Tulane University’s Department of Dermatology has excelled
in preparing physicians for their future careers in
clinical dermatology through a balanced education of
medical, procedural, and cosmetic dermatology. Our program
currently is composed of 12 dermatology residents, 1 research
fellow, 1 dermatopathology fellow, 6 full-time academic faculty
members, and 20 clinical faculty with specialties in the fields
of medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, immunodermatology,
photodermatology, dermatologic surgery (aesthetic
and micrographic), and cosmetic dermatology.
More than 12,000 patients receive care annually in our 5 clinical facilities,
located in New Orleans and Covington, LA, and Biloxi, MS.
The Biloxi location is a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. As we serve
a diverse patient population frequently presenting with severe or
unusual dermatologic conditions, our program offers a variety
of specialized treatments such as extracorporeal photopheresis,
which is only available in approximately 100 locations within the
United States, as well as a phototherapy unit and laser treatments.
Starting in the first year of residency, residents have a significant degree
of responsibility in patient care. First-year residents in various
clinics formulate their own treatment plans under the supervision
of the attending dermatologist. As residents gain experience and
proficiency, they are given the primary responsibility of diagnosing
and treating patients; faculty are available for consultation and
assistance. Upper-level residents actively participate in pediatric
dermatology, dermatopathology, Mohs micrographic surgery, and
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma clinic rotations. All residents rotate
through a weekly, resident-run cosmetic clinic, learning and performing
procedures such as liposuction/lipocontouring, filler and
neurotoxin injections, and sclerotherapy. Residents are exposed to
hair transplantation in one of our clinical faculty’s clinics.
To balance this clinical experience with didactic learning, Fridays
are devoted to academic resident education. Residents lead
weekly discussions of textbook chapters, with faculty present
for additional clinical insight. Faculty and guest lecturers provide
in-depth discussions on specific topics, such as cutaneous electrosurgery
or a systematic approach to inflammatory diseases.
There are several dermatopathology lectures as well as clinical
slide interpretation with different dermatopathology faculty and
fellows leading these sessions. Other educational highlights include
frequent journal clubs, weekly Kodachrome grand rounds,
regular attendance to local dermatology meetings, and required
formation and completion of an independent clinical investigation
before graduating from the program.
We take great pride in our residents. We value their input, and they
contribute greatly to the success of our program. Working closely
together in patient care, the residents and faculty become a family of
sorts sharing one another’s accomplishments and challenges. The
overall goal of Tulane University’s Dermatology Training Program is
to foster residents’ development into dermatologists who are competent
in the management of complex diseases, compassionate to
those in need, and prepared for a clinical or academic career.
Disclosures
The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.
Address for Correspondence
Erin E. Boh MD PhDeboh@tulane.edu
