Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a prestigious one-year program that is ACGME-accredited and designed for individuals committed to specializing in dermatologic surgery. This program accepts one fellow annually, providing an intimate and focused training environment.

The fellowship provides exposure to a diverse range of surgical and management styles, given that it boasts six full-time Mohs surgeons who have trained in various illustrious programs. In 2019 alone, more than 3,900 Mohs procedures were performed across multiple sites within Penn State Health, ensuring that fellows encounter a wide variety of complex cases, including advanced and rare tumors. These cases often necessitate sophisticated facial reconstructions and staged procedures, contributing to a comprehensive training experience in surgical oncology and reconstruction 1.

Curriculum Components

The fellowship's curriculum is structured to enhance the fellow's experience in cutaneous oncology, Mohs surgery, and reconstruction. Key components include:

• Mohs Surgery and Reconstruction: The principal focus of the fellowship, providing hands-on experience with an array of surgical techniques.
• Cosmetic and Laser Procedures: Rotations through the Esteem Cosmetic Center allows fellows to learn about cosmetic practices and manage leg-vein diseases through both thermal and non-thermal endovenous ablation.
• Collaborative Rotations: Fellows may also rotate with professionals in closely related fields, such as facial plastic surgery, oculoplastics, and phlebology, allowing for exposure to varied methodologies and best practices.
• Education and Teaching Opportunities: Fellows participate actively in teaching residents and medical students, which helps refine their instructional skills during the fellowship year 1.

Fellowship Structure and Schedule

The fellowship includes four weeks of vacation time, organized as one week at a time, which provides fellows with personal time throughout the year. Elective opportunities further enrich the fellowship experience, allowing fellows to explore areas such as radiation oncology, head and neck surgery, medical oncology, and more 1. Additionally, fellows are responsible for setting up elective exposures when their supervising attending is away, providing further opportunities for hands-on learning.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is highly competitive, typically attracting applicants who are either board-eligible or board-certified in dermatology at the commencement of the fellowship. Application processing is facilitated through the central application service of the SF Match Program, emphasizing the need for a strong background in dermatology as a prerequisite for admissibility 1. Special application requirements may also include stipulations concerning the year of graduation, which are to be verified during the application process.

Visa Support and Diversity Initiatives

The program actively supports international applicants. Fellowships typically offer sponsorship for J-1 visas, recognizing the need for inclusivity and diversity in medical education. This commitment is underscored by the program's affiliation with the Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which promotes comprehensive outreach and support for underrepresented groups in medicine 1.

Wellness and Support Resources

Recognizing the importance of wellness in medical education, the program has embraced various initiatives to support the emotional, social, and physical health of its fellows. Resources provided include mental health programs and networking opportunities to aid fellows in job placements for significant others and community building activities 1. The emphasis on wellness is indicative of the program's holistic approach to training.

Training and Research Opportunities

The fellowship incorporates a strong research element, encouraging fellows to participate in the annual Resident/Fellow Research Day. This event provides a platform to showcase research accomplishments and foster collaboration across multiple specialties within Penn State Health 1.