Geisinger Department of Dermatology offers an elective student rotation to provide a supervised educational experience in comprehensive dermatologic care. Our mission is to introduce and advance the student’s 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 the student to participate as a team member.

Both teaching faculty and dermatology residents will serve as resources for your education during this rotation. The clinical experience allows the student 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. At the end of the rotation, the student will give a case-based presentation to the department.

The student will attend and participate in teaching conferences as outlined at the beginning of the rotation. Additionally, opportunities to attend dermatology grand rounds at Geisinger and regional programs may be available during the elective. If interested, collaboration with faculty may be available for scholarly activity such as publications.

Goals & objectives

• Engage and show genuine interest in patients presenting with dermatologic conditions
• To 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, drug eruptions) and approach to treatment, as well as exposure to the less common disease processes seen in the practice of dermatology
• To 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
• To observe, and if appropriate, participate in dermatologic procedures. The student should become proficient in obtaining and interpreting KOH and Tzanck preparations
• Demonstrate professionalism and proficiency in interpersonal communication
• Understand the dynamics of an integrated health care system
• Utilize electronic and traditional sources of information relating to dermatology
• To prepare and deliver a brief presentation on an entity relevant to the clinical rotation