For Medical Students
DERM 2103: Dermatology for the Dermatologist
Visiting Student Elective – UT Southwestern Department of Dermatology
UT Southwestern welcomes visiting fourth-year medical students who are considering a career in dermatology and who wish to participate in an immersive clinical rotation. DERM 2103: Dermatology for the Dermatologist provides broad exposure to dermatology within our large, academically focused department. This rotation is designed for students seeking to strengthen their diagnostic skills, gain hands-on experience, and experience the clinical and educational environment of our residency program.
Rotation Overview
Students will rotate through a wide range of dermatology clinics, including the faculty practice at UT Southwestern and Parkland Hospital’s Dermatology Clinic. This structure ensures exposure to both common and complex dermatologic conditions across a diverse patient population and interaction with our residents and faculty.
Education and Teaching
Visiting students participate actively in the department’s educational curriculum. Learning opportunities may include resident didactics, Dermatology Grand Rounds, dermatopathology teaching sessions, case-based bedside discussions, and faculty-led mini-lectures. Students are encouraged to present patients, practice forming differential diagnoses, and engage in discussions about management planning.
Clinical Responsibilities
Students will perform supervised patient examinations, take part in diagnostic and procedural activities appropriate to their level of training, observe and assist with dermatologic surgeries, utilize dermoscopy, and participate in patient counseling and management discussions.
Who Should Apply
This rotation is intended for students pursuing dermatology residency, students with strong academic interest in skin disease, and those seeking intensive clinical immersion, mentorship, and broad exposure to an academic dermatology department. How to Apply Visiting students should review the UT Southwestern Visiting Student application requirements and apply for DERM 2103 through the AAMC’s Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) system. Students interested in the optional Skin of Color Clerkship must also complete the supplemental VSLO application and submit a one-page Letter of Intent, as outlined below.
Optional: Skin of Color Clerkship
All visiting students applying to DERM 2103 may also apply separately to the Skin of Color Clerkship, a four-week experience for two fourth-year medical students with a specific interest in this area. This program offers focused mentorship, exposure to conditions more commonly affecting patients with pigmented skin, and stipend support of up to $1,500. Applicants who have experienced economic hardship, educational disadvantage, or other personal challenges will be given preference. Interested students must complete the supplemental application through VSLO and submit a one-page Letter of Intent by May 1. Selected applicants will be notified in late May.
Application Process:
All Applicants:
- Review the UTSW Visiting Medical Student Application Requirements.
- Apply for your chosen elective in VSLO at aamc.org/vslo.
Skin of Color Clerkship Applicants must also:
- Complete the supplemental application for the Skin of Color Clerkship and submit by May 1.
- The application requires the upload/attachment of a Letter of Intent (one page maximum), which should:
- Explain your personal experiences/motivations that led to your interest in Skin of Color dermatology, and how the Skin of Color Clerkship will support or align with your future goals.
- Describe any challenges you have faced in your life's journey. These can pertain to origin culture/community, socioeconomic hardships, or any other barriers.