Dermatology

I About The Programme
II Assessment and Evaluation
III Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements
IV Other Information

I About The Programme

Name of Programme

Paediatric Dermatology Fellowship Programme

Overview

The subspecialty of paediatric dermatology is an exciting field that gels different aspects of paediatrics and dermatology. Situated in the biggest paediatric hospital in Singapore, our dermatology service manages a wide range of paediatric dermatology conditions, e.g. atopic dermatitis, infantile haemangiomas and genodermatoses. Our service runs daily outpatient clinics, as well as provides inpatient consults. Regular combined multi-disciplinary clinics are run with other paediatric sub-specialty departments, e.g. genodermatoses clinic, chronic eczema clinic and vascular anomalies clinic. We are able to provide a wide range of dermatological surgical and laser procedures in the outpatient clinics as well as in day surgery, under sedation or general anaesthesia. Laboratory services include dermatopathology, immunofluorescence and genetic analysis.

For more information about Paediatric’s Dermatology Service, click here.

Aim of Programme

The aim of the programme is to provide training in various aspects of paediatric dermatology, including the diagnosis and management of common paediatric dermatological conditions in an outpatient setting, inpatient management of more complex dermatological cases, as well as surgical, laser and laboratory procedures.

Duration of Programme

6-12 months

Number of Training Places

1-2 intakes per year, depending on duration; fellowship should preferably begin in January or July.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the dermatology fellowship programme, Fellows will be competent:

• in the diagnosis and management of common paediatric dermatology cases in the outpatient and inpatient setting;
• in performing dermatological surgical procedures, e.g. punch biopsy, excision biopsy and electrocautery, for diagnosis and management of paediatric dermatological conditions;
• in performing laser procedures, e.g. pulsed dye laser, carbon dioxide laser and pigment laser, for the treatment of paediatric dermatological conditions;
• in interpreting basic dermatopathological biopsy specimens of various inflammatory conditions and tumours;
• with clinical and laboratory research methods involving paediatric dermatology.

Content Areas

The programme covers the following areas:

1. Clinics

• Fellows will be assigned to observe and run paediatric dermatology outpatient clinics, under supervision by a consultant. During these clinics, Fellows are expected to take a history, perform a focused skin and clinical examination, and discuss the differential diagnoses, investigations and management of patients. Interested Fellows may also request to observe clinics in women’s dermatology.

2. Inpatient Consultations

• Fellows will be on a weekly roster to review inpatient referrals, under supervision by a consultant. They are expected to take a history, perform a focused skin and clinical examination and discuss the differential diagnoses, investigations and management of patients.

3. Surgical and Laser Procedures

• Fellows are expected to observe and/or perform dermatological surgical and laser procedures in the outpatient clinics, wards or day surgery.

Team of Experts

The Paediatric Dermatology Fellowship Programme is managed by the following experts.

 
II Assessment and Evaluation

Aims of Assessment

Fellows will need to demonstrate their proficiency level based on the following competencies:

(A) Patient Care

• Fellows must provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate and effective, including the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health for children and all stages of illness.
• Fellows must demonstrate competence in diagnosing and treating paediatric dermatological conditions, including performing dermatological procedures.

(B) Medical Knowledge

• Fellows must demonstrate medical knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, social-behavioral sciences and the application of medical knowledge to patient care.
• Fellows must demonstrate and apply their medical knowledge on the following elements:
  • scientific method of problem-solving and evidence-based decision-making skills;
  • diagnosing and managing common dermatology and dermatology related conditions;
  • data collection and interpretation of results on procedures central to dermatology including appropriate indication for and use of screening tests/procedures for patients;
  • anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology and molecular biology related to dermatology;
  • surgical and laser procedures for the management of dermatology disorders and its complications;

(C) Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

• Fellows must demonstrate their abilities to investigate and evaluate evidence, both in appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence required for patient care in current and evolving practice settings, including diagnosing and treating health problems and promotion of health.
• Fellows must demonstrate life-long learning skills and continuous self-assessment based on reflection and feedback required for patient care in current and evolving health care settings
• Fellows should demonstrate teaching and learning skills and perform research to contribute to medical education of health professionals

(D) Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Fellows must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills necessary for effective exchange of information and demonstrate the ability to collaborate with patients, their families and health professionals to provide quality patient care.

(E) Professionalism

• Fellows must demonstrate commitment and professional attributes adhering to ethical principles including:
  • compassion and empathy;
  • honour and integrity;
  • accountability and responsibility;
  • duty and service;
  • respect;
  • humility;
  • excellence and scholarship;
  • social responsibility.

(F) Systems-Based Practice

• Fellows must demonstrate an awareness and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and demonstrate effective use of resources in the system to provide optimal health care for patients.

Assessment Approaches

Assessment mode for the programme:

 
Fellows are required to attain a 75% percentage pass for this programme.

Evaluation Process

General overall grading system

The general overall grading system evaluates the Fellow’s performance upon completion of the fellowship programme. All Fellows will be given a general overall grading status at the end of the fellowship programme based on the grading criteria requirements incorporating the six competencies based knowledge, skills and performance that Fellows must demonstrate throughout the programme.

 

 
*Fellows who have attained a USP grade will be given options to extend their fellowship programme.

III Target Audience and Eligibility Requirements

Target Audience

Dermatologists or paediatricians with special interest in paediatric dermatology

Pre-requisite/Eligibility Requirement(s)

Candidates must:

• meet the Singapore Medical Council's requirements;
• have completed a training or residency programme in either paediatrics or dermatology.

IV Other Information

Course Fees

Course fee will be determined upon application.

Funding

Candidates should be self-funded or have funding from external sources/institutions.

Certification

Certificate of fellowship will be awarded upon completion of the programme.