Resident Rounds Part I. Program Spotlight: Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville opened in 1986 on the intracoastal waterway of Florida just miles from Jacksonville Beach, and was the first Mayo Clinic campus outside of Rochester, MN. Initially staffed by 30 physicians including 1 dermatologist, it has now grown to include comprehensive outpatient services, a 249-bed hospital that is currently undergoing expansion, and is nationally recognized for comprehensive cancer care, transplantation, and neurologic research. The dermatology residency program started in 2000 and continues to graduate 2 residents per year. The department currently has 6 residents and 7 faculty, including 1 Mohs surgeon and 2 dermatopathologists.

The program is unique in structure with each resident having his/her own continuity clinic from day one, accounting for the vast majority of time spent in clinic during residency. A different faculty member is dedicated each half day of resident clinic to staff patients and provide clinical instruction. This allows for full support, but also a high level of autonomy and the ability to follow patients longitudinally and observe responses to various treatment regimens. Residents spend two months per year on the inpatient dermatology consult service, splitting time between dermatology acute care clinic and inpatient consults. In addition, first year residents complete a one-month rotation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester on the inpatient dermatology service. There are dedicated rotations in Mohs surgery and dermatopathology, as well as ample time spent in patch test clinic. Second and third year residents each spend one month at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, working closely with Dr. Ronald Hansen and his renowned pediatric dermatology group.

Interaction with the other Mayo Clinic programs in Minnesota and Arizona is another feature of the program. Weekly core curriculum sessions, organized by residents with participation by faculty, occur via teleconference between the three sites every Monday. This is followed by a dermatologic surgery conference or clinicopathologic correlation conference, on an alternating basis. Time also is provided weekly for academic pursuits such as research and case reports. Presentations at local and national dermatology meetings are generously supported and encouraged by Mayo Clinic.

In summary, the dermatology residency program at Mayo Clinic in Florida offers exceptional clinical training and diverse educational opportunities, all in the setting of a highly collegial environment. Close interaction between residents and faculty members fosters a personalized residency experience and the development of meaningful and enduring professional relationships.

None of the authors have any relevant conflicts to disclose.