Program Overview

Education

The Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia offers a comprehensive education program in dermatology, designed to equip physicians-to-be with the essential clinical skills and information needed to care for patients with skin problems.

MD Undergraduate

The undergraduate curriculum includes mandatory courses in the 2nd and 3rd year, focusing on integument and clinical dermatology. The program is led by Dr. Se Mang (Simon) Wong, Director of Undergraduate Teaching.

MEDD 421 – Foundations of Medical Practice III

This 2nd year course covers the basic macroanatomy and microanatomy of the skin, adnexae, nails, and external musosae. The course objectives include:

• Describing the basic macroanatomy and microanatomy of the skin, adnexae, nails, and external musosae
• Describing and integrating the structure and function of epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers
• Describing the basic anatomy and physiology of hair and sweat structures, and of the integumentary vasculature and nervous supplies
• Describing normal and abnormal cutaneous growth and differentiation
• Demonstrating the appropriate use of dermatologic terminology
• Briefly describing the pathophysiology, histology, basic clinical features, approach to diagnosis, and treatment for common inflammatory disorders of the integument
• Briefly describing the pathophysiology, histology, basic clinical features, and approach to diagnosis and treatment for common integumentary infections and infestations

MEDD 431

The 3rd year clerkship course is mandatory for all students and combines hospital-based consultations, out-patient clinics, office-based clinics, and didactic sessions. The course objectives include:

• Describing the basic features and diagnostic methods for common dermatologic disorders
• Describing dermatological conditions accurately using basic morphological terms
• Generating a meaningful differential diagnosis based on morphology
• Defining office-based techniques of diagnosis and treatment for skin disorders
• Briefly describing basic treatment options and possible complications for common skin conditions

Electives

The Department of Dermatology and Skin Science offers elective clerkships for medical students seeking additional practical clinical experience in dermatology. These clerkships are available on a space-available basis and build on the foundations learned in MEDD 431, taking students through advanced clinical techniques and more focused patient consultation and interaction.