Due to the restructuring of our program, we regret to inform you that we may not be admitting a class for the September 2013 - 2014 fellowship year. If you have planned to submit an application for this academic year, please continue to do so, and we will then contact you directly.
We apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment that this may cause, however, we hope to redesign a program that will be even more advantageous to our fellows. Please check back soon for further information. Thank you for your interest and understanding.
Overview
Affiliations
Eligibility Requirements
Application Procedure
Selection Process
Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview
To help meet the needs of our patients, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center has developed a unique, intensive, full-time fellowship program in the specialty of dermatology for certified nurse practitioners.
Our objective is to provide, in a one-year course, a thorough, didactic and clinical curriculum that will prepare trainees to become valuable providers in any dermatology setting. Fellows will be exposed to various academic settings that will foster and expand their knowledge base.
This program is funded by Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, and fellows are hired as employees with a training salary and full benefits. It is designed as a 40-hour-per week residency style training.
Lahey dermatologists practice in Burlington, Lexington and Peabody, Mass. Some portion of the training will occur at each of these sites. All department physicians and nurse practitioners participate as preceptors in the program.
Affiliations
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center's Department of Dermatology is affiliated with the Harvard Medical School Dermatology Residency Program. This allows our fellows to participate in weekly Grand Rounds and other didactic sessions sponsored by the residency.
Grand Rounds and other lectures are held at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston.
Eligibility Requirements
This program is designed for certified nurse practitioners who have a lifelong commitment to learning and who are seeking a career in dermatology. Several years of clinical experience in a general medical setting is preferred. Massachusetts state licensure and nurse practitioner certification is also required.
Application Procedure
Applications are accepted from January 1 to March 1. A personal interview with potential candidates is required, if possible.
To apply for the fellowship, please submit the following materials:
- A personal statement, including future professional goals in the field of dermatology
- A resume, including a description of past dermatology experience, if any
- Three (3) letters of recommendation, at least one from your current or recent supervising physician
- Inquiries and applications, including letters of reference, should be directed to:
Mary Nolen, ANP, BC
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Dermatology Department
41 Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01805
Telephone: 781-744-1750
Email: Mary_E_Nolen@lahey.org
Selection Process
All applications will be reviewed by Mary Nolen, ANP, BC, program director.
Finalists for the positions will be offered an interview in March/April. Final selection will be completed by the beginning of May. The fellowship commences in September.
Curriculum
The nurse practitioner fellowship is a full 12-month program beginning in mid-September and ending in mid-August and exposes the fellows to all aspects of dermatology. Although the focus of the program is medical dermatology, the fellows will have an opportunity to observe and become familiar with common cosmetic procedures, as our department is affiliated with Lahey's Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery. Various diagnostic and surgical procedures will be taught and competency in these areas is essential to the completion of the program.
A wide range of clinical disease is presented, but continuous self-learning and independent research is an essential component. Experience will be gained in other aspects of dermatology including:
- Dermoscopy
- Phototherapy
- Cryotherapy
- Wound Care
- Pharmacology
- Inpatient consultation
This fellowship covers the full spectrum of clinical dermatology for the nurse practitioner that is interested in pursuing a career in this specialty. It is an intense and demanding year with unique opportunities for clinical advancement. Networking with other nurse practitioners in the specialty is another facet of this program that has been greatly appreciated by previous fellows. Elective opportunities are available later in the year as special interests develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long has the program been in existence?
A: The program began in September, 2003.
Q: How many candidates are accepted each year?
A: We accept two candidates a year for the program.
Q: How much experience is required?
A: One to two years of experience in a nurse practitioner role is preferred. We have found that it is much more difficult to learn the specialty of dermatology while also trying to learn the role of a nurse practitioner. This does not preclude you from applying; however, your chances for admission may be diminished. Dermatology experience is not necessary.
Q: Which nurse practitioner certification is preferred?
A: The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) certification will give you the greatest flexibility. In Massachusetts, any certification is accepted, but this is not the case in all states. If you are certified as a pediatric, women's health or adult nurse practitioner, you may be restricted to practice dermatology within the guidelines of that certification and in accordance with your state regulations. Please check with your state Board of Registration in Nursing.
Q: Would you consider a physician assistant for the program?
A: Presently, the program is designed specifically for nurse practitioners.
Q: What are some of the responsibilities involved with the program?
A: The fellows spend eight, four-hour sessions each week in the dermatology clinic with one of our staff physicians or nurse practitioners. Responsibilities and procedures are increased as the fellows progress. One half-day per week is devoted to Grand Rounds, with patient viewing and didactic lectures at Massachusetts General Hospital in collaboration with the Dermatology Residency Program. Each fellow is responsible for a clinical presentation due every other week, which is delivered to the department at a lunchtime meeting. There is also one, four-hour session per week designated for research and preparation of the presentations.
Q: Where do the program graduates end up working?
A: One of our graduates is currently employed in our department at Lahey Clinic, and two other graduates spent at least one year in our department before joining other practices. Two fellows went to work for a multi-specialty group practice in New Hampshire, and another moved to a private practice in California. All graduates had employment at the completion of the program.