Resident Rounds. Part I: Henry Ford Hospital Department of Dermatology Residency Training Program

October 2012 | Volume 11 | Issue 10 | Features | 1232 | Copyright © October 2012


Abstract

Resident Rounds is a section of the JDD dedicated to highlighting various dermatology departments with residency training programs. Resident Rounds includes three sections: (1) a program spotlight, highlighting pertinent information about the department and residency training program; (2) a section presenting study materials used by residents at the program; and (3) a section designed to highlight recent interesting cases seen at the institution. This issue of Resident Rounds features the Henry Ford Hospital Department of Dermatology Residency Training Program. The editor of Resident Rounds is Omar A. Ibrahimi MD PhD. He is currently the Director of Cutaneous Laser and Cosmetic Surgery and a Mohs surgeon at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Ibrahimi is also a Visiting Scientist at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. If you are interested in highlighting your training program in a future issue, please contact Dr. Ibrahimi at OIbrahimi@jddonline.com.

The Henry Ford Hospital Department of Dermatology Residency Program has trained 287 dermatologists in its 59 years of existence. With offices both in urban Detroit and the surrounding metro area, the department and its eighteen residents serve a culturally and ethnically diverse population. Residents encounter cutaneous diseases in many different skin types, with an emphasis on skin of color.
The greatest strengths of the residency program are its multitude of subspecialty clinics and its focus on continuity of care. The subspecialty care clinics include pediatrics, multicultural dermatology, cutaneous T cell lymphoma, transplant dermatology, hair removal, nail and follicular disorders, pigmented lesions, vitiligo, and combined rheumatology-dermatology. In addition, there are dedicated core rotations in Mohs and general cutaneous surgery, dermatopathology, cosmetics, and inpatient consultation.
A unique aspect of the program is its focus on continuity of patient care in resident clinics. Supervised by senior staff physicians, residents become proficient in diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making while caring for both acute and chronic dermatological conditions. As the primary dermatologist for the patient, the resident counsels the patient, develops a therapeutic plan and answers patient concerns after the visit. In addition, second year residents participate in urgent-care clinics for patients with inflammatory dermatoses.
The department prioritizes the education of its residents. Daily lectures include book reviews, journal clubs, dermatopathology microscopy sessions, dermatopharmacology talks, cutaneous surgery talks, clinical images, and billing/coding instruction. During weekly grand rounds sessions, patients with classic or unusual disease presentations or therapeutic dilemmas are presented. Discussion focuses on describing morphologic features and constructing a therapeutic treatment ladder for the patients. In addition, the department welcomes medical students and primary care residents to rotate in the clinics. On average, there are 4 to 5 rotators from
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different medical schools, residencies, or countries during any given month. The dermatology residents give rotator-specific lectures and involve the rotators in patient-care activities. The faculty supervises residents in a weekly rotator-specific clinic, where the rotators evaluate and treat patients.
Because it is a large residency program, the residents have the flexibility to explore their clinical and research interests. Examples of current resident projects include the establishment of a vitiligo support group, a combined rheumatology-dermatology clinic, a free clinic for the uninsured, and teledermatology.
The Henry Ford Hospital Department of Dermatology Residency Program offers a balanced medical and surgical education and encourages residents to explore their clinical interests. Whether in private or academic practice or fellowships, graduates from the program are prepared to provide exceptional, patient-focused care.

DISCLOSURES

The authors have disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE

Laurie Kohen MDlkohen@hfhs.org