The dermatology residency at the University of Vermont
has been in existence for over a decade and now trains
6 residents at the state’s academic medical center, accepting
two candidates annually. The first program director was
Glenn Goldman, the current chair of our division, who subsequently
launched a Mohs procedural fellowship in 2005, which
he continues to lead. That same year, Deborah Cook started a
dermatopathology fellowship, and she remains its director. We
have 8 full-time dermatology faculty, two dermatopathologists,
and 4 physician assistants.
Commonly known as UVM -from the Latin Universitas Viridis
Montis, for “University of the Green Mountains†– our institution’s
emphasis is overall excellence in clinical dermatology.
Through staff example and mentoring, it is hoped that all residents
are inspired to consider an academic career at some
point during their training. Bolstered by our subspecialty faculty
expertise, graduates of UVM dermatology possess strong
procedural skills and a solid foundation in dermatopathology,
setting them up for success in a variety of private practice and
academic positions around the country.
First year residents are scheduled for ten months of general dermatology
and in the fall assume the management of their own
population of patients, with whom they form a relationship in
dedicated weekly half-day clinics for the remainder of their training.
They also have initial rotations in dermatologic surgery and
dermatopathology, exposures which increase in length over the
ensuing years, and perform inpatient consults. In addition to the
core curriculum, second and third year residents can pursue onemonth
away electives and are allotted additional research time.
Beyond frequent didactic lectures, clinical and pathology slide
reviews, textbook assignments, journal clubs, and problembased
learning sessions, UVM dermatology trainees participate
in a multidisciplinary melanoma clinic, laser clinics, and resident
cosmetic procedure sessions. They play a key role in teaching
our students - who attend one of the oldest medical schools
in the nation – as well as the growing number of rotators from
around the country and our residents in primary care. Along
with the faculty, residents have the privilege of staffing a once
monthly dermatology outreach clinic for the medically underserved
at a local community health center, where UVM’s home
city of Burlington’s immigrant population has markedly grown.
The academic experience at UVM is heightened by our tradition
of quality monthly grand rounds, enhanced by the active participation
by our community dermatologists and dermatology
extenders. Each fall, we also host the Vermont Dermatology
Society annual meeting with a visiting distinguished lecturer. A
quarter century ago, Chair emeritus Paul Krusinski introduced
the Eastern Winter Dermatology Conference over Martin Luther
King weekend in the picturesque New England mountain resort
town of Stowe, where a main highlight is now the “Great Cases
from UVM†session presented by the residents and fellows.
As we enter the next decade of our program, an atmosphere
of mutual respect between faculty and residents continues to
be fostered. By prioritizing the selection of applicants of integrity,
graduates who provide knowledgeable and compassionate
care is the goal for our legacy.
Disclosures
None of the authors have declared any relevant conflicts.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Joseph C. Pierson MDjoseph.pierson@uvm.edu
