Welcome From Chair

Hi everyone,

Welcome to UMass Dermatology! I’m thrilled that you are considering training in our residency program, which is at the core of our academic department.

We are proud of our long-standing training program at UMass Chan with our clinical partner, UMass Memorial Medical Center. We are known for our camaraderie and our family feel.  Our faculty enjoy and prioritize teaching, and our residents are central members of our clinical teams. We see our residents as future colleagues and value your input as we work to build your clinical knowledge and procedural skills in a supportive, collaborative environment. We see each one of you as an individual who brings unique contributions to our department.

In addition to working with experts in subspecialty clinics such as epidermolysis bullosa, hidradenitis, and cutaneous lymphoma, you will also have a continuity clinic during each year of training.  We believe that this longitudinal experience is key to becoming an excellent physician, as it allows you to learn both how to excel in management of common and complex conditions and how to build meaningful relationships with your patients. We also have an outstanding inpatient service, with time protected from outpatient clinics to fully immerse yourself in learning the nuances of inpatient dermatology. With us you can expect exceptional training in pediatric and surgical dermatology and dermatopathology, with fellowship opportunities in all three subspecialties.

We know that a satisfying work-life integration and resident and faculty wellbeing are key to sustainable success. Residents have protected academic time every week to collect your thoughts, further investigate interesting cases, write up reports, and work on research or quality improvement projects with expert faculty. Our weekly journal clubs and monthly grand rounds are scheduled during regular work hours, to give you time to enjoy hobbies and spend with your family, friends, and co-residents. 

We have a strong department-wide culture of volunteerism and community support. We care for patients in a free clinic we call WooDerm, staffed by residents, students, and faculty--a project that was spearheaded by one of our former residents. We conduct regular firefighter skin cancer screenings, fundraise and walk together to fight cancer, and raise money for families in need. We provide financial support for underserved students to rotate with us and mentor them in their pursuit of becoming a dermatologist.

I am immensely proud of our dynamic and accomplished department and am always looking to add like-minded faculty and residents who will make us even stronger.

I’m excited that you are considering joining our team and look forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,
Rita Khodosh, MD, PhD
Interim Chair of Dermatology
UMass Chan School of Medicine