Dermatology Residency Program
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Training physicians to become competent dermatologists is a core mission of the Division of Dermatology at the University of Louisville. Our residency training program is over 50 years old and has had continuous approval by the Dermatology Residency Review Committee throughout its history.
Our residency focuses on developing compassionate physicians who can independently provide care for patients with common and rare conditions of the skin, hair, nails and mucous membranes.
We offer a three-year training program that provides a varied experience with all aspects of clinical dermatology including exposure to complex medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, dermatopathology and cosmetic rotations.
Residents are exposed to multiple practitioners within traditional clinical rotations at our affiliated hospital settings as well as within private practices throughout our city.
Many of our faculty have attained recognition not only locally, but on the National Dermatology Educational scene, assuming leadership roles in many venues including dermatology societies and editorial board memberships.
Although we have a strong focus on the development of clinicians who provide care in academic and private settings, we have produced several physicians who have gone on the leadership roles within the academic world at other institutions.
We have been fortunate to attract highly intelligent and accomplished students for our residency training program, who learn in an environment that fosters compassionate care for diverse populations. We value the well-being of our residents and have taken advantage of many local activities outside of the confines of our hospitals and clinics to develop the camaraderie necessary for residents to return refreshed to the everyday workplace.
Our Division is committed to the training of superb clinicians, if that is what you desire to become, please join us!
Dermatology Residency Activities
► Journal Club - 2nd and 4th Tuesdays each month 8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop an ability to critically analyze published articles.
- Recognize important advances in the basic understanding, diagnosis and management of dermatologic diseases.
- Develop a life-long habit of reading and analyzing the medical literature.
- Demonstrate communication skills in presenting an analysis of articles in a clear and concise manner.
Journals Routinely Reviewed:
- JAMA Dermatology
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
- British Journal of Dermatology
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology
- Dermatologic Surgery
- Pediatric Dermatology
* Although certain articles are assigned for discussion, residents are expected to read the entire journal of JAMA Dermatology and Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology each month
A faculty discussant/leader for each session is assigned on a rotating basis and aids the residents in the selection of articles to review. Each resident is responsible for a PowerPoint presentation that aids in his/her oral presentation of one article per journal club. The faculty leader moderates the discussion with participation from other faculty members wishing to speak.
► Grand Rounds/Clinical Diagnostic Conference - 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month, 8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
This conferences is designed to share interesting patients or obtain input on diagnostic/therapeutic dilemmas. All data from conference is stored securely on the residents computer in PowerPoint files.
Learning Objectives:
- Examine the skin more efficiently and effectively.
- Construct and prioritize a differential diagnosis for skin disease.
- Design an appropriate plan for evaluation and management of patients with skin disease
► Dermatopathology Diagnostic Conference - One Tuesday per month at 11 a.m.
Learning Objectives:
- Analyze pathology specimens more critically.
- Develop and prioritize a differential diagnosis for pathology.
- Recognize the importance of clinicopathologic correlation in establishing a "final" or "working" diagnosis.
► Topic Series in Dermatopathology - Tuesdays at 11 a.m.
This conference is designed to provide a systematic review of dermatopathology based upon the chapters of the selected dermatopathology text and will be accompanied by slides for study and review. The sessions will be lead by UofL dermatopathologies (Drs. Owen, Malone, Bahrami, Sonnier, Ferneyhough and Burch) on a rotating basis.
Learning Objectives:
- Become familiar with the distinguishing features of dermatopathologic diagnoses.
- Learn how to distinguish and describe the relevant features of the pathology reviewed and begin to use these findings to develop a dermatopathologic differential diagnosis.
► Textbook Conference - Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. and Friday after Noon Conference
Learning Objectives:
- Become familiar with dermatologic disorders and their diagnosis and management.
- Understand the scientific basis of skin disease.
Review of one or more Dermatology Textbooks:
Reading schedule will be determined by the chief residents on a monthly basis and will include selections from the follow texts: Bolognia's Dermatology, Andrew's Diseases of the Skin, Spitz's Genodermatoses, Vidimos' Dermatology Surgery in the Requisites of Dermatology series and Wolverton's Comprehensive Dermatologic Drug Therapy. Every year a dermatopathology text is reviewed.
► Noon Conference - Friday 12:15 p.m.
Learning Objectives:
- Construct a differential diagnosis for skin diseases depicted photographically.
- Recognize the value of clinicopathologic correlation.
- Develop skills necessary for preparation and presentation of a conference.
► Clinicopathologic Conference - Friday 12:15 p.m.
This conference is organized on an annual basis and presented by Dr. Callen and one of the dermatopathology faculty members. A list of all the patients to be presented is available about two weeks prior to the CPC. The residents are responsible for dividing the cases among themselves and should be prepared to discuss the history, past medical history, physical examination, and follow-up findings.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the relationship between clinical disease and its pathologic representation
- Develop better diagnoses by learning to correlate clinical and pathologic findings
► Dermatopathology Weekly Review with Drs. Haeberle, Malone or Bahrami - Mondays 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the clinicopathological correlation by reviewing slides of biopsies performed
- Develop an appreciation for the selection of an appropriate technique for tissue removal to get the optimal pathological report
Residents are responsible for recording and tracking the results of all biopsies from VA, UofL ACB and Kosair Pediatrics
National Conferences
All residents attend the annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting except for ones who covers in-patient consults.
Residents may attend the following conferences provided that funding is available: Dermatology Foundation, National Psoriasis Foundation. In addition, residents who have performed research may attend the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery or the American Society of Dermatopathology meetings if they are presenting at the meeting. Prior approval of the Chair and Program Director is necessary for these meetings.
Residents are required to perform one IRB approved research study or three case reports during their three-year residency. The protocol and the details of the investigation should be discussed with one attending. These manuscripts should be completed and ready for submission by January 15 of the resident’s 3rd year.
The resident will be responsible for possible corrections and re-submission even after they have graduated from the program.
Should a resident fail to complete the research requirement by January 15 of their graduating year, the program director reserves the right to withhold time of completion of the residency, which could possibly delay eligibility to sit for the certifying examination of the American Board of Dermatology.
- Louisville VAMC - General and medical dermatology, continuity clinic, dermatologic surgery
- Dr. Patricia Todd - Pediatric dermatology
- Dr. Jeffrey Callen - Patients with systemic diseases, learn diagnostic and treatment approaches for dermatologically and medically complicated patients
- Drs. Courtney Schadt, Cindy Owen, Jyoti Burruss, Mark Jackson, John Strickley, and Anna Hayden - Medical and general dermatology, evaluation and management of both common and complex medical conditions in adults and children. Dr. Strickley manages the Urgent Care Clinic on Wednesdays.
- UofL Dermatology Clinic - General dermatology, continuity clinic, and skin diseases in underserved populations
- Dr. Carol Kulp-Shorten - Challenging patients with multiple dermatologic diagnoses and psychosocial aspects of skin diseases.
- Dr. Jae Jung - Dermato-oncology, evaluation and management of melanoma, metastatic disease to the skin, and cutaneous lymphomas; Norton Cancer Institute
- Drs. Tim Brown and Mike McCall Jr. - Exposure to Mohs micrographic surgery and use of surgical techniques for the removal of or treatment of skin cancers as well as repair of defects created.
- Dr. Ashley Brown - Cosmetic rotation director
- Drs. Natalie Daniels and Tami Cassis - Use of laser to treat skin disease and the selection of the patient for cosmetic procedure including laser therapy, liposuction, peels, neurotoxins, and injectable fillers.
- Rotation with medical assistant/aestheticians delivering PDT, Excimer laser therapy, phototherapy, chemical peels, neurotoxin injections, injectable fillers, laser treatments, micro-needling treatments and treatment with cosmeceuticals.
- Inpatient Consults - Diagnosis and management of skin disease requiring inpatient care or seen in those with other disease necessitating hospitalization. Takes place at University of Louisville Hospital, Norton Hospital, Norton Children’s Hospital, and Louisville VAMC
Program Details
Application and Interview Process
Please check back here regularly for updates to the application process as well as guidelines and answers to common questions.
1
Program Signaling
Our program is participating this year in signaling through ERAS® and we strongly encourage all applicants to do so as well. While we strive to perform holistic reviews of all applications, given the sheer number, those applicants who provide us with silver or gold signals are more likely to receive an interview invitation.
2
Coordinated Interview Invite Release
We will be participating in coordinated interview invite release and will be extending interview offers in December 2026.
3
Pre- and Post-Interview Communication
Before and during interview season, applicants are asked to refrain from contacting us to express interest or provide application updates prior to interviews, except in truly exceptional circumstances (e.g. couples matching updates, major life events that impact preferences). Questions about our program that cannot be easily answered by available materials (website, social media, etc.) can be directed to our coordinator, Michelle Watts.
4
Interviews
We will be conducting live interviews in January 2027.
Trainee Benefits
Life Insurance
Term life insurance is provided for all trainees, in the amount of $2000 of life insurance for each $1000 of annual stipend. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included.
Health Insurance
Single and family coverage is available at group rates. Several different plans at varying costs are available to choose from. Trainees may choose Premium Conversion, which permits payment of premiums with pre-tax dollars. Flexible Spending Accounts also available.
Workers Compensation
All trainees are covered by workers compensation for medical expenses and lost work time due to job-related illness or injury.
Disability Insurance
Long-term disability insurance is provided for trainees, free of charge. Trainees have the option of converting the coverage from group to individual at the end of their training and the option of purchasing additional coverage at very reduced rates.
Malpractice Insurance
Coverage is provided for all trainees by either the University of Louisville or by the hospitals to which trainees are assigned. This coverage applies to all assigned rotations that are part of fellowship training.
Dental Care and Coverage
The Faculty Practice Office in the Outpatient Care Center will provide annual examination, including cleaning and up to four bitewing x-rays, to trainees free of charge. Any additional services are the responsibility of the trainee. Trainees can call 852-5401 for information. Trainees may also purchase, at group rates, dental insurance in both single and family plans.
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Trainees may establish accounts to convert tax-free benefit dollars within the limits established by the IRS. Flexible spending accounts provide pre-tax dollars to be used toward medical, dental, vision, pharmacy and daycare expenses. The monies are reimbursed to the trainee for expenses incurred.
Employee Assistance Program
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to residents and fellows at no charge and provides confidential counseling, assessment and referral services. The program deals with the broad range of issues such as emotional/behavioral, family and marital, alcohol and/or drug, financial, legal and other personal problems. These services are provided by the Human Development Company.
Counseling Services
Professional counseling is available to trainees through the Health Sciences Center Campus Health Services. Counseling services are also available through the University of Louisville Employee Assistance Program.
Kentucky state law requires that all PGY-2 and above trainees be licensed to practice medicine in the state of Kentucky. The fee for the initial training license is paid by the Graduate Medical Education Office for the PGY-1's who continue as PGY-2's in UofL programs.
Hepatitis B immunization and an annual TB skin test are required and furnished free of charge to all trainees. The Campus Health Services Office provides minor urgent medical care and immunizations, including boosters and TB testing. Personal counseling is also available.
The Campus Health Services Office also serves as an on-site treatment facility for workers compensation related injuries and exposures including needle sticks and as the repository of trainee immunization records and exposure data. The office is staffed by board certified faculty physicians and faculty nurse practitioners who have extensive primary care and occupational exposure experience.
Vacation (annual leave)
All postgraduate physicians are entitled to 28 calendar days of vacation for each twelve-month period.
Medical and personal leave
Paid medical leave up to 90 days is available in cases of extended personal illness. Residents are covered under the Graduate Medical Student Leave Policy, which provides up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for personal or family illness.
Personal leave is available at the discretion of the Program Director.
Parental leave
Trainees are allowed up to 42 days of paid post-partum leave.
Lab coats are provided by departments for residents at the beginning of their training.
Trainees have library privileges at the medical school library (Kornhauser Health Sciences Library) and at all affiliated hospitals. Available services include electronic literature searches and interlibrary loan service. Audiovisual equipment, as well as computers and computer software, are made available to residents through the library.
Through the Kornhauser Library’s website, trainees have access to thousands of electronic journals via Medline and online e-journal collections. Trainees can search the library’s catalog or view a collection of electronic textbooks and reference materials online.
Free membership to the HSC Fitness Center is available to all HSC residents, students, staff and faculty. The Fitness Center is conveniently located in the Chestnut Street Parking Garage and includes weight machines, free weights and 20 pieces of aerobic equipment. Aerobics and yoga classes are also offered. In addition, a swimming pool and recreational facilities on Belknap Campus are also available to residents, through the Intramural and Recreational Sports Office.
Lactation rooms are at various locations on the Health Sciences Center campus.
House Staff are eligible to participate in the 403(b) retirement plan by electing to contribute to the voluntary Employee Supplemental and Roth Additional options. The contributions in the Employee Supplemental and Roth Additional options are not matched by the university.
The Graduate Medical Education office greatly encourages residents to contribute to their community and improve the future of their profession through leadership and advocacy. In that spirit, the Graduate Medical Education Office is providing membership to the Greater Louisville Medical Society (GLMS) and the Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) at no cost to GME contracted residents and fellows.
Parking
Parking permits are provided to trainees by either their program or the GME office at no cost to the resident.
Uber transportation program
An Uber based transportation service is provided free of charge to UofL residents/fellows. The purpose of this program is to ensure that all residents and fellows have a safe transportation option if they are too fatigued to return home safely.