Curriculum and Evaluation

The curriculum includes reading assignment and brief presentation (see below), patient encounters in the outpatient and inpatient setting, bedside teaching by dermatology attendings, resident teaching, lectures/conferences and grand rounds.

Reading assignment: It is required that you go through the American Academy of Dermatology Medical student core curriculum modules and the Dermatology procedure safety module.  These can be found on http://www.aad.org/education-and-quality-care/medical-student-core-curriculum.

Each AAD medical student module is composed of a power point presentation and a self-assessment at the end.  Typically, each module takes < 30 minutes to complete.  There are also videos on the website for the various dermatologic procedures. The link offers a suggested module order. This can be done during “down time” in clinic or at home.

Presentation: Each student is required to give a five minute PowerPoint presentation at the end of their elective on a topic of their choice (typically based on a patient they have seen during their rotation).

Other educational resources:

  • Department of Dermatology Library (textbooks, atlases, journal collection)
  • Marks JG, Miller JJ.  Lookingbill and Marks’ Principles of Dermatology. 4th ed.  W.B. Saunders Co.; 2006.
  • Habif TP.  Clinical Dermatology: a color guide to diagnosis and therapy.  4th ed.  Mosby, Inc.; 2004.  (Great reference book for any primary care practitioner).
  • www.dermatologylexicon.org. This website provides an interactive look at primary morphology of the skin.

Students will be evaluated based on direct observation by faculty and residents for clinical performance (50%) and professionalism (20%) as well as the end of rotation quiz and oral presentation (30%).  Grades of Honors, High Pass, Pass, Fail and Incomplete will be used.  In general, a grade of Honors will be given to students who demonstrate a keen interest and superior knowledge in the subject matter and become highly involved in patient care. A final summative evaluation will be given to the Registrar by the course director.