Dermatology

The Dermatology APP Fellowship is designed to provide advanced training and skill development for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the field of dermatology. Our dermatology experts at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist provide the highest caliber, compassionate care for patients of all ages. The program aims to enhance clinical competencies, provide diverse rotation experiences, and foster professional growth. The didactic curriculum includes a combination of faculty-led lectures, case presentations and learning modules. These sessions are designed to cover a wide range of dermatological topics and ensure that fellows are well-versed in both common and complex dermatological conditions and evidence-based management practices.

The Dermatology APP Fellowship will expose fellows to a wide range of clinical dermatological conditions to ensure comprehensive training for fellows. Some of the specific conditions include:

• Acne: Understanding the various types and treatments, including topical and systemic therapies.
• Psoriasis: Management of chronic plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and other forms.
• Eczema: Diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and other eczematous conditions.
• Skin Infections: Identification and treatment of bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections.
• Skin Cancer: Detection, diagnosis, and management of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• Autoimmune Skin Disorders: Conditions such as lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, and pemphigus.
• Hair and Nail Disorders: Including alopecia, onychomycosis, and other related conditions.
• Pigmentary Disorders: Management of vitiligo, melasma, and other pigmentation issues.
• Vascular Lesions: Treatment of hemangiomas, port-wine stains, and other vascular anomalies.

In addition to the structured didactic sessions, fellows also have access to various educational resources, including online modules, dermatology texts and hands-on workshops. The Dermatology APP Fellowship covers a variety of procedural techniques to ensure that fellows are well-prepared to handle a wide range of dermatological conditions. Some of the key procedural techniques include:

• Skin Biopsies
• Cryotherapy
• Electrosurgery
• Intralesional Injections
• Laser Therapy
• Mohs Micrographic Surgery

These procedural techniques are taught through a combination of didactic education and hands-on practice in clinical settings. This comprehensive approach ensures that fellows are well-equipped with the necessary skills to provide high-quality dermatological care. In addition to diagnosing and treating disorders of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes, Wake Forest Baptist dermatologists are active in special areas of clinical care and research.

Rotations

Months 1-3

• The first three months will be dedicated to learning general “bread and butter” dermatology and will be spent working alongside faculty and APPs in general clinics.  

Months 4-6

• The fellow will begin their own continuity clinic, and these will increase gradually during months 4-6. 
• Specialty medical clinics will introduced during months 4-6. Specialty clinics include: pediatric dermatology, hair loss, psoriasis, vulvar dermatology, hidradenitis suppurativa, patch testing, cutaneous lymphoma, inpatient consults, complex medical dermatology.  

Months 7-9

• The fellow will have the opportunity to rotate in cosmetics and procedural clinics in addition to their continuity clinics during months 7-9. These procedural clinics include: injectables, laser, excisions, Mohs, melanoma clinic.  

Months 10-12

• The fellow will have the opportunity to complete electives of their choosing. This can be a specific clinic of interest within the department, or can be in another department within Wake Forest if possible to arrange by fellowship leadership.