Dermatology

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine offers an elective student rotation in Danville, Pa., that provides a supervised educational experience in comprehensive dermatologic care with the Department of Dermatology. Our mission is to introduce and advance your knowledge base of dermatology, including morphologic descriptions, differential diagnosis and an awareness of therapy for common conditions. Our service also emphasizes professionalism and interpersonal communication that allows you to participate as a team member.

Teaching faculty and dermatology residents will serve as resources for your education during this rotation. The clinical experience allows you to work directly with us in evaluating and treating patients with a variety of dermatologic conditions, including acute dermatoses, chronic conditions such as psoriasis, skin malignancies, skin findings in systemic disease, pediatric dermatology, wounds, contact dermatitis and even a brief exposure to procedural dermatology and dermatopathology. Geisinger also offers a Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship. At the end of the rotation, you’ll give a case-based presentation to the department.

You’ll attend and participate in teaching conferences as outlined at the beginning of the rotation. Opportunities to attend dermatology grand rounds at Geisinger and regional programs may also be available during the elective. If interested, you may be able to collaborate with faculty for scholarly activity such as publications.

Goals and objectives

• Engage and show genuine interest in patients presenting with dermatologic conditions.
• Develop adequate skills in obtaining a complete dermatologic history and performing an appropriate physical examination.
• Demonstrate basic understanding of common dermatologic conditions (such as acne, dermatitis and drug eruptions) and approach to treatment, as well as exposure to the less common disease processes seen in the practice of dermatology.
• Become adept at describing dermatologic lesions and eruptions in reference to distribution, morphology and primary and secondary features. Accurate description of a new lesion is essential to differential diagnosis formulation.
• Observe, and if appropriate, participate in dermatologic procedures. Become proficient in obtaining and interpreting KOH and Tzanck preparations.
• Demonstrate professionalism and proficiency in interpersonal communication.
• Understand the dynamics of an integrated healthcare system.
• Utilize electronic and traditional sources of information relating to dermatology.
• Prepare and deliver a brief presentation on an entity relevant to the clinical rotation.