Comprehensive dermatology clinical training hands-on experience + advanced specialty care
The dermatology residency offers a wide range of clinical learning opportunities designed to prepare residents for comprehensive dermatologic care. Our training includes hands-on experience in general dermatology, specialty clinics, surgical procedures, laser and cosmetic treatments, dermatopathology and pediatric dermatology. Residents gain exposure to diverse patient populations with varied skin types and complex conditions, allowing them to build confidence in managing common and rare diseases. This broad clinical foundation is supported by dedicated faculty mentorship and access to advanced technologies, ensuring residents develop the skills needed for successful careers in academic medicine, private practice or fellowship.
General dermatology
General dermatology is a core focus throughout all three years at Tufts Medical Center and the VA. Residents gain experience in general dermatology and specialty clinics, including pediatric dermatology, blistering diseases, connective tissue diseases, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hair loss, lasers and cosmetics and allergic contact dermatitis.
Surgery
First-year residents concentrate on mastering excision fundamentals at Tufts Medical Center. Second- and third-year residents perform excisions and assist in Mohs surgery during their VA rotations and at Tufts Medical Center.
Inpatient consults
Second- and third-year residents complete a two-month consult rotation covering adult and pediatric inpatient services at Tufts Medical Center. They also participate in the consult service at the West Roxbury VA.
Lasers + cosmetics
At Tufts Medical Center, residents gain hands-on experience with:
- Botox and Dysport injections for crow’s feet, frown and forehead lines
- Facial volume replacement and wrinkle reduction using fillers such as Belotero, Restylane Silk, Lyft, Juvaderm Ultra, Ultra Plus, Volbella, Vollure, Voluma and Sculptra
- Facial tightening and skin resurfacing with fractional and traditional radiofrequency
- Removal of pigmentation, brown spots and age spots using chemical peels and laser treatments
- Laser removal of redness, facial blood vessels and rosacea
- Laser hair removal and tattoo removal
- Sclerotherapy for spider veins on the legs
- Improvement of acne and scars using chemical peels, surgical scar removal, fractional non-ablative and ablative resurfacing, fractional radiofrequency and photodynamic therapy
- Body contouring and fat reduction treatments, including Kybella for the neck and radiofrequency treatments for the face and body
Residents rotate through cosmetic clinics and participate in hands-on cosmetic sessions throughout all three years.
Dermatopathology
The VA and Tufts Medical Center offer comprehensive dermatopathology curricula, including lectures and slide reviews using multi-headed scopes as part of resident didactics. Inform DX also provides specialized dermatopathology training.
Electives
Second- and third-year residents have two weeks each year for electives. Past electives have included clinical work in Boston and beyond, as well as studying with various experts and participating in international experiences, such as work in Botswana.
Pediatric dermatology
Residents at all levels participate in dedicated pediatric dermatology clinics at Tufts Medical Center. Second-year residents complete a pediatric inpatient consult rotation at Boston Children’s Hospital. Residents also evaluate pediatric consults from the Tufts emergency department and patients in the NICU during the consult rotation.
