Dermatology PSTP

The Dermatology Department PSTP allows trainees to complete the American Board of Dermatology requirements for certification in dermatology while providing ample time for intensive laboratory work under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Trainees progress from general clinical activity (two years) to research (two years). The first year of research is performed while a trainee serves as a PGY-4 resident. The second year of research is conducted while the trainee serves as a clinical instructor and has the option of seeing patients as an attending.

Depending on the needs and interests of a trainee, additional didactic training is available at Northwestern University. Trainees may participate in the Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, the Master of Science in Clinical Investigation program, or the Master of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics program. In addition, there are numerous lectures and seminars available at Northwestern University, some of which are specifically developed for PSTP trainees.

During the pre-research phase of training, each scholar will be assigned a career development mentor who will help guide the trainee’s overall career development.

Research training can be completed under the mentorship of any faculty member at Northwestern University. Applicants will be encouraged to interview potential mentors during the first year of residency training. In collaboration with their designated research mentor, the trainee will develop a research project and write a training fellowship application (such as an NIH NRSA), which will ensure that a highly focused and scientifically relevant project will be pursued by the trainee.

During their postdoctoral training, the PSTP scholar will meet with their mentor, the mentor advisory committee, and the Career Development and Retention Committee at regular intervals to evaluate career development progress.

The program is designed for recent MD or MD/PhD graduates who meet the eligibility qualifications to receive U.S. residency training and have a strong record of research accomplishment and clear commitment to a career in academic pathology as a physician-scientist. 

Applicants should apply to the Dermatology Residency Program of the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University through ERAS. Qualified applicants will be invited for interview. 

Northwestern University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, housing or services or in the educational programs or activities it operates.