Medical student courses

Our faculty participate in teaching medical students during all phases of the newly-revised medical school curriculum. We also offer electives in clinical dermatology and dermatopathology. Course information for current medical students can be found in the Washington University School of Medicine Bulletin.

Visiting medical students

We welcome students from other institutions to participate in a dermatology elective as a visiting student at Washington University School of Medicine. In-person away electives will begin in April 2024. There will not be a virtual option this academic year.

Pre-screening application materials must be sent to rmegan@wustl.edu prior to application submission in the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program.

Based on recommendations from the Association of Professors of Dermatology, we strongly encourage students to complete no more than two in-person away rotations in dermatology during their fourth year of medical school; students without a home program may consider completing three in-person away rotations.

Deadlines:

Applications open on February 15th; Deadline to submit is March 15th

Pre-Screening Application Materials:

  • CV
  • Letter of Interest (<500 words)
    • Please include –
      • Interest in Washington University
      • Overall goals/interests
      • Underrepresented group identification (race/ethnicity, sexual/gender minority, first generation college student, rural background, socioeconomic status)
  • Letter of good standing from your institution
  • Preferred rotation dates

*All pre-screening application materials must be sent to rmegan@wustl.edu

After the March 15th deadline, you will be notified of your application approval and will be cleared to apply through VSLO for the preapproved dates

Available blocks for scheduling an in-person dermatology elective at Washington University:

  • July 7, 2024 – August 4, 2024
  • August 5, 2024 – September 1, 2024 
  • September 2, 2024 – September 27, 2024
  • September 30, 2024 – October 25, 2024    
  • October 28, 2024 – November 22, 2024

Underrepresented in medicine visiting students

We are committed to ensuring that our residency program reflects the diverse patient population we serve. If you identify as a student from a group that is underrepresented in medicine, please consider applying to the Office of Diversity Programs Visiting Elective Program, which provides funding as well as additional engagement opportunities with members of the Washington University School of Medicine community.

The Division of Dermatology is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment and encourages applications from students who are underrepresented in medicine, including individuals whose personal characteristics such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, health condition or disability place them at risk for conscious or unconscious bias or discrimination.

Medical student research

Research opportunities are available for interested Washington University medical students, starting in the first year of medical school. Unfortunately, at this time, there are limited opportunities for research for students from other institutions.

Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS)

Sun Protection Outreach Teaching by Students (SPOTS) was created by a group of medical students and dermatology faculty from both St. Louis University and Washington University Medical Schools under the leadership of Stephanie Lickerman, RN, Community Education Director for the Melanoma Hope Network. This program, established through a collaborative effort between the two medical institutions, a community non-profit organization (the Melanoma Hope Network), and the Rockwood School District, represents the first educational program of its kind that focuses on teenage skin cancer prevention taught by medical professionals in training. SPOTS is an award-winning program, receiving two Golden Triangle Awards from the American Academy of Dermatology in 2009.

Dr. Carrie Coughlin, Director of Pediatric Dermatology, with dermatology residents Dr. Abby Rosenberg, Dr. Jolee Potts, and WUSTL medical students at a SPOTS event.