Welcome
Welcome to the Advanced Clinical Dermatology Fellowship program. Our fellowship is a one-year program designed for dermatologists seeking specialized training and mentorship in diagnosing and managing advanced medical dermatological conditions.
Certification Outcome
The successful completion of the fellowship will grant a Fellowship McMaster Certification.
Entry Requirements
- Applicants must be certified in dermatology: FRCP(C) certified or equivalent and eligible for an educational license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).
- Must have completed a full dermatology residency equivalent to a Canadian dermatology residency. Applicants with dermatology diplomas or dermatology master’s degrees are not eligible.
- Graduates are required to submit an application form and comply with McMaster University Postgraduate Medical Education requirements for residents and fellows.
Application Deadline
A general deadline of November 1 each year. This allows for a July 1 start date.
Goals of Training
- The Advanced Clinical Dermatology Fellowship is a one-year program with the goal to provide training and mentorship in the diagnosis and management of advanced medical conditions like cutaneous manifestations of lupus and connective tissue diseases, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, bullous pemphigoid and other bullous diseases, moderate to severe psoriasis requiring biologic therapy, severe atopic dermatitis requiring biologic therapy, GVHD, cutaneous adverse effects of biologic and targeted therapies used in oncology, gastroenterology, etc.
- Based on the fellow’s interest, the fellowship can be tailored further based on specific interests with clinical and research focus on certain subjects (e.g psoriasis and biologics).
- The fellow will participate in the monthly advanced psoriasis and biologic clinics.
- The fellow will also have the opportunity to participate in clinics for general dermatology.
- Fellows will attend and participate in:
- Daily dermatology clinics at David Braley Health Sciences Center.
- Phototherapy (narrow band UVB) clinics at David Braley Health Sciences Center
- Pigmented lesions and skin cancer clinics.
- Daily procedures at the dermatology procedure room at David Braley Health Sciences Center
- Weekly continuity clinic where fellows will have their own weekly half day clinic (under the supervision of attending staff).
- Based on availability and program director approval, fellows may have the opportunity to attend McMaster general rheumatology clinics, scleroderma specialty clinic, vasculitis specialty clinic, oncology and melanoma clinics, Hamilton area community dermatology clinics, plastic surgery clinics and operations for skin cancers.
- Participate in dermatology consultation for inpatients at HHS and Hamilton St joseph’s Hospital.
- Participate in weekly dermatology rounds on Friday afternoon.
- Participate in teaching medical students and residents.
- Fellows are expected to participate in at least one research/academic project.
Length of Training
1 year.
Funding
Applicants are responsible for securing funding.
Curriculum Highlights
Medical expert
- To develop expertise in diagnosis and treatment of advanced psoriasis and atopic dermatitis with systemic and biologics agents.
- To develop expertise in diagnosis and treatment of complex dermatology issues including bullous skin diseases, cutaneous eruptions by new biologic and cancer treatment, and skin manifestations of systemic diseases like IBD, RF, lupus, etc.
- To develop expertise in the diagnosis and management of pigmented and suspicious skin lesions.
- To develop expertise in performing skin biopsies, and excision of benign and malignant skin lesions.
- To develop expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of common skin diseases like acne, psoriasis, skin infections, etc.
Communicator
- To develop interpersonal and communication skills for effective exchange of information.
- To develop skills in discussing the management of complex dermatologic issues requiring multiple modalities of treatment.
- To develop expertise in providing diagnosis of serious skin cancers like melanoma and Merckel cell carcinoma.
Collaborator
- Share information with colleagues and other professionals both verbally and in written communications.
- To learn and acquire skills on how to collaborate with colleagues in other specialties for management of patients with skin conditions shared with them (e.g. collaborate with gastroenterologists in managing patients with IBD, or hematologists/oncologists in managing patients with chemotherapy rashes and GVHD, etc).
Leader
- Fellow will learn to lead a dermatology team consisting of residents, students, nurses and admin staff.
- Lead quality improvement initiatives.
- Teach quality improvement science.
- Promote a health care culture that enhances safety and quality.
Health advocate
- Identify opportunities for advocacy and health promotion for patients with complex skin conditions.
Scholar
- To develop the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in a successful scholarly activity.
- To be able to assess, critique, and synthesize the medical literature and apply it to patient care.
- To be able to test hypotheses and analyze and interpret data.
- To learn how to keep up to date in dermatology literature.
Professional
- Develop the skills, attitudes and commitment to carry out professional responsibilities, adhere to ethical principles, and attend to a diverse patient population in Canada.
- Exhibit professional behaviours when interacting with colleagues, medical and paramedical staff.
Supervision & Feedback
Trainees will be assessed by formal written evaluation every 3 months along with daily verbal feedback.