Ohio State University Hospital Program

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center offers a one-year, ACGME approved Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship designed to provide comprehensive training in Mohs surgery and cutaneous oncology. This fellowship is structured to prepare fellows to independently manage both common and complex cutaneous malignancies and perform a wide range of reconstructive procedures effectively. The program incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with various specialties important to skin cancer management, including oculoplastic surgery, otolaryngology, medical oncology, dermatopathology, radiation oncology, and plastic surgery 1.

Training Opportunities

The fellowship offers a robust schedule comprised of rotation in Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) and reconstruction, non-MMS dermatologic surgery, transplant dermatology, and dedicated research time. Fellows are expected to participate in the following structured rotations: Mondays and Wednesdays are fully dedicated to MMS and reconstruction; Tuesday mornings are allocated for MMS; Tuesdays afternoons and Thursdays on alternate weeks will be focused on non-MMS dermatologic surgery; and special sessions are included for transplant dermatology each month 1.

During the fellowship, fellows will have the opportunity to engage in protected research time for several Fridays each month, thus emphasizing the importance of academic inquiry within clinical practice. Additionally, a commitment to teaching is required, with opportunities to lecture residents and medical students, enhancing educational interaction within the institution 1.

Research and Electives

Research is a critical focus of the fellowship, dedicating about one day per week solely to research initiatives. While the program requires the completion of at least one scholarly project, numerous additional opportunities are available for motivated fellows interested in further academic contributions. Candidates may also arrange for a one-week elective rotation, with prior approval, to explore specific interests not covered by the core curriculum 1.

Application Process and Competitive Landscape

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must have completed an accredited dermatology residency and should either be currently board certified or eligible for the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) examination. If the applicant is ABD eligible, they must take the board examination at the earliest opportunity. The fellowship participates in the Central Application Service (CAS) of the San Francisco Match, with a clear submission deadline of August 1 each academic year. The program accepts one fellow per year, and historically, 100% of matched applicants have been from outside institutions, indicating a competitive admissions process 2.

Visa and Special Requirements

The fellowship program offers visa support, generally sponsoring J-1 visas. It may also consider H-1B visa sponsorship on a case-by-case basis. The program aims to be inclusive and may be friendly towards applicants holding DO or IMG status. However, specific application requirements, such as the timing of board examinations and documenting surgical skills through video submissions, are strongly enforced. Selected candidates for interviews will be asked to submit video evidence demonstrating their surgical proficiency 1.

Training Locations

Training sites include the Ohio State University Dermatology East and West, Martha Morehouse Tower and The James Cancer Center, which enrich the clinical exposure fellows receive and provide diverse learning environments. The fellowship integrates clinical practice with state-of-the-art medical education resources, maximizing both patient care and training quality 1.