Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

Overview of the Dermatology Residency Program

The Dermatology Residency at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School offers a comprehensive three-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program is specifically designed to address the increasing need for dermatologists in central New Jersey, thereby contributing to the formation of an academic department in the region and responding to the national shortage of dermatologists. Each year, the program accepts one resident, emphasizing the development of clinical competence, experience, and confidence within a supportive and educational environment.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The curriculum of the residency primarily focuses on clinical dermatology. Residents are expected to engage in hands-on patient care within a busy outpatient clinic. The program features unique specialty clinics such as Pediatric Dermatology, Patch Testing, and General Dermatologic Surgery, including cosmetic procedures and Mohs surgery. Residents are present in the clinic daily, except for Friday afternoons which are reserved for didactic learning sessions. This structure allows for immersive educational experiences while treating diverse skin conditions.

Location and Rotations

The outpatient clinical services are provided at a well-equipped facility located at 1 World’s Fair Drive, Somerset, NJ. The clinic spans a total of 4,000 square feet, providing ample space for patient care and resident activities. Residents participate in approximately 30-35 hours of clinic sessions each week, with eight to nine half-day clinic sessions held weekly. There is no separation between faculty and resident practices, meaning all patient encounters are supervised by attending physicians.

Research Opportunities

Recognizing the importance of research within dermatology, the program offers a dedicated research track designed for residents wanting to cultivate skills as clinician-scientists. This 2+2 program includes two years solely focused on clinical experiences followed by two years predominantly oriented towards research. Residents are encouraged to initiate and participate in research projects, writing grant proposals to support their efforts. Mentorship is integral, with committees established to guide resident development similar to a PhD student's experience, utilizing extensive institutional research resources and mentorship from various accomplished faculty members.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

To apply for the Dermatology Residency Program, candidates must meet specific application requirements. This includes submitting the ERAS application, a dean's letter, a medical school transcript, proof of graduation, two letters of reference (one from the Chief of Service or Program Director), and an ECFMG certificate for international medical graduates. Applicants must have completed one year of an approved internship/residency program accredited by ACGME or by the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. The selection process heavily weighs academic credentials, personal recommendations, and the applicant's qualities such as motivation and integrity. The residency program prides itself on providing equal opportunities to all prospective candidates, without bias regarding race, gender, or other discriminative factors. The program is competitive and seeks highly motivated individuals with strong clinical backgrounds.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Specifically, it can support the application for J-1 or H-1B visas, allowing international applicants to participate in the residency training program. This support is essential for fostering a diverse training environment and enriching the educational experience for all residents involved.

Benefits and Salary

The residency program offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that aligns with the standard offerings provided throughout the graduate medical education programs at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Specific details regarding salary and benefits are maintained and updated by the Office of Graduate Medical Education, ensuring that residents have access to the most current information related to their compensation and available resources.