the McGaw Medical Center program is its commitment to integrating research with clinical training 1. The availability of diverse subspecialty experiences, rigorous training in dermatologic surgery, and comprehensive coverage of both pediatric and adult dermatology reflect the program's dedication to holistic medical education 1. Another unique aspect is the combined residency option, allowing residents to graduate with dual credentials in dermatology and internal medicine, a rare opportunity in the residency landscape 2.

Fellowship Opportunities

The program offers several fellowships for advanced training, including:

• Dermatopathology Fellowship: A one-year ACGME-accredited program focusing on developing subspecialty competence in dermatopathology 4.
• Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship: Provides comprehensive training in surgical techniques, offering advanced education in this field 6.
• Research Fellowships: Foster the development of future academic leaders, enabling residents to engage in specialized research projects 7.

Resident Wellness and Support

The program places significant emphasis on resident well-being, providing a variety of resources and support systems 1. Daily didactic sessions, Grand Rounds, seminars, and societal meetings contribute to ongoing education and professional development 1. The STARZL Academy offers additional mentorship and training opportunities for physician-scientists 7. Through a structured career mentorship framework, residents receive guidance in navigating their career paths and achieving their professional goals 1.

The program's commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment ensures that residents are well-equipped to handle the demands of residency training and are set on a path to becoming leaders in their respective fields 2.