UPMC Medical Education Program

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Education Program (UPMCMEP) in Dermatology offers a comprehensive educational experience for resident physicians in the field of dermatology. The program is designed to train future dermatologists to be experts in diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases affecting the skin, hair, nails, and mucous membranes. It emphasizes a nurturing and enthusiastic environment while affirming a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and education on diagnoses and treatment of diseases in skin of color. Furthermore, the program focuses on core competencies as per the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), including patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and systems-based practice.

The program offers an integrated and dynamic curriculum structured around three cores that encompass clinical training, didactics, and research, to provide a holistic training approach under the guidelines of the American Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Dermatology. The resident's learning experience is enriched with an array of clinical rotations across general dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, dermatologic oncology, and various specialized clinics such as wound-healing, pigmented lesion, and contact dermatitis clinics, among others.

UPMCMEP in Dermatology ensures residents receive vast exposure to subspecialty clinics and a variety of settings, from university-based clinics to private practices. It prepares residents for a wide range of career paths, including private practice, academic dermatology, or subspecialty fellowships. The program notably provides ample opportunities for residents to lead clinics and engage in community and global health initiatives. Additionally, didactic training is an integral part of the residency, featuring an extensive series of lectures, grand rounds, and conferences designed to cover all aspects of dermatologic care, basic sciences, and ACGME core competencies.

An emphasis on research is evident, with residents required to select and complete an annual research project under faculty supervision, contributing to their scholarly development and the field. This includes protected academic time to pursue research interests or educational projects, although progress in these projects influences the availability of such time.

The program notably addresses diversity and anti-racism actively, with initiatives aimed at incorporating skin of color education in weekly didactics, sponsoring attendance at related conferences, and hosting grand rounds on racism in the medical field. It is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment that respects and treats all patients equally, regardless of their background.

For those considering the UPMCMEP in Dermatology, it offers a robust, comprehensive training environment poised to develop highly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate dermatologists ready to advance the field and provide exceptional care to a diverse patient population.