Description

This four-week outpatient dermatology rotation is offered to help students acquire basic knowledge of dermatology. This knowledge should allow students to determine a correct diagnosis and understand the management of basic dermatologic diseases. Staff consultants and senior resident associates serve as preceptors. One elective slot is available at any given time.

• Program director and clerkship supervisor
  • David J. DiCaudo, M.D.
• Assistant program director
  • Steven A. Nelson, M.D.
• Program coordinator
  • Kristy L. Lux

Specific goals

1. Gather clinical information through a dermatologic history and physical examination
2. Recognize primary and secondary skin lesions with ease, classify rashes and develop a differential diagnosis
3. Know and be able to discuss and identify 100 common skin diseases (list provided during rotation)
4. Become familiar with dermatologic procedures
5. Observe various dermatologic procedures, outpatient surgery, skin biopsies and patch testing
6. Observe dermatologic practice and nursing procedures on the outpatient service
7. Develop an awareness of dermatologic literature, resources, nursing care, treatment modalities, dermatopathology and immunopathology
8. Observe the diversity of dermatologic conditions
9. Understand the clinical and pathological correlation of dermatologic diseases

Activity outline

During this clerkship, students participate in outpatient dermatologic care. They are taught and supervised by consultants and residents. They also observe outpatient nursing procedures and do independent study assignments. Students are asked to give a presentation at the weekly Dermatology Grand Rounds conference.

In addition, these weekly (unless otherwise stated) conferences are held:

• Show-and-tell conference
• Clinical case conference and Dermatology Grand Rounds
• Dermatology general journal club (twice monthly)
• Dermpath core curriculum (if space permits)

Method of evaluation

A written test is administered.

In addition to the test, faculty members evaluate you on your performance, knowledge and other elements. These include establishing a relationship, taking appropriate histories, describing clinical findings, developing a differential diagnosis, formulating a plan and listing a treatment ladder of therapeutic options.

Per Mayo Clinic institutional policy, faculty and residents/fellows will not complete any outside evaluations. You will be provided with an electronic performance evaluation via Mayo Clinic’s MedHub portal. A final summative evaluation will be sent to you and your school official upon completion of your clerkship.