Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program in Dermatology at St. Louis stands as one of the largest dermatology residency programs in the nation, aiming to cultivate not just skilled clinicians but also leaders in the dermatological field. The program prepares its graduates for diverse roles in clinical excellence, research, education, and community engagement, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment among residents and faculty.

The program emphasizes a curriculum that melds robust clinical exposure with research opportunities. Residents engage with a diverse patient population across multiple urban and suburban practice settings, ensuring that they acquire the necessary clinical and procedural skills to address various dermatological conditions competently and fairly. The program emphasizes cultural competence and equitable patient care as core competencies for all physicians in training.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes a comprehensive mix of clinical and didactic education designed to build upon foundational knowledge throughout the three years of residency. Didactic sessions are protected, with structured weekly meetings including slide conferences, grand rounds, and specialty lectures. The program encourages active participation, where residents are involved in leading discussions and presenting cases during these sessions.1

Clinical training involves extensive rotations through various dermatology departments such as medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, and surgical dermatology. Experiences extend into high-volume outpatient clinics located at the BJH Center for Outpatient Health, where residents manage a panel of patients, gaining hands-on skills including biopsies, excisions, and cosmetic procedures.readiness for independent practice during later years.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral element of the residency program. Residents are trained to engage in clinical and basic science research, supported by faculty with diverse scholarly interests. The program encourages participation in research throughout residency, with specific pathways like the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) available for those particularly interested in this career trajectory.2

Participants in the PSTP benefit from structured mentorship and are encouraged to focus their research on areas that align with their interests within dermatology, enhancing their skills and professional network.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The residency program is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing its importance in medical training and care delivery. This inclusivity extends to program applicants, with initiatives aimed at attracting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine. The program fosters an environment conducive to personal and professional development, featuring dedicated mentorship from experienced faculty.3

Special programs like the Learning Physician Pathway provide residents with additional skills and mentorship focused on teaching and medical education, whereas the Global Health Scholars Pathway offers exposure to global health challenges through additional coursework and potential international experience.4

Training Sites

Training occurs at several critical locations, including the Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children's Hospital, and the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Hospital. These sites provide a wide array of clinical experiences, enabling residents to manage both outpatient and inpatient dermatological care across a spectrum of diseases and complexities.5

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The application process is competitive; candidates should possess strong engagement in meaningful activities, a commitment to cultural competence, and academic potential. While a passing score on USMLE Step 1 is necessary, applicants are not strictly excluded based on specific score cut-offs. The program reviews applications holistically, emphasizing personal and professional attributes over numeric evaluations.6

Visa sponsorship support is available for international medical graduates. The program can sponsor J-1 visas for graduates looking to join the residency. Applications from DO and IMG candidates are welcome, ensuring a diverse cohort of residents.7

Resident Life

Resident life at the program is characterized by a strong sense of community. Activities beyond clinical duties emphasize well-being and work-life balance, including social and wellness initiatives throughout the year. Events such as resident welcome parties, community outreach initiatives, and wellness programs encourage engagement among residents and faculty that creates a family-like atmosphere within the training environment.8

Diversity Initiatives

The program actively involves residents in discussions and initiatives aimed at inclusivity in medicine. Efforts focus on supporting historically underrepresented groups and improving cultural competency in medical training and practice, ensuring all residents are equipped to treat diverse populations effectively.9