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
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
