Program Director

The Program Director is a pathologist or dermatologist with special training in dermatopathology and, together with the faculty, is responsible for the operation of the program. The Program Director must have at least 5 years of experience in dermatopathology (following residency in dermatology or pathology). She/he must be certified in dermatopathology by the ICDP (or the Royal College of Pathologists / United Kingdom or the American Board of Dermatopathology).

Resources

Training in dermatopathology must be linked with a university clinic, hospital or a comprehensive dermatopathology centre.
The number of dermatopathology specimens from within the institution and/or from outside must be at least 3000 per annum. In addition, study sets and other material (appropriate books, journals, and access to a library) to support service, teaching, and educational responsibilities should be provided.
A multi-head microscope should be available.

Program - Curriculum

The program must provide organized education in all aspects of dermatopathology including didactic instruction and practical experience in the diagnosis of skin disorders including the following skills:

• Routine histology (all fields of dermatopathology)
• Special stains
• Frozen sections and interpretation of micrographic sections
• Immunofluorescence, histochemical, immunological, molecular, microbiological, and other related techniques
• Access to electron microscopy (facultative)
• Lectures, tutorials, and clinico-pathological conferences must be regularly scheduled and held
• An opportunity for fellows to participate in dermatopathology research is desirable
• Laboratory management; quality assurance.
• It is expected that the Program Director provides a short yearly report of activities related to the Dermatopathology Examination, including names and length of stay of trainees.