The Virginia Commonwealth University Health System
(VCUHS) Department of Dermatology furnishes trainees
with the educational and practical experience necessary
to provide superior care of patients. Training is provided primarily
at 3 facilities: the VCUHS Medical College of Virginia (MCV)
Hospitals and associated clinics, the VCUHS Stony Point Clinic,
and the McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).
At the VCUHS MCV Hospitals and clinics, residents participate
in a continuity clinic over the 3 years of residency and a weekly
pediatric dermatology clinic staffed by a faculty member who is
board certified in dermatology, pediatrics, and pediatric dermatology.
At the Stony Point location, residents rotate in specialty
clinics, including the largest regional collection of mycosis fungoides
patients and a complex medical dermatology clinic
focusing on patients requiring systemic therapy. This location
also features laser surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery
for third-year residents. The VAMC offers an excellent complement
to this training, with clinics focusing on the evaluation
and management of many common skin conditions, including
cutaneous tumors. Supervised by faculty, including a Mohs
surgeon, first- and second-year residents at the VAMC perform
procedures such as electrodessication and curettage, as well as
facial surgery, flaps, and grafts.
In addition to these experiences, residents also provide in-patient
consultation, mostly during their third year of residency.
Residents are exposed to a fascinating range of dermatologic
conditions with consultations requested by pediatrics, oncology,
bone marrow transplantation, hepatology, rheumatology, and
other subspecialties. With faculty supervision, residents address
the dermatologic needs of acutely ill patients and function as
part of a team to manage complex hospitalized patients.
While most of the residents' time is spent in the clinical practice,
residents also participate in scholarly and educational activities.
Residents present at local and regional conferences, including
the VCU/EVMS (Eastern Virginia Medical School) Combined
Conference, the Southeastern Consortium for Dermatology,
and national conferences such as the American Academy of
Dermatology Gross & Microscopic Dermatology Symposium.
Residents are supported in scholarly activity within the department
and outside the department, if desired. Furthermore, the
department provides lecture curricula in medical and surgical
dermatology, dermatopathology, and basic science, prepared
by both residents and faculty.
The pairing of outstanding clinical experiences with the supervision,
support, and mentorship of faculty provides residents at
the VCUHS Department of Dermatology with the knowledge and
skills needed to excel in the field of dermatology.
Disclosures
The authors have disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.
AUTHOR CORRESPONDENCE
Sheila M. Krishna MDsmkrishna@mcvh-vcu.edu
