For Residents
Factors Affecting the Pursuit of Academic Careers Among Dermatology Residents
There is a shortage of academic dermatologists in the United States. This study aimed to examine characteristics of US dermatology residency...
International Resident Opportunities Through the Women’s Dermatologic Society
The Women’s Dermatologic Society Mentorship Award Program helps to develop long-term mentoring relationships for residents and/or junior faculty that might not otherwise be possible due to distance or funding availability (http://www.womensderm.org/?page=MentorshipAward). As a recipient of this award in 2015, I was paired with Evangeline Handog, MD, current president of the International Society of Dermatology and the dermatology department chairperson at Asian Hospital and Medical Center, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. During my time in the Philippines, I was mostly at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila. I also spent a day at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center, a state-of-the-art facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission International, and I attended a cosmetic dermatology workshop led by the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation, Inc. During this trip, I was surprised by the number of leprosy and human immunodeficiency virus cases that I encountered. Growing up in the United States for most of my life, I had never seen a case of leprosy. I also was very touched by the hospitality, generosity, and warmth of my mentor Dr. Handog, as well as the professors and dermatology residents that I encountered. The Women’s Dermatologic Society Mentorship Award Program exceeded my expectations, and I learned much more than I could by reading a textbook. I am very grateful for this experience and would do it again if I could.
Final Thoughts
Although it may be challenging to schedule international resident electives and opportunities while in residency training, international educational experiences allow for professional growth and development. An international medical experience can provide excellent opportunities for learning and service in remote or underserved areas in the world.
Acknowledgment
I would like to thank the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology scholarship committee; Nawaf al-Mutairi, MD, and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health; the Women’s Dermatologic Society; and the AAD for giving me the chance to participate in these wonderful international opportunities throughout my career.
