Clinical Dermatology

Location: Multiple

Coordinator: Dr. George Murakawa

Administrator:  Ms. Dianna Fortunato

Objectives:

  1. To learn the fundamentals of making a specific dermatologic diagnoses and recognize cutaneous morphology.   Incorporation of examination into the general physical examination will be emphasized as much as possible for those residents seeking further training in primary care fields.
  2. To acquire basic knowledge in the management of common skin disorders in a variety of ambulatory care settings including University out-patient clinics, and private office practices.
  3. To be able to perform and interpret diagnostic dermatologic tests including KOH preparations, Tzanck preparations, and patch tests.
  4. To understand the role and evaluation of dermatologic treatments including surgery, photo therapy, cryotherapy in the management of benign and malignant disorders.
  5. To recognize the role and necessity of an inpatient dermatology service in treating specific disorders.

Methods:

  1. Didactic lectures from the faculty that will review basic dermatology principles. 
  2. Outpatient clinical experience supervised by WSU attending physicians.
  3. Outpatient clinics in a private practice office.
  4. Children's Hospital Pediatric Dermatology Clinic, under supervision of a Clinic Director (Dermatologist).
  5. Inpatient rounds/consults at Harper Hospital and the other DMC Hospitals.
  6. Take home exam.
  7. Intern presentations.  Interns are responsible for a 10-15 minute presentation on an appropriate dermatology topic, which will be presented to the rotating students and Chief Resident in Dermatology.  The one-month elective program in dermatology is predominantly clinical.

The transitional intern will attend outpatient clinics at University Health Center, Children's and VA Hospitals.  Up to four half days will be spent in the private office of an attending staff member.  Arrangements for reviewing basic biochemistry, physiology, mycology clinical dermatology, histopathology of the skin, and allergy are included in the program.  This elective requires a considerable amount of driving from one site to another.  Distances are great and it is strongly recommended that the interns have their own transportation to take full advantage of the elective.

Recommended Reading Material: 

  1. Lookingbill & Marks:  Principles of Dermatology, 3rd Edition, WB Saunders, 2000.
  2. Fitzpatrick TB et al:  Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology, 3rd Edition, McGraw-Hill.
  3. Arndt:  Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics, Little-Brown, 1995.