UPMC Medical Education Program

The Dermatopathology Fellowship Program at UPMC offers a rigorous and comprehensive training experience designed for both Dermatology and Pathology trained fellows. The fellowship program's core focus is to provide an in-depth understanding and proficiency in Dermatopathology through a carefully structured curriculum.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship consists of two distinct training pathways: one for individuals with a background in Dermatology and another for those trained in Pathology. Each pathway is structured such that fellows will spend 50% of their time specializing in Dermatopathology and the remaining 50% in their respective clinical discipline, either Dermatology or Pathology. This dual exposure enables fellows to develop a robust understanding of the interplay between the clinical and pathological aspects of dermatological conditions.

For both pathways, fellows will engage in advanced laboratory techniques including immunoperoxidase stains, immunofluorescence studies, and electron microscopy, equipping them with the necessary tools to accurately interpret complex dermatopathological specimens. By the end of the training, fellows will be proficient in formulating dermatopathology reports and ready to take the certification examination in Dermatopathology after one year of training.

Fellowship Structure

Dermatology Trained Fellows

The primary objective for fellows coming from a Dermatology background is to enhance their knowledge and clinical skills related to Dermatopathology. This track includes learning various pathology procedures, gross specimen handling, fixation, and slide preparation techniques. Special emphasis is placed on proficiency in ordering and interpreting special procedures and molecular diagnostic studies for lymphoproliferative lesions.

Pathology Trained Fellows

For Pathology trained fellows, the emphasis lies in building a foundational understanding of Dermatopathology. The program recognizes that one year of training is just the beginning for a career in this subspecialty. Thus, continuous learning through further workshops and meetings is encouraged. The pathway emphasizes clinico-pathological correlation, allowing fellows to assess patients in clinical settings and correlate their findings with histopathological data from biopsies.

Supervision and Evaluation

Both types of fellows benefit from a supervisory framework involving the program director, the director of Dermatopathology, and attending physicians within the clinical dermatology and pathology settings. Fellows’ progress is regularly assessed by faculty members and feedback is gathered from various attending physicians to ensure comprehensive evaluation of both clinical and academic competencies.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must complete an Online Application for Fellowship in Dermatopathology, accompanied by a CV, a personal statement, USMLE scores, and three letters of recommendation, ideally including one from a Dermatopathologist. Applications are accepted starting in March of each year, with interviews generally occurring in December and January.

Licensing Requirements

In addition to application requirements, all fellows are expected to be eligible for a State of Pennsylvania Medical Trainee License, which is essential for participation in the fellowship program.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship options for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs). Typically, the program can sponsor J-1 visas, which are common for medical trainees, allowing international fellows to gain essential training in the U.S.

Fellowship Competitiveness

The Dermatopathology Fellowship Program is known to be highly competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants including U.S. graduates, DO graduates, and international medical graduates (IMGs). The program values a wide range of experiences but prefers candidates with robust preparation from pertinent fields.