Teaching Physician Pathway
Education is central to our work as physicians. While all dermatology residents gain experience teaching patients, medical students, and peers, residents specifically interested in pursuing a career in medical education can apply into the Washington University Teaching Physician Pathway (WUTPP) for more in-depth training. The WUTPP provides interested residents with the additional knowledge, skills, experience, and mentorship necessary to become skilled clinician-educators.
During PGY2 (first year of dermatology residency), interested residents may apply into the WUTPP and join residents from other departments and divisions for a two-year program, including a two-week intensive didactic curriculum focused on educational theory, curriculum development, and teaching techniques in the fall of PGY3 and PGY4. WUTPP residents also participate in teaching sessions to gain hands-on teaching experience with medical students and residents in both small and large group settings throughout the year. Additionally, each WUTPP resident completes a scholarly project related to education, which also satisfies the dermatology residency program’s resident research requirement.
A unique benefit of joining the WUTPP is to work with residents and clinician-educators across the medical school, allowing for sharing of resources and increased opportunities for collaboration. During the two-week didactic curriculum, the WUTPP hosts residents and speakers from a variety of programs and departments. The WUTPP is directed by Dr. Patricia Kao, an Associate Program Director in the internal medicine residency program.
Global Health Scholars Pathway
The Global Health Scholars Pathway is designed for residents who wish to explore global health as a possible career avenue. It is designed to educate leaders in research, public health and health policy, advocacy, education and project implementation. It will increase residents’ understanding of health systems, the impact of culture and the social determinants on population health, and foster skills for providing care in resource-limited environments. The pathway is customizable based on the resident’s interest and prior experience in global health.
During PGY2 (first year of dermatology residency), interested residents may apply into the Global Health Scholars Pathway and join residents from other departments and divisions for the program, including a multidisciplinary “Global Health and Health Equity” course. There will also be the opportunity for a rotation abroad or locally. Dermatology-specific programs through the American Academy of Dermatology include the Resident International Grant and the Native American Health Service Resident Rotation. Local avenues may be available for additional clinical experience in international, immigrant and refugee health as well as TB and HIV clinics. Scholarly work is a requirement and can be in clinical or basic science research, public health, education, or ethics; this will also fulfill the dermatology program’s resident research requirement.
A unique benefit of joining the Global Health Scholars Pathway is to work with residents and faculty across the medical school, allowing for sharing of resources and increased opportunities for collaboration. The pathway is directed by Dr. Caline Mattar, a member of the infectious diseases faculty.