Surgical Boot Camp simulation session at the BWH Stratus Center.

Our first in-person Education Committee mtg of the AY.

Highlights of Our Didactic Curriculum

Resident Boot Camp

In July and August, our first-year residents begin their dermatology training with this series of lectures aimed at building a strong foundation in medical dermatology and its subspecialties. This curriculum includes training in physical diagnosis and introductory lectures on common general dermatology diagnoses, skin/hair of color, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery including hands-on learning sessions, and cultural awareness.

Grand Rounds

Each week, our faculty and trainees come together for Grand Rounds, which is hosted by BIDMC, BWH, and MGH on a rotating basis. Three times per month, we present and discuss complex patient cases with patient viewing. These sessions focus on clinical morphology, differential diagnosis, and management of interesting and challenging clinical cases. In addition, once monthly MGH hosts a Grand Rounds Lecture featuring a prominent invited speaker.

Dermatopathology Curriculum

The dermatopathology curriculum includes weekly faculty-led didactic lectures and weekly virtual or glass slide based sessions. The themes of the slide collections that we review correlate with the topics presented during that week’s lecture, providing an opportunity to reinforce the learning each week. We also have dedicated dermatopathology review sessions leading up to the BASIC and CORE exams, which focus on high-yield and commonly tested entities.

Journal Club

Residents and faculty co-lead our journal club sessions, during which we review the latest clinical and basic science research articles and practice critically analyzing research studies. We focus on the use of literature to answer clinical questions that arise on the wards and in the clinics, macro issues in dermatology, and dermatology’s relation to medicine and society.

Best of Consultation Services Case-review

Following each inpatient consultation rotation, residents present their most interesting cases from the rotation to their peers. This provides an opportunity for all residents to learn from the most unique and challenging cases seen throughout the year. Complex medical cases are presented with pathology review.

Surgery Simulation Curriculum

This series of hands-on sessions utilizes 3-D skin models in collaboration with the BWH Stratus Center to practice excision and suturing skills in a controlled setting, led by our surgery faculty.

Caring for All: Clinical Best Practices

Patient-Centered Dermatology Series

Faculty-led lectures exploring best practices in dermatologic care for patients across different cultural backgrounds, skin types, and medical needs.

Inaugural and virtual Health Advocacy day with talk from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

Tones and Textures

Faculty-led lectures focusing on the diagnosis and management of dermatologic conditions that manifest differently across the spectrum of skin tones.

Skin, Hair & Hormones

This series explores the dermatologic manifestations of hormonal and endocrine influences on the skin and hair, equipping residents with best practices for diagnosis and management. Topics include androgenic alopecia, unwanted hair growth, acne associated with hormone therapies, cutaneous side effects of endocrine treatments, and dermatologic considerations in patients undergoing hormonal interventions.

Health Policy & Physician Advocacy Series

Residents engage in a lecture and workshop series focused on understanding the structural and policy-driven factors that impact healthcare access and delivery. Topics include health insurance systems, prescription drug pricing, regulatory frameworks, and physician advocacy strategies.

Each spring, faculty and residents participate in Advocacy Day, applying learned skills to engage with state legislators on issues related to patient care, medical education, and healthcare policy improvements.

Residents use Visual Thinking Strategies to hone observational skills in our Art of Observation curriculum at the Museum of Fine Arts.