Residency Training
About Our Program:
Dermatology was initially started as a Division of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah in 1972, and received departmental status in 1995. From the beginning, the goals of the Division, now Department, have been to actively contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of skin disease and to serve as a referral center for the diagnosis and treatment of skin disease in the Intermountain West. We regard this as an intellectually exciting endeavor and have tried to create a collegial atmosphere for both faculty and residents that will allow us to accomplish these goals.
The residency program was started in 1990. Our trainees are considered important members of the department - colleagues, not simply trainees. The Department has 27 faculty members including 12 medical dermatologists, four dermatologic surgeons, one pediatric dermatologist and three dermatopathologists. Four of our faculty are MD PhD investigators. The investigative and clinical interests of the faculty include bullous diseases, psoriasis, medical dermatology and leg ulcers, melanoma and lentigo maligna, pachonychia congenita, eosinophils and eosinophil-mediated diseases and cosmetic dermatology including lasers, IPL, fillers and Botox.
The residency is accredited for 7 positions. We offer both 3-year and 4-year (2+2) programs. Clinics are held at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, an off-site departmental clinic and at the nearby Veteran's Affairs and Primary Children's Hospitals. We see over 60,000 patient visits a year at our various sites.
Teaching conferences include weekly Grand Rounds, dermatopathology teaching sessions, a clinical slide conference with the Chairman, Journal Club and a basic science lecture series, text reviews, twice-monthly melanoma conference and a monthly lymphoma conference. An aggressive approach to one's own education is fostered and encouraged. Academic endeavors are also required including publications, clinical or laboratory studies and presentations. Mentors are assigned to each resident to provide guidance and oversight.
Strong emphasis is placed on acquiring the clinical skills and knowledge base necessary to manage both straightforward and complex dermatology conditions. The inpatient and consultation service at the University Hospital involves management of complex medical as well as skin problems. Many of our past residents have completed a three-year residency in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. Although such prior training is not a prerequisite, we value the maturity and judgment acquired in previous postgraduate training and do not consider previous training a negative factor in your application.
We are committed to fostering investigative efforts and intellectual curiosity in both the clinic and the laboratory. We do not expect that each candidate be committed to an investigative career, but give strong preference to applicants with the degree of intellectual curiosity that would promote an investigative or clinical academic career. Previous research experience is helpful but not mandatory in demonstrating such a commitment.
We also seek team players who relate well to the faculty and staff. This quality is often difficult to assess in an application or even in an interview. Letters of support can be particularly valuable, especially from people who can address these less tangible qualities. USMLE scores and awards are not the determining factors in the residency selection process. Personal attributes such as conscientiousness, a commitment to excellence and active participation in your own education are strongly emphasized. Your personal statement should summarize how your qualifications and goals mesh with those of our Department.
We will begin accepting applications for the 2008 Match (for positions to start in July 2009) September 1, 2007. The application deadline is 4 PM MDT, October 26, 2007. We participate in the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS). There is a fee for this service and you will need to contact your Student Affairs or Dean's Office for a manual and instructions on the use of ERAS.
If you have already graduated from medical school, a letter from your current Program Director or immediate supervisor, plus a notarized copy verifying the date of your graduation is also required.
We hope that this letter has provided you with a flavor for our department and program. Thank you for your interest in our program. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding our program, please contact Ellen Hardy or Dr. Petersen.
Contact Information:
Marta J. Petersen, M.D.
Program Director, Dermatology
Ellen Hardy
Academic Coordinator, Dermatology
For information about scheduling a dermatology rotation, please contact
