Elective Course Description
The Dermatology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center focuses on both the clinical and research aspects of cutaneous disorders. Skin cancers and the cutaneous disorders manifestations of malignancy are emphasized. Clinical research within the Service focuses on the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, malignant melanomas, premalignant skin lesions, cutaneous T cell lymphomas, Merkel cell carcinoma, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Other areas aspects of research include onco-dermatology, (graft vs. host disease), and patient reported outcomes in dermatology.
This eight week elective in dermatology is designed for medical students with a specific interest in investigative dermatology. While students will have some contact with patients and an opportunity to attend didactic sessions, the emphasis will be on clinical research in dermatology. Students are strongly encouraged to begin plans and preparation for their research projects in advance of the elective.
Learning Objectives
- Identify or formulate a research project with the help of the faculty mentor.
- Develop proficiency in conducting background literature search and critical reading.
- Develop proficiency in generating research data and data analysis.
- Develop proficiency in formulating conclusions from the data analyses.
- Understand the limitations of study design.
- Develop writing and other presentation skills to summarize the project for conferences or publications.
Suggested Literature
- PRS Journal: Melanoma of the Lentigo Maligna Subtype: Diagnostic Challenges and Current Treatment Paradigms
- ACP Medicine: Malignant Cutaneous Tumors
- UpToDate: Mohs surgery
- American Academy of Dermatology Basic Dermatology Curriculum
