Dermatology Residency

Our Mission, Vision, and Values

Welcome to UW Dermatology!

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Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to living the UW-Madison Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW–Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

Our Residency Values

Knowledge
Discovery
Opportunity
Camaraderie
Humanism
Leadership

Quick Facts

  • 3-year program begins in PGY-2
  • 5 new residents accepted each year
  • Training in general dermatology as well as specialty clinics: CTCL, Melanoma, Contact Dermatitis, Mohs Surgery, Lasers, Nail Diseases, Oncodermatology, Alopecia, Pediatric Dermatology, Transplant Dermatology, Complex Medical Dermatology, Dermatology Consult Service, Gastrointestinal Dermatology
  • Access to research resources, including clinical-translational research programs and 7 NIH-funded basic research faculty
  • Global Health opportunities through a multitude of international electives offered by UW Health across the world

How to Apply

Applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application System.

For the 2022 ERAS® cycle, our program will be participating in the supplemental ERAS application offered through the AAMC’s ERAS program. Applicants will be required to complete the MyERAS application, and participation in the supplemental ERAS application is optional.

We require USMLE transcripts, 3 Letters of Recommendation, a Medical School Transcript, Dean’s Letter, and Personal Statement.

Application deadline is Oct 22, 2021 and interviews begin in Nov 2021.

See the Deadlines and Applications Instructions FAQ below for more info.

Please read about how the 2021 application & match cycle has been changed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Due to the unique difficulties presented by virtual interviews, several faculty and residents have volunteered as Applicant Outreach to answer your questions about our program. See Contacts below.

UWSMPH Department of Dermatology Objectives For Education and Learners

  1. Committed to learner’s personal growth.
  2. Committed to a supportive, safe, collaborative learning environment that reflects our values of inclusion and respect for others.
  3. Committed to positive and insightful communication to advance individual and team learning.
  4. Work to create a dynamic environment that:
    1. celebrates individual strengths
    2. teaches and models intellectual curiosity
    3. supports a meaningful role in patient care
    4. inspires pride in our department
    5. challenges individuals and teams
    6. empowers learners to pursue goals and shape change
  5. Recruit and graduate residents with high ethical standards, integrity, conscientiousness, and accountability.
  6. Graduate residents who excel in all aspects of the practice of dermatology.
  7. Teach and model ethical, safe, patient-centered, evidence-based dermatologic care for patient populations of all ages, backgrounds, and skin types in ambulatory, inpatient, and virtual health-care settings.
  8. Teach and model prioritization of patient safety, efficiency, quality and access improvement, and adapting care to the needs of the individual patient, even in the face of challenges.

Primary Contact

For questions about applications, interviews, and program administration.

Jennifer Hanser
Education Coordinator
Dept of Dermatology
1 S Park St, 7th Floor
Madison, WI 53715
608-287-2658
jhanser@dermatology.wisc.edu

Applicant Outreach

Contact with questions about the content or structure of our residency program.

Will Aughenbaugh, MD
Residency Program Director
waughenbaugh@dermatology.wisc.edu

Mackenzie Asel, MD
Assistant Residency Program Director
masel@dermatology.wisc.edu

Bridget Shields, MD
Assistant Professor
bshields@dermatology.wisc.edu

Program Overview

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Dermatology is committed to providing residents with comprehensive education in a congenial and highly collegial environment so as to maximize learning and camaraderie. We emphasize graded responsibility to match learners’ needs and delegate responsibilities with appropriate challenge. University of Wisconsin Dermatology residents join an exceptional program in an exceptional University community. At Wisconsin, academic training is enhanced not only by the intellectual opportunities available throughout campus, but also through Madison’s diverse and vibrant culture.

Our Department offers an innovative curriculum in core areas of dermatology along with subspecialty electives. The courses are challenging and rewarding and take place in a variety of clinical settings including University, Veterans Administration and community hospitals, and multiple outpatient clinics.

The Department has a diverse faculty offering a variety of clinical, research and educational opportunities. General dermatology clinics plus specialty clinics in CTCL, Melanoma, Contact Dermatitis, Mohs Surgery, Lasers, Nail Diseases, Oncodermatology, Alopecia, Pediatric Dermatology, Transplant Dermatology, Complex Medical Dermatology, Dermatology Consult Service, and Gastrointestinal Dermatology complement the research areas of seven NIH funded faculty.

The three year program in General Dermatology begins at the PGY-2 level. This residency provides trainees with a broad educational experience in clinical, surgical, dermatopathology and research areas. Successful graduates of this program are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Dermatology Scholars Program.

Program Highlights

Recent Fellowship Placements

University of Wisconsin Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship, Kyle Rudningen (2021-2022)

UCSF Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship, Brittany Buhalog (2019-2020)

University of Pennsylvania Medical Dermatology Fellowship, Bridget Shields (2019-2020)

University of Pennsylvania Dermatopathology Fellowship, Susan Pei (2019-2020)

Houston Methodist Hospital Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship,  David Wright (2017-2018)

Additional Highlights

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Faculty Professional Leadership

International

International Society of Dermatology

  • George Reizner, MD: President; Treasurer General (2009-2017), Contract Negotiation Committee Chair

Federation for International Dermatological Education

  • George Reizner, MD: Board of Directors (2009-2017)

National

American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)

  • Daniel Bennett, MD: Assistant Secretary-Treasurer
  • Justin Endo, MD: Co-chair/Co-founder, Geriatric Dermatology Expert Resource Group
  • Molly Hinshaw, MD: Chair, State Society Relations Committee; Chair, Dermpath Rapid Response Committee
  • George Reizner, MD: Chair, Deputy Chair (2018-2020), Investment Committee
  • Gloria Xu, MD, PhD: Diversity Task Force

American College of Mohs Surgery

  • Juliet Aylward, MD: Diagnostic Quality Control & Teaching Library Committee
  • Gloria Xu, MD, PhD: Board Certification Task Force

American Society of Dermatopathology

  • Molly Hinshaw, MD: Chair, Finance Committee

Childhood Arthritis & Rheumatology Research Alliance

  • Lisa Arkin, MD: Co-Chair, SLE Dermatology

Council for Nail Disorders

  • Molly Hinshaw, MD: Board of Trustees (elected)

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)

  • Gloria Xu, MD, PhD: Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Guideline Panel

Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA)

  • Lisa Arkin, MD: Chair, Early Investigator’s Committee; Executive Committee
  • Beth Drolet, MD: Founding Member; Chair, Nominations Committee; Research Vision and Strategy Task Force

PHACE Syndrome Community

  • Beth Drolet, MD: Chairman, Medical Advisory Board

Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID)

  • Daniel Bennett, MD: Delegate to the AMA House of Delegates

Society for Pediatric Dermatology

  • Beth Drolet, MD: President (2014-2019); Vice President of Research (2012-2014); Mentorship Task Force

United States Cutaneous Lymphoma Consortium (USCLC)

  • Stefan Schieke, MD: Board of Directors

Women’s Dermatological Society

  • Molly Hinshaw, MD: President

Regional & Local

Autoimmune Skin Disease Clinic, UW Health/American Family Children’s Hospital

  • Lisa Arkin, MD: Co-Director

Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies Clinic, UW Health/American Family Children’s Hospital

  • Lisa Arkin, MD: Co-Director

UW Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center (UW CCC)

  • Nihal Ahmad, PhD: Program Co-Leader, Cancer Prevention and Control Program

UW Hospitals & Clinics Medical Board

  • Molly Hinshaw, MD: At-large member

UW Health Laser Safety Committee

  • Lisa Arkin: Chair

Faculty Editors of Clinical & Scientific Journals

Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology

  • Justin Endo, MD: Editorial Board

Biomedicine Hub

  • Nihal Ahmad, MD: Editorial Board

Clinical Medicine Insights: Urology

  • Nihal Ahmad, MD: Editorial Board

Dermatologic Surgery

  • Gloria Xu, MD, PhD: Contributing Editor

Frontiers in Oncology

  • Nihal Ahmad, PhD: Associate Editor

International Journal of Dermatology

  • George Reizner, MD: Editorial Board (2001-2017), Associate Editor (2002-2012)

Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology

  • Nihal Ahmad, MD: Editorial Board

JAMA Dermatology

  • Gloria Xu, MD, PhD: Reviewer

JAAD

  • Gloria Xu, MD, PhD: Reviewer

Journal of Cutaneous Pathology

  • Daniel D. Bennett, MD: Editorial Board

Journal of Investigative Dermatology

  • Vijay Setaluri, PhD: Section Editor & Editorial Consultant (past)

Journal of Oncology

  • Nihal Ahmad, PhD: Associate Editor

Journal of Pediatric Dermatology

  • Beth Drolet, MD: Editorial Board

Life Sciences

  • Nihal Ahmad, MD: Editorial Board

Photochemistry and Photobiology

  • Nihal Ahmad, PhD: Associate Editor

Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research

  • Vijay Setaluri, PhD: Editor-in-Chief

Skin Pharmacology and Physiology

  • Nihal Ahmad, MD: Editorial Board

Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology

  • Nihal Ahmad, PhD: Associate Editor

Faculty Publications: Recent Editions of Textbooks

Names of faculty are in bold; names of authors who were trainees under our faculty at time of research or writing are underlined.

Larocca C, Asel M and Lacouture ME. Photosensitivity and photoreactions. In: Fabbrocini G, Lacouture M, Tosti A, editors. Dermatologic Reactions to Cancer Therapies. 1st ed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press.

Shields BE, Forrestel A, Rosenbach M. (2020). Erythema Nodosum. In Lebwohl(Ed), Treatment of Skin Disease 6th Edition.

Shields BE, Rosenbach M. (2020). Granuloma Annulare. In Lebwohl(Ed), Treatment of Skin Disease 6th Edition.

Shields BE, Zone JJ. (2020). Dermatitis Herpetiformis. In Lebwohl(Ed), Treatment of Skin Disease 6th Edition.

Wood GS. Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas. In: Conn’s Current Therapy, 2020 Ed., Bope ET et al. (eds.), Philadelphia, PA, Elsevier Saunders.

Xu YG, Aylward J, Swanson A, Spiegelman V, Vanness E, Teng J, Wood GS: Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers: Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas. In: Clinical Oncology 6th Ed. MD Abeloff et al. (eds.), Philadelphia, PA. Elsevier Science (USA), 2019.

Hinshaw MA, Garrity K, Richert B. (2018). Nail Surgery. In: Albertini J, Bordeaux J, Dzubow LM, Lawrence N, Miller SJ (Eds). Dermatologic Surgery pp 496-511. McGraw Hill.

Hinshaw MA. (2018). Non-melanocytic Pigmentary Disorders of the Nail Unit. In: Scher R, Daniel R, Jellinek N, Rubin A (Eds). Nails: Diagnosis, Management, Surgery pp 303-317. Springer.

Hinshaw MA, Lawrence S. Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases. In: Conn’s Current Therapy. Bope, Kellerman, and Rakel (Eds). Elsevier 2018.

Hinshaw MA, Lawrence S. Vasculitis. In: Conn’s Current Therapy. Bope, Kellerman, and Rakel (Eds). Elsevier 2018.

Wood GS, Reizner GT: Other papulosquamous disorders. In: Dermatology. 5th Ed. JL Bolognia, JL et al (eds), Elsevier Saunders, 2018.

Wood GS, Schieke S: Parapsoriasis and Pityriasis Lichenoides. In: Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine, 9th Ed. K. Wolff, L.A. Goldsmith, S.I. Katz, B. Gilchrest, A.S. Paller, D.J. Leffell (eds), New York, NY, McGraw-Hill, 2018.

Faculty Publications: Journal Articles

Names of faculty are in bold; names of authors who were trainees under our faculty at time of research or writing are underlined.

Adequacy of dermatology and ob-gyn graduate medical education for inflammatory vulvovaginal skin disease: A nationwide needs assessment survey. Comstock JR, Endo JO, Kornik RI. Int J Womens Dermatol. (accepted)

Shields BE, Richardson C, Arkin L, Kornik R. “Vulvar Crohn Disease: Diagnostic Challenges and Approach to Therapy.” Int J Women’s Derm. (accepted for publication 2020, May.)

Shields BE, Gelfand JM, Allen-Taylor L, Rosenbach M. “Dermatitis Herpetiformis within the iCureCeliac® Patient-Powered Research Network: Patient Characteristics and Dietary Counseling.” JAMA Dermatology, 2020, Oct; 8.

Alawi F, Shields BE, Omolehinwa T, Rosenbach M. “Oral Granulomatous Disease.” Dermatol Clin; 2020, Oct; 1.

Ablative fractional laser treatment of hypertrophic burn and traumatic scars: a systematic review of the literature. Brittany Buhalog, Farah Moustafa, Lisa Arkin, Kachiu Lee, Katherine Siwy, Matthias Donelan, C Scott Hultman, Peter R Shumaker. Arch Dermatol Res 2020 Sep 14. doi: 10.1007/s00403-020-02135-5. Online ahead of print.

Agni M, Raven ML, Bowen RC, Laver NV, Chevez-Barrios P, Milman T, Eberhart CG, Couch S, Bennett DD, Albert DM, Hogan N, Phelps PO, Stiefel H, Mancera N, Hyrcza M, Wang A, Steele EA, Campbell AA, Potter HD, Lucarelli MJ. An Update on Endocrine Mucin-producing Sweat Gland Carcinoma: Clinicopathologic Study of 63 Cases and Comparative Analysis. American Journal of Surgical Pathology 2020 Aug;44(8):1005-1016.

Reza N, Hoffman-Andrews L, Chowns JL, Marzolf A, Shields BE, Owes AT. “Left-Dominant Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy, Palmoplantar Keratoderma, and Curly Hair Associated with a Rare Autosomal Dominant Truncating Variant in Desmoplakin.” Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine; 2020, Aug; 13.

Hoffman M, Micheletti RG, Shields BE. “Nutritional Dermatoses for the Hospitalized Patient.” Cutis; 2020, June.

Management of infantile hemangiomas during the COVID pandemic. Frieden IJ, Püttgen KB, Drolet BA, Hemangioma Investigator Group, et al. Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 May;37(3):412-418. doi: 10.1111/pde.14196. Epub 2020 May 16.

Fischer AH, Pei S, Shields BE, Rosenbach M, Rubin AI. “Dermatomal Necrotizing Infundibular Crystalline Folliculitis following Herpes Zoster.” J Cutan Pathol; 2020, May; 20.

Shields BE, Latour E, Fett NM. “Characteristics of patients with Celiac Disease and Connective Tissue Disease Overlap.” Int J Dermatol; 2020, Apr; 25.

Limited Utility of Repeated Vital Sign Monitoring During Initiation of Oral Propranolol for Complicated Infantile Hemangioma. Püttgen KB, Hansen LM, Lauren C, Stefanko N, Mathes E, Olsen GM, Tollefson MM, Adams D, Baselga E, Chamlin S, Corey K, Frascari FF, Frieden IJ, Galligan ER, Gupta D, Haggstrom A, Horii K, Hornik CP, Klajn J, Liberman L, Mancini A, Mannschreck D, McGinness A, McCuaig C, Newell B, Nguyen H, Nopper A, Oyesanya T, Powell J, Reynolds M, Rios M, Siegel DH, Ward K, Garzon MC, Frommelt P, Drolet BA. Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Apr 11:S0190-9622(20)30553-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.013. Online ahead of print.

Nail Disorders in Women. Reinecke J, Hinshaw MA. Int J Women’s Dermatol 2020 Mar. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.01.006

Evaluating the Safety of Oral Propranolol Therapy in Patients With PHACE Syndrome. Olsen GM, Hansen LM, Stefanko NS, Mathes E, Puttgen KB, Tollefson MM, Lauren C, Mancini AJ, McCuaig CC, Frieden IJ, Adams D, Baselga E, Chamlin S, Gupta D, Frommelt P, Garzon MC, Horii K, Klajn J, Maheshwari M, Newell B, Nguyen HL, Nopper A, Powell J, Siegel DH, Drolet BA. JAMA Dermatol. 2020 Feb 1;156(2):186-190. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.3839.

Hamartomas and midline anomalies in association with infantile hemangiomas, PHACE, and LUMBAR syndromes. Stefanko NS, Davies OMT, Beato MJ, Blei F, Drolet BA, Fairley J, Frieden IJ, Galligan ER, Goddard D, Howard R, Husain S, Lauren CT, Lopez-Gutierrez JC, MacArthur C, Metry DW, Morel KD, Niedt GW, Garzon MC, Sokumbi O, Siegel DH. Pediatr Dermatol. 2020 Jan;37(1):78-85. doi: 10.1111/pde.14006. Epub 2019 Oct 20.

Weinhammer A, Shields BE, Keenan TD. “Intralesional steroid induced hypopigmentation and atrophy: a rare adverse event.” Dermatol Online J; 2020, Jan.

Number of skin biopsies needed per malignancy: comparing the use of skin biopsies among dermatologists and non-dermatologist clinicians. Ashley Privalle A, Havighurst T, Kim K, Bennett DD, Xu YG. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020 Jan;82(1):110-116. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.08.012. Epub 2019 Aug 10. PMID: 31408683.

Zhao L, Wood G. Mechanisms by which combined inhibition of BET and HDAC inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in CTCL. J Invest Dermatol 140: S78, 2020.

Nihal M, Wood G. Mechanisms governing epigenetic regulation of apoptosis in CTCL: Implications for therapy with methotrexate, JAK inhibitors, and resveratrol. J Invest Dermatol 140: S32, 2020.

Sebaceous Carcinoma: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Owen JL, Kibbi N, Worley B, … Xu YG…Alam M. Lancet Oncol. 2019 Dec;20(12):e699-e714. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(19)30673-4. Review. PMID: 31797796.

Outcomes of Malignant Melanoma in Kidney Transplant Recipients. Di Bartolomeo S, Rolak S, Joachim E, Xu YG, Astor BC, Parajuli S. Clin Nephrol. 2019 Dec;92(6):293-301. doi: 10.5414/CN109881. PMID: 31549628.

Ryan MP, Bennett DD, Goodwin BP, Kelly BC. Basomelanocytic Neoplasms: A Report of Two Similar Tumors with Divergent Treatments. American Journal of Dermatopathology 2019 Oct 29 [Epub ahead of print]

Nodal Staging of High Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Fox M, Brown M, Golda N, Goldberg D, Miller, Pugliano-Mauro M, Schmults D, Shin T, Stasko T, Xu YG, MD, Nehal K (High Risk Squamous Cell Carcinoma Workgroup, Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Section of the Association of Professors of Dermatology). J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Aug;81(2):548-557.PMID: 30227190.

Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma: Informed by a Systematic Review. Worley B, Owen JL, … Xu YG…Alam M. JAMA Dermatol. 2019 Jul 3. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2019.1251. PMID: 31268498.

Albrecht J, Adamson AS, Barbieri J, Bennett DD, Kiracofe EA, Kourosh AS, Leslie KS, Merola JF, Nguyen J, Siegfried E, Strickland N, Olbricht S, Asgari MM, AADA Task Force on Drug Pricing and Transparency. Lack of an FDA indication should not limit access to appropriate treatment. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 80:577-578, 2019.

Extramammary Paget’s Disease. Asel M and LeBoeuf NR. Hematol Oncol N Am 2019;33:73-85.

Muir-Torre Syndrome – The importance of a detailed family history. Burris CK, Rodriguez ME, Raven ML, Reddy DN, Xu YG, Wiggs JL, Potter HD, Albert DM. Case Rep Ophthalmol 2019;10:180–185. https://doi.org/10.1159/000500662.

Craddock LN, Inda JJ, Longley BJ, Wood GS. EBV+ mucocutaneous ulcers in the setting of pre-existing cutaneous T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders: A report of 2 cases. JAAD Case Reports 5:78-81, 2019.

Brachyonychia in a patient with Bardet-Biedl syndrome: case report and review of this rare syndrome. Detty SQ, Hinshaw MA, Tuite MJ, Means AD. JAAD Case Rep. 2019;5(8):672-4.

Karim AS, Tan A, Ocotl E, Bennett DD, Wang Z, Kendziorski C, Gibson ALF. Discordance between histologic and visual assessment of tissue viability in excised burn wound tissue. Wound Repair and Regeneration 27:150-161, 2019.

Clinical imaging and pathologic features of conditions with combined esophageal and cutaneous manifestations. Lee MH, Lubner MG, Peebles JK, Hinshaw MA, et al. Radiographics 2019;39(5):1411-34.

McCaughey CD, Amarnani A, Longley BJ, Bennett DD, Wood GS. Erythema gyratum repens-like eruption in Sezary syndrome: evidence for a role of a dermatophyte. Cutis 103:357-360, 2019.

Mafee M, Bennett DD, Swanson AM. Incidental Merkel Cell Carcinoma Encountered During Mohs Surgery. Dermatologic Surgery 45:604-606, 2019.

Palisaded neutrophilic granulomatous dermatitis leading to diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma: report of rare case and literature review of paraneoplastic granulomatous dermatitides. Pei S, Hinshaw M. Am J Dermatopathol 2019;41(11):835-45.

Aging and the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Sreekantaswamy S, Endo J, Chen A, Butler D, Morrison L, Linos E. Clin Dermatol. 2019;37(4):373-378.

Zhao L, Ohkovat J-P, Hong EK, Kim YH, Wood GS. Preclinical studies support combined inhibition of BET family proteins and histone deacetylases as epigenetic therapy for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Neoplasia 21: 82-92, 2019.

Geriatrics Curriculum Needs Assessment for Dermatology Residency Programs. Endo J, Awe A, Reddy S, Hirshfield LE, Kamin C, Lineberry M. J Grad Med Educ. 2018 Dec;10(6):657-664.

Targeting insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) in metastatic melanoma to increase efficacy of BRAFV600E inhibitors. Kim T, Havighurst T, Kim K, Albertini M, Xu YG*, Spiegelman VS*. Molecular carcinogenesis, 2018 Jan 25. doi: 10.1002/mc.22786. (*: Senior co-authors). PubMed PMID: 29369405

Rush PS, Rosenbaum JN, Roy M, Baus RM, Bennett DD, Lloyd RV. Insulinoma-associated 1: A novel nuclear marker in Merkel cell carcinoma (cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma). Journal of Cutaneous Pathology 45:129-135, 2018.

Program Details

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Deadlines and Application Instructions FAQ

In this section: Quick answers to common questions on application and interview process, including deadlines

  1. Q. What are the application requirements?
    A. Only complete applications will be reviewed
    A complete application includes:
    * Common Application Form
    * USMLE transcripts
    * 3 Letters of Recommendation, with at least one from a supervising Dermatologist
    * Medical School Transcript
    * Dean’s Letter
    * Personal Statement
    A. Applicants will be required to complete the MyERAS application
  2. Q. What is the application deadline?
    A. October 22, 2021
  3. Q. When will the program extend invitations to interview?
    A. Virtual interviews will be scheduled beginning in mid-November, 2021
  4. Q. When will the program interview candidates?
    A. Virtual interviews will be conducted between November, 2021 and December 2022
  5. Q. How many positions are there to fill?
    A. 5 Advanced Dermatology
  6. Q. Does this program offer transitional year?
    A. No
  7. Q. Does the program accept international medical graduates?
    A. Yes
  8. Q. What type of visa does the program sponsor?
    A. J-1 only
  9. Q. Is there a maximum number of letters of recommendations?
    A. No more than 4, please.

Clinical Rotations and Program Structure

In this section: A description of the structure and expectations of the residency program

The first year of residency (PGY2) provides a strong foundation in general dermatology. Residents at this stage are introduced to common dermatologic conditions and with an emphasis on appropriate treatment and patient communication. PGY-2 residents learn basic procedural skills that are built upon over the following two years.

The second year of residency (PGY3) introduces the resident to advanced specialty rotations in order to manage increasingly complex medical dermatologic problems. Rotations in dermatopathology promote advanced histologic interpretation and clinical pathologic correlation. The dermatologic surgery rotation enhances surgical skills as residents learn to perform Mohs micrographic surgery and advanced reconstructive repairs. Subspecialty dermatology rotations concentrate exposure to patients with complex medical dermatologic conditions. The consult rotation covers inpatient services at three hospitals, and is a highly educational rotation.

The third year of residency (PGY4) is designed for residents to reinforce what was learned in the first two years of training and refine their individual practice style. Residents spend 3 months at the VA Hospital in their senior year, where they assume responsibility for patient care decisions. This leadership role helps prepare residents for independent practice.

Continuity Clinics are held one half day per week as a PGY2 and two half days per weeks in the PGY3 and PGY4 years. Residents assume full responsibility for patient care under the supervision of an attending physician.

Rotations are divided into 4 week blocks. The table below lists the number of each clinical assignments for each PGY year:

PGY2 PGY3 PGY4
General Dermatology – UW 3 1 1
General Dermatology – VA 6 0 3
Pediatric Dermatology 1 1 1
Subspecialty Dermatology 2 2 1
Dermatologic Surgery 0 1 1
Dermatopathology 0 1 1
Consults 0 2 1
Medicine Specialty rotation 0 1 0
Float 0 2 1
Electives 0 1 2

Subspecialty Clinics are offered in the following areas:

  • Contact Dermatitis
  • Cutaneous Lymphoma
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Nail Diseases
  • Pediatric Dermatology
  • Teledermatology
  • Oncodermatology
  • Alopecia

The Medicine Specialty rotation allows residents to work with our esteemed colleagues in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. This clinic is required as a PGY3 and may be repeated during an elective rotation. The following clinics are represented:

  • Oncology – Melanoma Clinic
  • Adult Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Adult Allergy
  • Pediatric Allergy

Unique Program Attributes

Inmate Clinic – The Inmate Clinic is held at the University of Wisconsin Hospital once monthly. This is a high yield clinic where many patients have access to health care for the first time. The clinic focuses on complex medical dermatology and patient education.

Chicago Dermatological Society – All UW Dermatology residents are members of the Chicago Dermatological Society. Trainees are allowed to attend four CDS meetings each year.

Global Health opportunities – UW Health offers a multitude of international electives across the world.

Scholars Program

In this section: Information on our optional additional year to study in a focused area

The Dermatology Scholars Program (DSP) is an optional track for residents who are interested in developing a focused area of expertise. Graduates from this program will be well positioned to be a local expert as they begin their practice in an academic or private practice setting.

DSP scholars may take advantage of local, regional, national or international resources. Participants may choose to focus on a clinical subspecialty, translational research or basic science research within the UW Health system. Alternatively, scholars may elect to pursue an advanced degree including Master of Public Health or Master of Business Administration. All participants will be partnered with a mentor to guide their professional development. Past scholars have successfully networked with advisors from outside the University of Wisconsin to enhance their education.

Dermatology Scholars will be appointed Clinical Instructor in the Department of Dermatology for this 1 year program. Clinical responsibilities include a minimum of two half-day clinics. The remainder of the time will be spent pursuing research in an area of focus.

Our Faculty Scholars include Dr. Apple Bodemer and Dr. Margo Reeder

Recent Graduates (2019-2022)

2022 Graduates
Lisa Cotter – UW Dermatology, WI
Sarah Kroger – UW Dermatology, WI
Aman Prasad – Dermatopathology fellowship in Philadelphia, PA
Annika Weinhammer – Mohs fellowship in Madison, WI

2021 Graduates
Nadine Shabeeb – private practice in Madison, WI
Kyle Rudningen – Mohs fellowship in Madison, WI
Joshua Eickstaedt – Mohs fellowship in Birmingham, AL
Brooke Rosenbaum – private practice in Las Vegas, NV

2020 Graduates
Hagger Ali – private practice in New Hampshire
Shannon Detty – private practice in Denver, CO
Daniel Krakora – private practice in Minnesota
Nicholas Zajdel – private practice in Milwaukee, WI

2019 Graduates
Brittany Buhalog – private practice in Madison, Wi
Michael Christopher – private practice in Arizona
Susan Pei – Dermatopathology Fellowship at The University of Pennsylvania
Bridget Shields – faculty appointment at UW Dermatology

Former Residents

2018 Graduates
Lauren Brin Hermans – private practice in Pierre, South Dakota
Katherine Bonnichsen – private practice in St. Paul, MN
Noor Tazudeen – private practice in Chicago, IL

2017 Graduates
Lauren Craddock –private practice in Monroe, WI
Kate Garrity – private practice in Wisconsin
Lydia Kim – private practice in California
J. Klint Peebles – private practice in Washington, DC
David Wright – private practice Mohs Surgery in Irving, TX

2016 Graduates
Tom Keenan – faculty appointment at UW Dermatology
Mandi Bietz – private practice in South Dakota
Kristin Eastman – private practice in Alaska
Abby Taub – private practice in Wisconsin

2015 Graduates
Joanna McGetrick – private practice in Florida
Kirstin Altman – faculty appointment at Baylor Scott and White in Texas
Lydia Turnbull – private practice in Minnesota

2014 Graduates
Sara Fitz – private practice in Iowa
Patrick Kehoe – private practice in Wisconsin
Cort McCaughey – private practice in Utah

2013 Graduates
Brian Kleker – private practice in California
Margo Reeder – faculty appointment at UW Dermatology
Sherry Youssef – private practice in California

2012 Graduates
Jessica Saucier – faculty appointment at Baylor University
Rachel Kornik- faculty appointment at UW Dermatology
Lisa Muchard – practice in Wisconsin

2011 Graduates
Anna Haemel – faculty appointment at UCSF
Andy Swanson – faculty appointment at UW Dermatology
David Myers – private practice Utah

2010 Graduates
Margaret Collins – private practice in Minnesota
Phil Hsu – private practice in California
Tasneem Poonawalla – private practice in Wisconsin
Melissa Stenstrom – private practice in Illinois

2009 Graduates
Chethana Gottam – private practice in Illinois
Rosemarie Liu – private practice in Virginia
Nicole Fett – faculty appointment at Oregon Health & Science University

2008 Graduates
Amber Atwater – faculty appointment at Duke University Medical Center Med/Derm
Lindsey Bennett – private practice in California

Current Residents

3rd Year Dermatology Residents

Jeanette Comstock, MD

Hometown: Missoula, Montana
Undergraduate: University of Montana
Medical School: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Internship: Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee

What do you like best about doing your dermatology training at the University of Wisconsin?

I love that I get to work with faculty who are incredibly engaged, knowledgeable, and dedicated to resident training. I feel so well supported by our entire faculty and staff and would feel comfortable going to anybody with a question, research idea, or concern.

List one interesting fact about yourself that many of your co-workers may not know about you.

I was on a competitive, traveling jump rope team for years called the Montana Super Skippers. I actually held a national title for number of ‘double-unders’ performed in one minute!

Melissa Dodds, MD

Hometown: Rochelle, Illinois
Undergraduate: University of Dubuque, Dubuque Iowa
Medical School: Southern Illinois University
Internship: Medical College of Wisconsin

Why did you select the University of Wisconsin for your training?

There were several key points that stuck out to me compared to other programs. First, I really like the opportunity for continuity of care. We have a half day clinic weekly in our first year and twice weekly in our second and third years. New patients are offered appointments with us the same as attendings clinics, so we get to see a broad demographic with a variety of problems which we follow over our three years. Second, we get lots of experience in pediatrics starting in our first year. This includes outpatient clinics and inpatient. Both hospitals we cover have NICUs so we also see plenty of newborn rashes. Third, we start doing surgeries first year as well. I have been so impressed watching my seniors do some more advanced cases and excited to already have done a handful of more straightforward excisions two months in! And finally, perhaps best of all, all of the attendings and staff are so nice and welcoming. I love coming to work every day!

What are some of your favorite activities to do in the Madison area?

Favorite summer activity- taking our girls to the splash pad in Verona. There is also a little quarry swimming lake with a beach. Favorite winter activity- taking our girls to the big sledding hill at Elvers park, which also has cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Favorite restaurant- the cider farm. They make cider from high tannin apples! Some other great things- lots of weekend road trips within a few hours, esp if you are outdoor inclined. And all the best grocery stores- Trader Joes, Aldi, Costco, and Hy-Vee!

Connie Wang, MD

Hometown: Madison, WI
Undergraduate: Princeton University
Medical School:  Columbia University
Internship:  Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital, NY

Why did you select the University of Wisconsin Dermatology Residency for your training?

I think that dermatology residency here at the UW is a comprehensive academic program that offers a range of experiences in different settings and subspecialties, as well as opportunities to participate in research, QI projects, etc, and provides a solid foundation for independent clinical practice or further fellowship training after residency. I loved my visiting rotation here as a med student and found the environment to be very friendly and collegial, with a dynamic group of faculty members who are not only accomplished clinicians but also enthusiastic mentors/teachers for residents and medical students. Finally, I think Madison is a lovely place to live and work, and I am happy for the opportunity to return here.

What are some of your favorite activities to do in the Madison area?

There are many fun activities to do in the Madison area (although some of these activities are currently on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic)! Here is a short list (in no particular order): Dane County Farmers Market and Concerts on the Square in summers, visiting the Henry Vilas Zoo, kayaking on Lake Monona, sitting on the Memorial Union Terrace, taking walks in the many parks and green areas in Madison (UW Arboretum, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Picnic Point, etc.), going to music/theatre performances at the Overture Center and other venues on the UW campus.

2nd Year Dermatology Residents

Kristen Chen, MD

Hometown: La Canada, CA
Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Internship: Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital

What do you enjoy about living in Madison?

Madison is vibrant, energetic, and extremely accessible. The food is delicious, the lakes are beautiful, and there are so many bike trails.

Why did you select the University of Wisconsin Dermatology Residency for your training?

I chose the University of Wisconsin Dermatology for my residency training because the program is truly dedicated to resident learning, the faculty are inspiring, and everyone is dedicated to each other’s growth as people, clinicians, and researchers.

Jeffery Hu, MD

Hometown: Andover, MA
Undergraduate: Brandeis University
Medical School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Internship: The MetroHealth System

What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?

Cooking, bboying, traveling, exploring and trying new foods

What do you like best about doing your dermatology training at University of Wisconsin?

The people! Every member of the staff from the attendings to the medical assistant have all been wonderful to work with. It is the same group of people that help to foster a sense of community and makes each day at work enjoyable.

Allison Miller, MD

Hometown: Sherwood, Wisconsin
Undergraduate: University of Wisconsin – Madison
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Internship: American Family Children’s Hospital – Madison, WI

Why did you select the University of Wisconsin Dermatology Residency for your training?

When looking at programs, I knew I wanted a program that felt like a family to me and Madison offered just that. The residents were amazing and you could clearly see how close they were to one another. When it came to the faculty, it was clear that they truly cared about the wellbeing and the success of their resident learners and went above and beyond in getting to know their mentees. I could not be more honest when saying that I have never experienced such exemplary mentorship than I had within this department. I knew that I wanted to train in a place that fosters such a family feel all the while having fun and pushing one another to achieve their best potentials. Madison has been my home for so many years now and I was very hopeful to continue my time here. It is safe to say that I am a “Badger Lifer” and I would not want it any other way!

What are some of your favorite activities to do in the Madison area?

Madison is truly the best city to live and work. There are endless opportunities for adventures and fun, so it is difficult to condense it all down! My favorite activities right now are taking my puppy, Maggie, to the many different dog parks and watching her outrun all her puppy friends, trying the endless delicious restaurants, golfing the many beautiful courses, being herded around the Capitol like cows during the farmer’s market and ending with a spicy cheesy bread. My husband and I love being outdoors and taking full advantage of the outstanding lakes with their endless paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities as well!

Traci Pawlitschek, MD

Medical School:  Oregon Health Sciences University
Internship:  Legacy Health, Portland OR

Why did you select the University of Wisconsin Dermatology Residency for your training?

I was immediately drawn to how at home I felt at the University of Wisconsin. The residents and faculty have a warm and approachable attitude that is pervasive throughout the department. The attendings and staff are highly dedicated to resident training and it shows in their everyday actions and the enthusiasm they have for education. I felt the program was truly dedicated to their residents and supporting their individualized career paths. Since starting my training, I can definitely say that my initial impressions were accurate! There are no hidden downfalls in this program. I know if I put in the work, I will receive the training I need to become an exceptional dermatologist.

What do you enjoy about living in Madison?

Moving from Portland, Oregon, I actually find many similarities between the two cities. Madison is an incredibly accessible, clean and friendly city with amazing surrounding outdoor space. With a young child, I also appreciate the myriad of family friendly activities from the children’s museum to parks, trails and water activities. Even in the middle of Covid, we have found several places to get out safely and enjoy our time here. I can only imagine how alive the city becomes when they are able to reincorporate their farmer’s markets, concerts and festivals!

Kimberly Sable, MD

Hometown: Wilmette, Illinois
Undergraduate: Middlebury College
Medical School: Loyola Stritch School of Medicine
Internship: Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago

Why did you select the University of Wisconsin Dermatology Residency for your training?

While visiting, I immediately felt a strong sense of community within the residency program and was drawn to the warm, family feel of the department. The faculty are dedicated to resident education and the program is incredibly flexible, tailoring to the unique needs of each resident. To support the collaborative environment here at UW, the Dermatology Residency Program is well rounded with strength in its surgical training and dermatopathology, as well as medical and pediatric dermatology. Surgical training begins during your first week with suture workshops and excisions start at the beginning of residency with your own cases scheduled in weekly continuity clinics. The program has an array of specialty clinics as well that allow for exposure to all aspects of the practice of dermatology.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of work?

When I am not in clinic, you will typically find me outdoors, enjoying activities such as biking, playing tennis, scuba diving and skiing, spending time with friends, family and my dog, or traveling. Whether it be a quick weekend visit to Chicago or a trip to a new continent across the world, I love to travel and explore new places!

1st Year Dermatology Residents

Christy Behnam, MD

Hometown: Al-Hasakah, Syria & Chicago, IL
Undergraduate: Northeastern Illinois University – Chicago, IL
Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford – Rockford, IL
Internship: Grand Strand Medical Center – Myrtle Beach, SC

What are some of your favorite activities to do in the Madison area?

There are lots of fun things to do in Madison! A few of my favorite activities so far are watching the sunrise over lake Monona and sunset over Lake Mendota, kayaking and paddle boarding, going on picnics by the lakes, and tasting an endless supply of delicious cheeses at the farmer’s market. I’m excited to continue to explore what this beautiful and vibrant city has to offer!

List one interesting fact about yourself that many of your co-workers may not know about you.

I can sing in languages I don’t speak!

Franchesca Choi, RPh MD

Hometown: Manila, Philippines and Tainan, Taiwan
Undergraduate: University of the Philippines – Manila
Medical School: Kaohsiung Medical University
Internship: MetroWest Medical Center (Tufts University)

What are some of your favorite activities to do in the Madison area?

Watching sunset at the Memorial Union Terrace, or while paddleboating/boarding at one of the lakes!

What do you like best about doing your dermatology training at the University of Wisconsin?

Great guidance from seniors for continuity clinics, excision clinics, calls and more. Very knowledgeable faculty that are leaders in their fields but at the same time very approachable. Everybody in the department is committed to the well-being and success of the residents, which brings a family kind of vibe for the entire department. Definitely a wonderful program!!

Maija Johansen, MD

Hometown: Edina, MN
Undergraduate: St. Olaf College
Med school: Emory University School of Medicine
Internship: Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital

Why did you select the UW Residency program for your training?

You can’t beat UW’s combination of expert faculty, well-rounded training, and genuine comradery. Through the interview process, it was clear how much the faculty and residents loved working with one another, and I knew I would feel at home here. Plus, Madison is awesome!

What do you like to do outside of work?

I thrive off a good routine. I like to go to bed early, sit with a cup of coffee and a book and watch the sunrise, spend time with my husband Jake and friends, and push myself a little too hard in endurance sports. I also enjoy spending time outside, whether by running, skiing, hiking, walking, or just sitting at the terrace with friends!

Sultan Qiblawi, MD

Hometown: Clinton Township, MI
Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Med School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Internship: Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego

Why did you select UW Residency program for your training?

I really loved the faculty when interviewing here and wanted to train at an academic facility in the Midwest that was able to see a wide array of dermatological conditions.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Play basketball, be near the water, spend time outdoors with friends and family

Jennifer Tran, MD

Hometown: Dallas, TX
Undergraduate: University of Virginia
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Internship: Gundersen Health Transitional Year, La Crosse, WI

Why did you select the University of Wisconsin Dermatology Residency for your training?

The UW Dermatology department is truly like a family. As a medical student and research fellow in the dermatology department, I saw firsthand how tightknit and supportive the residents were of each other and the collaborative environment of the entire department. There was this incredible family feel and sense of comraderie that just wasn’t the same anywhere else. As a family-oriented person, it was important for me to go to a program where I knew I would be supported both professionally and personally. It was important that I had attendings who encouraged and pushed me to become the best physician/physician-researcher that I could be for my current and future patients. We get the opportunity to learn from ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT attendings and get well-rounded training in general, pediatric, complex, surgical and various subspecialities in derm. The incredibly strong commitment to teaching and mentorship here is invaluable. The great thing about UW is that the opportunities are endless, and you are encouraged to mold your training to fit your future career goals. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part this special UW derm family and would not have it any other way!

What do you enjoy about living in Madison?

I am originally from Dallas, TX and never thought I’d go to Wisconsin for medical school! Now, I have put down roots here with my husband and call Madison home. You get the perks of a “big city” without traffic congestion and are surrounded by super nice people – midwestern nice is a thing! We enjoy trying out the many delicious restaurants and going to events around the Capital Square including the local Farmer’s Market and Art Fair on the Square. We love that Madison is well-located for short day trips to go snowboarding (how we enjoy the cold and long winters) at Tyrol Basin or Cascade Mountain, hiking at Devil’s Lake in the summer/fall, or visit our extended family in Milwaukee and Chicago!

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Our Mission