Fellowships

MOHS Fellowship
David J. Leffell, MD, Director

Research Fellowships
MOHS Surgery Fellowship
Dermatopathology Fellowship

The Advanced Dermatologic Surgery Post-Graduate Fellowship

The Section of Dermatologic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology of the Department of Dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine sponsor an Advanced Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship. The fellowship is approved by the American College of MOHS Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology. The Section started in 1988 and has grown to the largest cutaneous surgery program in New England. Close collaborative relationships exist with the sections of plastic surgery, otolaryngology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. The faculty and staff serve a catchment area of greater than 3,000,000 people, and regional dermatologists, plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, and ophthalmologists refer most of the patients we treat. The Unit performed approximately 2,500 MOHS surgery cases in the past year. Approximately 70% are reconstructed in the MOHS Unit. A specially developed electronic medical record and a digital imaging archive system enhance the ability to take advantage of the case material for educational and research purposes.

Faculty and Staff

Dr. David J. Leffell is director of the fellowship and head of the Section. Dr. Sumaira Aasi, Assistant Professor of Dermatology is the full-time faculty member in the Unit and directs the Resident Surgery Program. They are assisted by a highly specialized staff including Diana Glassman, RN (Nurse Manager), Karen Carriero, RN, Anne McKeown, RN, Fanny Nero-Bouffard, RN, Zoey Potter, RN, Charlene Weted, RN, and Kristie Cannon, LPN. Lezlie Roark is the Supervisor of the MOHS Laboratory and Chief MOHS histotechnician.

Facilities

The surgery is conducted in the Temple Medical Building at 40 Temple Street, Suite 5A. The outpatient surgical facilities, which are under the autonomous direction of the Department of Dermatology, are fully equipped. Dr. Leffell has operating room privileges which are used as needed.

The Fellowship Program

Philosophy

The fellowship is geared towards the dermatologist who is strongly considering a career in academic medicine. We believe that the multidisciplinary approach essential to the success of a cutaneous oncologist physician is pursued best in an academic environment. It is hoped that the fellow will obtain sufficient training in clinical medicine and research techniques so that he or she may contribute to further expansion of knowledge in the field. The breadth of training in surgery, oncology, and pathology are intended to make the fellow a skilled, super-specialized physician.

Candidate Prequisites

The fellowship is open to any physician who has completed a full residency (ABMS approved) and is at least board eligible in his or her field. Candidates must have documented superior performance in their residency, especially with respect to patient care. A successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of curiosity beyond that normally expected in a residency. The ability to get along with peers and support staff is a prerequisite for a program that is intensive and depends heavily on close professional relationships. Excellent basic surgical skills are an asset.

Application Requirements

• Medical school dean's letter and transcript.
• Department chairman's letter from each program in which the applicant has trained.
• Three letters of reference from faculty members with direct knowledge of applicant's clinical skills, academic efforts, and patient skills.
• (Optional) A letter from an individual with whom the applicant has done research in the past four years.

All applicants are required to visit the department and meet the faculty. There will be an opportunity to demonstrate surgical skills and discuss research projects with collaborating investigators in several departments. A visit usually lasts from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

Curriculum

MOHS Microscopically Controlled Surgery

• With Dr. Leffell: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday;
• With Dr. Aasi: Wednesday, Friday

Head and Neck Tumor Conference

• Monday PM

Dermatology Grand Rounds

• Wednesday AM

General/Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery

• Alternate Thursday

Dermatopathology

• As arranged

Veterans Administration Surgery

• Monthly

Anatomy

• Special course

Requirements for Completion of Fellowship

In addition to the routine requirements of the fellowship, the fellow will be expected to initiate, pursue, and complete a well- defined project during the fellowship year that will result in a submitted publication and an oral presentation at a national meeting. In addition, the fellow, who will hold the rank of instructor in dermatology in the Yale University School of Medicine, will be expected to be a role model to residents and instruct them in basic dermatologic surgery throughout the course of the fellowship. The ability to teach is considered as important as the ability to do surgery and conduct quality research.

Salary

Salary will be commensurate with the fellow's PGY-status.

Application Deadline

Application and all required documents MUST be received by our office on or before August 30th.

For Application:

MOHS Fellowship Application [PDF]

Contact:

Jacqueline Watrous
Yale Dermatologic Surgery
40 Temple Street, 5th Floor, Suite 5A
New Haven, CT 06510
(203) 785-6808 - phone
(203) 737-2024 - fax