Duke University Medical Center offers a one-year ACGME accredited Dermatopathology fellowship.

The program provides theoretical and practical educational experiences designed to prepare individuals with a background in pathology or dermatology.

For trainees who completed pathology residency:

  • First eight months: 50% training in clinical dermatology and 50% training in dermatopathology.
  • Remaining four months: dermatopathology training.

For trainees who completed dermatology residency:

  • First eight months: 50% training in anatomic/surgical pathology and 50% training in dermatopathology.
  • Remaining four months: dermatopathology training.

There is a large selection of in-house as well as consult cases including neoplastic and non-neoplastic cutaneous disorders. Training includes the use of a variety of special staining techniques (histochemical and immunohistochemical), electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and molecular pathology.

The trainee will have graduated responsibility in the sign out of these cases and expected to be active in providing teaching session for both pathology and dermatology Duke residents. Research is strongly encouraged, the trainee will be expected to select an area of interest in the specialty and pursue them through a clinical/basic research project.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Duke Dermatopathology Fellowship Program is to foster the next generation of dermatopathologists from diverse backgrounds to deliver exceptional and innovative care to patients, families, and the community in all settings ranging from rigorous academic institutions to high-volume private practice clinics. With a focus on education and research, and with patient care at its center, the Duke Dermatopathology Fellowship strives to nurture trainees to excel in their clinical practice through exposure to a wide variety of bread-and-butter and rare dermatologic disease; to excel in their educational pursuits with support and encouragement to present at national conferences and be a part of the educational team as both a teacher and a learner; and to excel in their leadership skills through graduated responsibilities.

Program's Aim

  • Provide the most advanced and comprehensive dermatopathology education; to prepare our fellows for a lifetime of learning and for careers as leaders, practitioners, and researchers.
  • Constantly emphasize the importance of delivering the best diagnosis for our patients by dermatologic and pathologic correlation, utilizing only necessary ancillary tests, and communicate with our clinical teams to deliver the best patient care.
  • Practice clinical dermatopathology with compassion and in a manner that translates the results of our training, research, and the unique clinical and technological resources of the Medical Center into the highest quality of care to the public.
  • Perform translational research to further our understanding of various dermatologic disorders which lead to the prevention and cure of disease and enhanced health.
  • Practice in a diverse setting while establishing a sense of belonging for everyone.

Eligibility Requirements

  • MD applicants must have completed postgraduate training in an ACGME Dermatology or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) or Anatomic Pathology (AP) training program.
  • The Department of Pathology sponsors J1 Visa applications. Please note your current Visa status on the application form.
Selective Service System Registration:
  • All male applicants (as determined by gender assigned at birth for purposes of this requirement) who are US citizens or immigrants must have registered with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday, or arrival date into the USA.  Individuals are eligible to register until the age of 26.  Failure to register is a violation of federal law, and can face significant penalties, including loss of eligibility for citizenship for immigrants.  Individuals who have not registered are not eligible for a variety of benefits including federal student aid, federal job training, and any job in the Executive Branch of the government (e.g. VA, Medicare, federal prisons), and are not allowed to work in federal facilities even as a resident or fellow.

  • Most Duke GME programs require rotations at federal facilities such as VA hospitals or prisons.  All trainees in those programs must be eligible to work at those facilities.  All applicants should ensure that they have registered for the Selective Service System if appropriate.  If they have not registered, they should discuss this with their potential program director. Additional details can be found at https://www.sss.gov.

Application Package

  1. Completed Duke Dermatopathology Application Form with Signature (Please click here for application form). 
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Personal statement
  4. Copies of Medical School transcript
  5. ECFMG Certificate (if applicable)
  6. Copies of USMLE/COMLEX or equivalent standardized tests
  7. Three letters of recommendation (including one from residency program director)

Email your application package to Program Coordinator Brittany Harris.

Address letters of recommendation to:
Michelle Schneider, MB BCh BAO
Director, Dermatopathology Fellowship
ATTENTION: Brittany Harris
Duke University Medical Center
DUMC 3712
Durham, NC 27710

Important Dates

2024-2025 Fellowship Filled
2025-2026 Fellowship Filled
2026-2027 Fellowship Filled

 

Current Fellow

Kasey McCollum, MD

Kasey McCollum, MD MPH
Dermatopathology
Wayne State University School of Medicine
kasey.mccollum@duke.edu