The Department of Dermatology residency program includes
a multiphasic dermatopathology experience with the cornerstone
of the dermatopathology centered at Regional Medical
Laboratory in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Dermatopathology unit
includes five fellowship trained dermatopathologists, examining
approximately 40,000 skin biopsies annually. Dermatology
residents rotate for 2-4 weeks each per year. In this way, the
dermatology residents have an opportunity to see between
500 and 2,000 cases per year. In addition to the foregoing,
dermatology residents review all skin biopsies that they personally
perform on patients in the OUHSC Department of
Dermatology clinical practice. This affords them an opportunity
for direct clinical-pathological correlation. Finally, three
structured dermatopathology conferences are conducted each
week including an Unknown Conference, where residents
assess and review slides they are blinded to, a Dermatopathology
Textbook Review Conference, and slide review at the
OU Dermatology Grand Rounds Conference.
From a procedural training standpoint, residents advance
through the program with expectation of continued competency.
Gaining basic surgical principles at the VAMC, the
residents are scheduled in a rotation with our Mohs Surgeons
for more advanced training and observation of advanced surgical
skills. Beyond that, residents are educated in cosmetic
dermatologic procedures from injectables to ablative and
non ablative laser therapies. Finally, as we initiate our Vein
Clinic, residents will have increased exposure to treatment
of venous and lymphatic disease utilizing sclerotherapy, ambulatory
phlebectomy, and endovenous laser ablation. Thus,
the residents at the University of Oklahoma obtain a diverse,
hands-on training in many aspects of procedural dermatology.
Upon completion of this curriculum, dermatology residents are
able to demonstrate expertise in the principles and practice of
dermatology of both common and rare dermatologic diseases
and conditions. Our intention is to produce independent,
thoughtful, and intellectually curious graduates intent upon, and
prepared for, a life of self-directed learning and dedication to the
advancement of the human condition through academic pursuits
and/or through care of patients with dermatologic disease.
Disclosures
None of the authors have disclosed any relevant conflicts.
References
- Everett, MA. University of Oklahoma Medical Center. Cutis. 1971; 8(3):289.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Travis W. Blalock MDTravis-Blalock@ouhsc.edu
