Resident Round Part 1: Program Spotlight – Texas Tech Dermatology Residency Program

Residents obtain a strong foundation in procedural dermatology including Mohs surgery, lasers, and cosmetic dermatology. First-year residents begin residency with ½ to a full day of Mohs surgery and excisions weekly, which increases up to two full days weekly for upper level residents. Varied cases with a number of complex repairs are managed under the direction of our Mohs surgeon. Cosmetic dermatology including botulinum toxin, fillers, intense pulsed light and carbon dioxide laser, and sclerotherapy are scheduled weekly. Dermatopathology is an equally strong area of training with all residents having a total of four months of dedicated dermatopathology training during residency. Slide reading and sign-out occur daily as the resident works one-on-one with each of our two dermatopathologists. During this rotation, the dermatopathology resident is also responsible for inpatient consults during clinic hours. Evening and weekend consults are covered for a total of six weeks per year by each resident on a rotating basis. Continuity clinic is a dedicated half-day clinic for residents, with monthly 2nd year resident clinic and weekly 3rd year clinic. A significant degree of autonomy is afforded in this clinic, with input from attending physicians as needed. The STD clinic at Lubbock Health department is staffed by residents bi-weekly who see a wide range of pathology from syphilis to genital warts.

Community engagement extends outside of the Department of Dermatology through a free-clinic sponsored by the Texas Tech University Health Science Center’s partnership with a community organization, Lubbock Impact. Each Wednesday night, a multi-specialty clinic is held at a local church facility with the goal of serving the homeless and working poor. Most dermatology residents volunteer at the free clinic at some point throughout residency, working alongside our faculty and providing free care including biopsies, excisions, and general dermatological care with provision of necessary medications as made possible by community grants. Annually, the dermatology department sponsors a free skin cancer screening where up to 500 patients are provided full or partial skin exams by residents, faculty, and community physicians.

The Texas Tech University Dermatology Residency is a strong, growing program with outstanding clinical faculty who have notable dedication to the education of residents, and a commitment to provide exceptional care to the residents of West Texas.

None of the authors have declared any relevant conflicts.