The Duke Department of Dermatology has a special interest in developing outstanding physician-scientists in clinical, translational, and basic science research. Applicants with a strong interest in pursuing a career dedicated to basic or translational research should apply to our 2+2 Research Track through ERAS (Duke Dermatology Research position). This track is designed to help trainees get an early start on their scientific training by replacing some of their clinical work with postdoctoral laboratory work. Residents will confirm their commitment to this track by March 1st of their first year of dermatology training.
The Duke University System is an ideal environment to develop a research career. It is home to numerous renowned clinical and basic science researchers and hosts a wide array of outstanding research programs, basic science laboratories, and more than 30 state-of-the-art shared research core facilities. Duke has joined a national initiative to develop physician-scientists and has opened a new office for physician-scientist development. This office will integrate and streamline many of Duke’s best resources for physician-scientists and will offer formalized courses and mentorship resources. Please click here for more information about this initiative. Mentors may be chosen from within or outside the Dermatology Department, and collaboration with the other basic science or clinical departments is encouraged.
Each track will be individualized and will be designed by a committee consisting of the resident, the research mentor, and residency program and departmental leadership. The resident’s first year of dermatology training will be clinical and the remaining years will be individualized to each participant to meet their research goals and the requirements of the ABD. Residents on this track must complete at least 27 months of clinical training.
Residents will be expected to participate in the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) Annual meeting, and/or other scientific meetings relevant to their field of study, as well as generate research papers and abstracts. Intensive mentorship, career advice, and didactic training, including the option to participate in the NIH-Duke Clinical Research Training Program, will be available. Training and mentorship in scientific writing and grant-writing will also be provided. It is our hope that this track will prepare the resident to gradually transition into a successful, independent, physician-scientist.