The dermatology residency program at St. Joseph Mercy
Health System (SJMHS), Ann Arbor, MI, began in 2006.
The osteopathic training program has 12 current residents
in the 2012 to 2013 academic year. In addition, the program
offers fellowships in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS)
and dermatopathology. The teaching faculty consists of 18 attending
physicians with focuses on general dermatology, contact
dermatitis, dermatopathology, MMS, immunobullous diseases,
cosmetics, laser dermatology, and skin of color.
In addition to working with a wide range of faculty members,
SJMHS residents are exposed to numerous patient ethnicities
through the academic teaching clinic in Ann Arbor as well as
private practices in metro Detroit area, with exposure to more
than 130,000 patients annually. Unique to the SJMHS dermatology
residency is an international dermatology rotation in the
Dominican Republic for senior residents. This unprecedented
rotation abroad immerses residents in tropical dermatology and
provides exposure to rare cases in infectious disease, while allowing
residents to strengthen their medical Spanish skills.
The residents gain autonomy and confidence in their diagnostic
and decision-making skills at the academic dermatology
continuity clinic. Residents have numerous opportunities for
procedural dermatology, including dermatologic surgery,
MMS, chemical peels, toxin and filler injection, and laser treatments.
Adjacent to the resident clinic is the dermatopathology
department, which has 4 full-time dermatopathologists and offers
a greater understanding of clinical pathologic correlations.
Residents have presented at numerous national meetings,
including the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the American
Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society
of Dermatopathology. In 2012, 9 of 12 residents presented
cases at the Gross & Microscopic Dermatology Symposium
Resident Forum at the AAD meeting in San Diego, CA. Each
year, the program hosts a Michigan Dermatologic Society
(MDS) meeting, 1 of 4 conducted by the major academic der
matology
programs in the state. This event is a large patient
grand rounds with discussions of esoteric dermatologic conditions
seen in the various resident clinics. Last year, 40 live
patients were present, and their cases were presented, along
with poster sessions and feature cases from the Dominican
Republic. More than 130 Michigan dermatologists attended
the meeting, which also included presentations by guest
speakers and residents.
Resident didactics include weekly textbook reviews, dermatopathology
slides, clinical images, and board review sessions.
Grand rounds and journal clubs are held on a monthly basis.
The growth and success of the dermatology residency program
at SJMHS has been dependent on our dedicated, active
teaching faculty.
Disclosures
The authors have disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Heather Kiraly Orkwis DOorkwish@trinity-health.org
