Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Dermatopathology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program dedicated to the advanced training of physicians in the field of dermatopathology. The program accepts one fellow annually and provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop expertise in the diagnosis, research, and clinical aspects of dermatopathology.

Program Overview

This fully funded fellowship encompasses all aspects of dermatopathology. The fellowship's faculty consists of three academic dermatopathologists, alongside anatomic pathologists and dermatologists, providing fellows with invaluable insights through various clinical exposures. Each year, the service handles over 15,000 cases, integrating both in-house and referred samples, enabling fellows to gain extensive experience with a range of dermatopathological conditions.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows will dedicate approximately 50% of their time to dermatopathology sign-out activities. They are expected to develop independent diagnostic skills, formulating preliminary diagnoses for all cases prior to review by supervising attendings. In addition to clinical duties, fellows will dictate over 400 consult cases from various external pathologists. The fellowship provides a blend of clinical experience and educational opportunities, which includes participation in weekly dermatopathology conferences, journal clubs, and dermatology grand rounds.

Educational Activities

Fellows will engage in research projects that align with their interests, and the department supports endeavors through internal grant mechanisms and access to full-time research technicians. At least one publication and a presentation at a national dermatopathology meeting are expected from each fellow during their training year.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship emphasizes quality improvement (QI) activities in pathology practice. Fellows participate in weekly QI meetings and must undertake a QI project to enhance their learning experience. The design and execution of these projects will be conducted under the mentorship of faculty members, with opportunities for presentation at departmental grand rounds.

Furthermore, the program encourages a holistic approach to professional development. Mentorship opportunities are available via the Network of Under-represented Residents and Fellows (NURF), promoting diversity within the training environment and providing enhanced networking opportunities.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is friendly towards International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship for J-1 visas. The application process calls for applicants to be board-certified or board-eligible in anatomic pathology or dermatology, ensuring a competitive but accessible process for diverse applicants.

Application Process and Requirements

Applying to the Dermatopathology Fellowship requires a comprehensive file submitted directly to the program coordinator. This includes the CAP Standardized Pathology Fellowship Application, a cover letter, a personal statement, a curriculum vitae, USMLE scores (or equivalent), and several letters of recommendation—one from the most recent program director and two to three additional letters. The program does not participate in the ERAS application system, which sets it apart from many other fellowships.

Applicants should be aware that incomplete applications will not be considered. Therefore, due diligence is essential to ensure all required documents are submitted before the deadline set for applications.

Conclusion

The Dermatopathology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers a robust training experience within a supportive academic environment. Fellows will gain significant autonomy in diagnosing a high volume and variety of cases, develop practical skills, engage in essential research, and contribute to quality improvement initiatives that shape modern dermatopathology.