Dermatopathology Fellowship

Program Overview

The fellowship in Dermatopathology at the University of Virginia Medical Center is a one year program, that is primarily designed to prepare individuals for academic careers.  The program meets ACGME requirements for training programs in dermatopathology, and includes a six month rotation in Dermatopathology, and six months in Clinical Dermatology (for pathology-trained fellows) or in surgical pathology (for dermatology-trained fellows).  However, dermatopathology experience continues during these clinical dermatology/surgical pathology rotations.  Under special circumstances, a second training year can be arranged.  The optional year offers extensive practical experience in diagnostic dermatopathology, and provides time for the fellow to pursue a research project in depth.  Considerable latitude is granted in the selection of research projects.

The dermatopathology service currently includes about 11,000 cases per year.  Approximately 9,000 cases are primarily generated from within the institution or the surrounding community and another 2,000 cases represent consultation material.  There is also a busy diagnostic immunofluorescence service.  Fellows review these cases, determine diagnoses, and then sign them out with the Program Director or other faculty.

There are two weekly dermatopathology teaching conferences, including an unknown slide conference that is part of a lecture series covering the entire spectrum of dermatopathology.  Other dermatopathology-related conferences include bimonthly Dermatology Grand Rounds, and a bimonthly melanoma (tumor board-style) conference.  Numerous other pathology and dermatology conferences are held throughout the year.

Fellowship Requirements

  • Universal Application Form
  • Full and up-to-date curriculum vitae
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals involved in your surgical pathology or dermatology training
  • Personal statement 

The application, and all supporting materials should be sent to -

James W. Patterson, M.D.
Director, Dermatopathology Fellowship
Department of Pathology
University of Virginia
1215 Lee Street, PO Box 800214
Charlottesville, VA. 22908-0214

Number of positions: 3
2009: 0;     2010: 0;     2011: 1;    2012: 3 

Faculty members - James W. Patterson, M.D. (Director), Mark R. Wick, M.D.

For further information email our program coordinator - Basia Nowakowski