Resident Rounds. Part I. Program Spotlight: Mayo Clinic, Arizona

Mayo Clinic Arizona is one of the rare programs offering a categorical position in dermatology, combining a one-year transitional year at our local hospital with three years of dermatology training. It is a small and intimate program, accepting two residents per year and turning out well-trained dermatologists. Unique to the program is the offering of a high degree of resident autonomy. Residents, from their outset in the department, are assigned their own calendars independent of attending physicians. First year dermatology residents are expected to staff every patient, but for the remainder of residency staffing is at the discretion of the resident. Therefore, conscientious trainees are a must as they are relied upon to recognize when additional help from an attending physician is needed. Our didactic time is generous with Monday and Tuesday mornings dedicated to teaching, a weekly Wednesday morning Grand Rounds, and a resident run chief conference on Fridays targeting board fodder. Dermatopathology is taught every Tuesday and consists of residents and a dermatopathologist. All residents are proficient in dermatopathology by completion of training. Many of our Monday and Tuesday conference are tri-site including Mayo Rochester, Minnesota, and Jacksonville, Florida. Of note, opportunity to rotate for a month at the other Mayo campuses during residency exists. The pediatric dermatology exposure and training is excellent with ongoing rotations at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and access to three pediatric dermatologists. We also rotate at Maricopa Medical Center, which cares for the underserved, indigent, and poor. Surgical and Mohs experiences start in the first year of dermatology training, with acquirement of one’s own excision clinic at the start of the second year which continues until residency completion. In addition to a Mohs surgeon, we have a plastic surgeon in the department, and receive pediatric surgery and supplementary laser training at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. When presenting, the trip budget for conferences is generous and there are opportunities for research. Finally, we have faculty expertise and niches in dermoscopy, contact dermatitis, and melanoma. About half of residents go on to fellowships.

The author has not disclosed any conflicts of interest.