Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Dermatology Residency at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a three-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to provide comprehensive training in dermatology. The program accepts four residents each year, offering a structured learning environment that fosters both clinical skills and personal development.

Program Structure

The residency program is organized into an advanced track that begins in the PGY-2 year, following a prerequisite year in internal medicine or other related fields such as general surgery, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, or emergency medicine. This prerequisite training can be completed at Penn State College of Medicine or any other ACGME-approved program. Applicants must submit a separate ERAS application for the preliminary year in addition to the dermatology residency application.

Residents in the program are exposed to a diverse patient population and benefit from a variety of clinical rotations. The training involves hands-on experience in dermatopathology and Mohs surgery, allowing residents to develop skills in both surgical and clinical dermatology. Moreover, each resident is required to participate in an investigative project throughout their training, nurturing their involvement in translational and basic science research.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to ensure continual progression of knowledge and skills over the three years. The first year focuses on developing basic competencies in patient care, medical knowledge, and procedural skills. Residents engage in continuity clinics where they follow their own patients, ensuring a consistent learning experience.

In the second year, the curriculum shifts towards increasing residents' independence in patient management and procedural activities, with opportunities to teach medical students and organize cases for grand rounds. The third year emphasizes leadership responsibilities, where residents take on roles akin to chief residents and participate in advanced elective rotations.

Clinical Rotations

Throughout the program, residents engage in varied clinical settings, including comprehensive dermatology clinics, pediatric dermatology, and surgical clinics. Each resident dedicates time to surgery and academic research, with a structured schedule that allocates appropriate time for study and preparation for board examinations. The program boasts a 100% pass rate for residents on the board exam over the past decade.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the residency, with each resident required to complete at least one research project, which can encompass clinical trials, review articles, or basic science research. The program supports residents in this endeavor with a dedicated clinical trials unit and access to competitive grants to fund projects.

Unique Features

Penn State Dermatology is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The program has established initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion among residents and faculty, which is reflected in its teaching and community outreach programs. Regularly scheduled lectures and workshops ensure that these values are integrated into the residency experience.

Visa Support and Application Process

The residency program offers visa support and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified international medical graduates. Competitiveness for the program is notable, as it receives over 600 applications annually, inviting approximately 35 to 40 candidates for interviews. Applicants are evaluated holistically, focusing on individual goals and experiences rather than solely on standardized test scores.

Application Requirements

To apply, interested individuals must submit a complete ERAS application, including a common application form, personal statements, transcripts, a Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) or dean's letter, and at least three letters of recommendation, ideally including one from a dermatology faculty member.

The residency program strongly encourages prospective applicants to submit their applications by October 1, as late submissions will not be accepted. With a structured interview process taking place in early December, candidates should expect communication via ERAS for scheduling interviews.

Resident Wellness and Support

The program prioritizes wellness, providing numerous resources to support residents' emotional, physical, and social health. This includes access to the BeWell health program, employee health services, and professional mental health support. Additional benefits such as networking opportunities for significant others and community initiatives are also actively promoted.