Preclinical Dermatology Opportunities
If you're a preclinical student interested in dermatology, there are plenty of ways to get involved early! From hands-on learning experiences to research and mentorship, these opportunities help build a strong foundation before clinical years.
MDFD 251: Dermatology
This five-week preclinical dermatology course (a component of Dermatology-Rheumatology-Orthopedics course Block) includes an interactive curriculum in which students learn through real-world cases of common and uncommon dermatoses and cutaneous neoplasms.
As a part of the Dermatology Course, students participate in Physical Diagnosis Day, an opportunity to see dermatologists provide clinical care to patients. Guided by residents and faculty, this hands-on didactic experience offers in-person learning about skin conditions.
ELECT-166: Introduction to Clinical Dermatology
This enrichment opportunity introduces learners to the clinical practice of dermatology through immersive shadowing experiences in outpatient clinics, surgical settings, and inpatient consult services. Learners will observe daily dermatologic care, including clinic visits, procedures, and hospital-based consultations. Alongside these hands-on experiences, participants will explore career paths in dermatology, build foundational knowledge of common conditions and terminology, and identify ways to stay engaged in the field.
Medical Student Clinical Education
Gain hands-on experience through rotations and electives, working with faculty and residents in clinics and specialty areas. Elevate your profile by engaging in research, publications, mentorship, and networking, while workshops sharpen your procedural and diagnostic skills. These opportunities build a solid foundation for your dermatology career and boost your residency application.
Dermatology 501: Clinical Dermatology
In this 2- to 4-week rotation, you’ll work alongside dermatology faculty in both general and specialty clinics, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of skin conditions. You’ll also collaborate with residents in their continuity clinics and join didactic sessions, enhancing your skills through practical learning and personalized mentorship.
Dermatology 502: Inpatient Dermatology and Dermatopathology
In this 2- to 4-week rotation, you’ll explore hospital dermatology and dermatopathology. Mornings are spent analyzing biopsies with our dermatopathology team, while afternoons are dedicated to rounding with the inpatient consult service, learning how dermatology integrates into multidisciplinary patient care.
Dermatology 601: Clinical Research in Dermatology
In this 2- to 6-week program, you’ll dive into dermatology research, gaining experience with clinical projects and observing patient trials. You’ll collaborate with expert dermatologists, receive mentorship, and design a personalized research project that aligns with your interests.
Knowledge Enhancement Opportunities (open to all Geisel students)
Geisel medical students have access to unique enrichment opportunities that expand their knowledge beyond traditional coursework. These programs offer valuable insights into leadership, cultural competency, and health equity, providing a broader perspective on dermatology and medicine.
Leadership for Physicians at the Geisel School of Medicine
This interactive enrichment course introduces medical students to leadership as a skill that can be developed and refined. Through classroom sessions, discussions, and media-based learning, students explore core leadership concepts—including team-building, communication, and decision-making—within the healthcare setting. Designed for medical students, the course emphasizes practical, transferable skills and offers actionable strategies for future leadership roles in medicine and beyond.
Working with Indigenous Communities: Culture, History, and Clinical Care
This enrichment opportunity offers an overview of key historical, cultural, and health topics essential for working with Native American and Indigenous populations. Through interactive sessions and case studies in dermatology, psychiatry, and pediatrics, learners will explore how cultural beliefs and practices intersect with clinical care.
Dermatology Ethics and Health Equity
This course is a discussion-based course which covers a broad array of important topics relevant to the fields of dermatology and health ethics including dermatology in skin of color, dermatology in the LGBTQIA+ community, and research ethics in dermatology. Participating students, residents, faculty, and research fellows discuss books, articles, and films related to each topic. Students prepare and present capstone presentations on a topic of their choice.
Want to Explore Dermatology? Here’s Who to Reach Out To!
Dr. Alicia Dagrosa
Dermatology Director of Medical Education
The expert on all things derm education! If you’re looking for rotations, mentorship, or advice on getting involved, she’s the one to know.
Brittany Stark
Academic Program Manager for Clinical Rotations
Need help setting up clinical rotations? Brittany’s got your back.
Got questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the next step in your derm journey!