Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship

The Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center Campus is a one-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) that provides a comprehensive experience in the clinical aspects of Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology and the opportunity to pursue intensive training in an academic setting. The Fellowship Program is designed for physicians who aspire to a career in academic Dermatologic Surgery and emphasizes those elements of the discipline relevant to this career goal. Fellows who successfully complete the program are eligible for board certification in micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology, as per the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Program Goals

• To promote the highest quality of Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology training through a combination of supervised hands-on experience and didactic learning
• To build surgical skills and judgment in a graded and systematic fashion

Program Objectives

• To provide instruction in the three broad areas of:
  • Cutaneous Oncology, incorporating medical, surgical, and dermatopathological knowledge of cutaneous neoplasms, including the indications, and technical and laboratory aspects of Mohs micrographic surgery
  • Cutaneous reconstructive surgery, including the repair of skin defects resulting from surgical removal of tumors or other skin diseases, and scar revision
  • Cutaneous cosmetic surgery, incorporating medical, surgical, and dermatopathological knowledge of cutaneous disorders and aging of the skin, providing a broad exposure to and an appreciation of cosmetic dermatologic surgical procedures
• To provide instruction and experience in the preoperative and postoperative management (both short-term and long-term) of surgical patients in all three areas
• To develop proficiency in the above-listed areas in a graded and systematic fashion, starting with the basic principles of delivery of local anesthesia, aseptic technique, preoperative evaluation, surgical equipment (including sterilization and maintenance), surgical anatomy, cold steel surgery, suturing materials and techniques, reconstruction of surgical defects, and prevention and management of complications
• After a sound foundation in the basic principles and techniques of dermatologic surgery has been achieved, to expand the fellow's knowledge of related disciplines including delivery of regional as well as local anesthesia, principles of and indications for conscious sedation, and general anesthesia, the basic science and clinical aspects of wound healing, the use of specialized wound dressings appropriate to each clinical problem, and advanced reconstructive procedures, including staged reconstructions
• To develop advanced competence in the identification of patients whose conditions should be treated by minimally invasive dermatologic surgical procedures, and others, such as those requiring more extensive procedures or general anesthesia, who should be referred to other specialists such as ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, plastic surgeons, or surgical oncologists, as well as those patients requiring additional management by medical oncology, radiation oncology or other subspecialists
• To develop experience in the multidisciplinary management of such patients
• To become familiar with the approaches and tools of modern clinical and basic research as they relate to the fields of cutaneous oncology, cutaneous reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic dermatologic surgery
• To develop effective interpersonal and communication skills with surgical patients, their families, and professional associates
• To develop professional attitudes consistent with being a physician, with an emphasis on responsibility, compassion, sensitivity to diverse patient populations, confidentiality, informed consent, adherence to ethical principles, and a commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development
• To learn to use information technology to gather the most up-to-date scientific evidence to make informed decisions regarding diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients
• To find, assess, and assimilate the best evidence for clinical decision-making and continuously evaluate and improve patient care practices
• To develop an understanding of the different types of health care systems available; to advocate for quality patient care and assist patients in dealing with system complexities; to partner with professional associates to coordinate care; and to learn to practice in a cost-effective manner without compromising the quality of care.
• To educate students and other healthcare professionals
• To train future academic leaders in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology

Application Information

In order to qualify for the fellowship, candidates must be board-eligible or board-certified in dermatology at the time they start the fellowship. Graduates of foreign medical schools must have an ECFMG certificate. Additionally, applicants must have completed the requirements of a Dermatology residency training program.

How to Apply

• Application and supporting material submitted via the San Francisco Match
• A Personal Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• Medical School Transcript
• Medical School Diploma
• Three letters of recommendation
• MSPE
• ECFMG Certificate, if applicable

Interviews

Selected applicants will be notified by email for interviews, which will take place in September.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the application process or would like further information about the Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Faramarz H. Samie, MD, PhD
Director of the Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program
fs2614@cumc.columbia.edu

Katia Estevez, MPA
Program Manager
ke2007@cumc.columbia.edu