SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Program

Dermatopathology Fellowship Overview

The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine offers a one-year ACGME-accredited dermatopathology fellowship sponsored by the Department of Dermatology. This program is tailored for physicians who have completed a residency in either dermatology or pathology and aims to train them as independent dermatopathologists. Each year, the program accepts one fellow to maintain focused training, with the goal of having one dermatology-trained fellow and one pathology-trained fellow.1

The fellowship provides extensive experience, with around 45,000 routine dermatopathology cases, 100 consult cases, and 400 direct immunofluorescence cases handled annually.1

Accreditation and Application Details

The dermatopathology fellowship is accredited by the ACGME, ensuring that the training adheres to the highest standards in medical education. As for the application cycle, the current cohort is filled through the 2026-2027 academic year. Future application cycles and required materials will be provided on the program's webpage as they become available.1

Curriculum and Training

The program includes comprehensive training in a variety of areas, including the morphologic evaluation of inflammatory skin disease and cutaneous neoplasms, histochemical and immunohistochemical staining, and the evaluation of direct immunofluorescence specimens. In addition, instruction on the interpretation of frozen and permanent Mohs micrographic surgery specimens is offered, enhancing the fellow’s practical experience.1

Research Opportunities

An element of the fellowship is the requirement to participate in research, allowing fellows to engage actively with either the Department of Dermatology or the Department of Pathology. Research projects can span various topics within dermatopathology, contributing to academic knowledge and innovation. Fellows are expected to teach medical students and residents and participate in didactic conferences relevant to their previous residency training.1

Training Sites

The fellowship involves clinical training that occurs at a range of facilities including Saint Louis University Department of Pathology and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center. This diversity in training sites provides a well-rounded experience, allowing fellows to gain exposure to a broad spectrum of clinical cases and patient demographics.1

Visa Support

The program is accommodating for international medical graduates, offering visa sponsorship, typically for the J-1 visa type. This support enables international applicants to train and practice in the United States during their fellowship period, making it accessible to a wider range of candidates who meet the admission criteria.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The dermatopathology fellowship at SSM Health/Saint Louis University is competitive, as it seeks candidates who have successfully completed their residency in either dermatology or pathology. Applicants usually need to demonstrate strong academic performance and competency in their residency training to be considered favorably. The program operates under the principle of selecting well-rounded candidates who exhibit both clinical skills and academic prowess.1

Notably, there may be specific application requirements regarding the year of graduation and performance on qualifying examinations that applicants should be mindful of as they consider applying.2

Current Fellow Highlights

The current fellow in the dermatopathology fellowship program is actively engaged in both educational efforts and practical dermatopathologic training. The fellow brings a blend of professional interests, enhancing the collaborative atmosphere of the fellowship. For instance, current fellows often take part in community service and outreach initiatives, indicating the program's commitment not just to medical education, but also to societal impact.1