Fellowship Program

Dr. Donnelly with DSSC fellows

Application Details

The Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship originated in 2004. Directed by Heidi Donnelly, MD, our program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). › Click here to see a list of our past fellows and where they are today.

General Description

The MSDO fellowship takes place at a private academic practice featuring eight surgery suites outfitted with the latest medical equipment and exam tables. Training encompasses Mohs surgery and reconstruction, dermatologic oncology, as well as cosmetic dermatology including blepharoplasty, microneedling with PRP, plasma pen, BOTOX®, fillers, chemical peels, and lasers including the Pulsed Dye Laser, CO2 Fraxel Laser, Smoothe Beam, Q-Switched NdYAG and Alexandrite, Long Pulsed NdYAG, and IPL. Additionally, there is an on-site Mohs frozen section CLIA certified laboratory where the fellow is instructed on processing tissue and practicing the techniques of cutting frozen sections, staining, and slide preparation.  MART-1 immunostains are used on Mohs frozen sections for melanoma-in-situ to ensure complete removal. The fellow is trained on interpretation and mapping of MART-1 specimens.

Application Details

Thank you for your interest in the Dayton Skin Surgery Center Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program. If you are interested in applying to the Dayton Skin Surgery Center (DSSC) Fellowship Program, please visit the SF Match website to register. You will be required to complete the Central Application Service (CAS) application form (the deadline is July 21st). The CAS will then distribute your application to your selected programs.

Each fellowship year there is one training position available.

For over fifteen years, 100% of matched applicants have been from outside/not affiliated with our institution.

The interview format is Individual Full Day In-Person Interview when possible for 10-12 selected candidates.

Once selected for an interview, additional items may be requested:

1. Pre-recorded short presentation about yourself to help us get to know you better. This presentation is not to exceed 4 minutes and can include anything you would like to share with us.
2. A video of your surgical skills as expressed by performing a mock elliptical excision measuring 6 x 1 cm with bilayered closure on SimSkin or anther suitable substitute (please do not perform this on a live patient). The video should be taken from an arial view with the surgical field filling the frame seeing only the SimSkin and your hands. This video should begin with a drawing of the ellipse and end with placement of the superficial epidermal sutures, including simple running and vertical mattress sutures (please conduct the excision using a 4-0 suture for visibility in video). The recording should be continuous, not edited, and recorded in real time. There is no need to include audio. The video should be no more than 10-minutes in length and recorded using a camcorder, Smartphone, or a GoPro. The evaluation will be based on appropriate use of instruments, technique, and efficiency.”

Externship/Visiting Rotators Application Details

Dayton Skin does accept four externs each spring for a one-day rotation with Dr. Donnelly including a full day of Mohs Surgery and Reconstructions. Applications for the externship are accepted between January 1st and March 1st of each year, and all decisions are made on or before March 15th. A link to the application and other supporting materials is listed below:

Application
Mohs Fellowship Externship – Download

Required attachments:
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Current State Medical License (training license is acceptable)
3. National Board (USMLE, COMLEX, MCCEE, etc.) Scores – Part I, II, and III
4. A brief essay describing research, experience, publication participation and professional and personal goals
5. An article, publications, or abstract you have written or had a direct impact on
6. A reference letter from your residency program’s director of dermatologic surgery using the standard letter of recommendation form

Please send your application and attachments to:

Our Mission

The aim of the Dayton Skin Surgery Center Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program is to help each fellow reach their full potential as a knowledgeable and skilled surgeon, ready to handle any complex tumor or reconstruction he or she might encounter in his or her career.

Curriculum

Dr. Donnelly is the owner and medical director of Dayton Skin Care. She serves as a clinical associate professor in the Department of Dermatology at Wright State University, where she is also the Director of Dermatologic and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. WSU dermatology residents rotate one to two days a week within the practice. The fellow participates in the monthly didactic lectures, monthly cadaver labs, and quarterly journal clubs held with the WSU dermatology residents. There is an extensive fellowship fresh frozen cadaver lab course curriculum that is covered during the fellowship year.  The lab is held at a local hospital twice a month. The curriculum includes but is not limited to anatomy, facial danger zones, and over 150 flaps, and grafts separated by anatomical site.  Working with different surgeons ensures a well-rounded experience and exposure to different styles.

During the fellowship year, there is a monthly core curriculum that incorporates important chapters from textbooks as well as online text and video modules.  The curriculum is comprehensive with the goal of preparing the fellow for the micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology board certification exam to be taken at the end of the year.  Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM without in-house call. Mohs surgery is performed three days per week. Typically, two to three days per month is reserved for cosmetic and laser surgery, surgical follow-up appointments, and research.

Weekly Schedule

Daily Schedule

Case Volume and Off-Site Facility

Dayton Skin Surgery Center performs approximately 1,700 Mohs surgeries annually. The fellow is the primary surgeon in approximately 70% of those cases. Dr. Donnelly and the fellow work closely with ENT, oculoplastic, and plastic surgery specialists for large multi-disciplinary cases which are scheduled at local area hospitals utilizing general anesthesia. Collaboration with partnering micrographic surgeons, ensures a well-rounded experience and exposure to different surgical styles.

The fellowship affords added educational opportunities. Rotations with off-site faculty throughout the year include time with board-certified physicians in a variety of specialties.

ACGME Core curriculum calls for one research project with publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A private workstation, and personal computer, as well as access to reference resources through MedLine and the libraries of Miami Valley Hospital, Kettering Hospital, and Wright State University, is provided for research projects.

Annual Meetings

– American College of Mohs Surgery and American Society of Dermatologic Surgery
– Quarterly Dayton Skin Dermatologic Surgery
Journal Club with Wright State University Dermatology Residents
– Quarterly Dayton Skin Dermatologic Surgery Journal Club with previous fellows and other Mohs surgeons from across the United States
– Quarterly National Dermatologic Surgery Journal Club participation
– Quarterly Resident Lectures
– Bimonthly Cadaver Lab
Monthly Grand Rounds with Wright State University Dermatology Residents
– Monthly Multidisciplinary Tumor board with Miami Valley Health and Kettering Medical Center
– Monthly dermatopathology frozen section slide review with Dermpath Lab of Central States
– Monthly cosmetic laser rotations with Dr. Martha Hickmann and Dr. Gary Palmer
– Weekly Clinical meeting with Mohs Surgery staff

What makes the Dayton Skin Fellowship Program Training Unique?

Training

• Approximately 1700 Mohs cases are treated annually with a significant portion being large and unusual tumors. Our program falls well above the ACGME national average for complex Mohs surgical cases.
• We have a Dayton VA patient base. These tumors tend to be neglected and large.
• We work with ENT, Plastics, and Oculoplastics in the hospital for extra‐large surgical oncology cases when necessary
• We have multiple Mohs surgeons to help train our Fellows each with varying approaches to reconstruction.
• Unlimited hands‐on clinical surgical experience from day one with a reduction in patient volume the first quarter of the year to allow appropriate time for direct training.
• We offer unlimited cadaver sessions for advanced reconstructive training. On average, we incorporate approximately 20 sessions per year. There is an extensive flap and graft curriculum that is completed for each Fellow.
• Laser and cosmetic training involve 2 different laser surgeons with training on approximately 10 different lasers. (Candela V‐Beam, GentleLase, GentleYAG, Q‐switch YAG, Q‐switch Alex, Fraxel, IPL, PDL, Thermi 250, ThermiSmooth, Apogee, Vectus)
• The fellow will participate in a minimum of 75 cosmetic procedures with the opportunity to expand training and participation as desired.
• Administrative work is kept to a minimum so that the fellow can concentrate on gaining skill and knowledge. Case Logs are completed by the Fellowship Administrator.  Procedure and Clinic Notes are completed by staff.

What benefits are given during the Dayton Skin Fellowship Training?

Benefits
• Health Insurance is provided through Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield with single coverage paid at 70% by the practice and spouse and dependent coverage paid at 50% by the practice. PHA Superior Dental insurance is also provided for dental/vision with 100% cost to the Fellow.
• The option to purchase disability insurance coverage through Aflac is available, but not a covered benefit.
• Professional liability or malpractice insurance will be covered by DSC.
• Maternity leave will be continued for 6 weeks after delivery, or 8 following a C‐section delivery for which any accrued vacation time will be used.
• The fellowship salary is commensurate with a PGY5 level salary with an additional CME allowance of $2,500.
• Four weeks of vacation are included as a benefit, CME is included within the four weeks.
• There is one day per week off from call.
• The start date for the fellowship is the 3rd week of July to accommodate time for the move and studying for the boards.

What do past fellows love about the MSDO Fellowship Program at DSSC?

Dayton Skin Surgery offers one of the premier experiences in the country for advanced facial reconstruction, Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology but also uniquely blends academic and private practice perspectives on procedural dermatology. Most important, Dayton Skin Care is a family –we care about our patients, the excellent work we do, and our fellow staff members and colleagues. 2020 has proven to be a challenge nationally and globally, but the fellowship and friendship among all colleagues and staff members at DSSC has been so uplifting and comforting. Come experience firsthand this yearlong opportunity to be the best Micrographic Surgeon you can be – it will truly be an experience that will prepare you for a lifetime.
– Joseph W. McGowan, IV, MD (2009‐2010 Fellow)

I absolutely loved the DSSC family during my fellowship. I had an incredible opportunity to train with four exceptional Mohs surgeons with a wide variety of practice styles, and I never felt that I was a fellow, but a colleague, from day one. I received excellent training that prepared me to confidently offer the best care for my patients. Dr. Donnelly, beyond being an amazing surgeon and teacher, was an incredible mentor. I am forever indebted to her for the wonderful year we had together. Many of the former fellows said that I would miss Dayton and my fellowship year, and I couldn’t agree more.
– Ali M. Rkein, MD (2016‐2017 Fellow)

DSSC offers an intensive fellowship in dermatologic surgery and specifically facial reconstruction. Dr. Donnelly takes tremendous interest and passion in making her fellows the best surgeons around. The cadaver lab curriculum offers extensive instruction in flap repair and complex reconstruction. The atmosphere is very supportive, and the overall learning experience is excellent!
– Paul J. Gruber, MD (2018‐2019 Fellow)

The Mohs fellowship at DSSC is truly incredible. You receive the perfect balance of graduated autonomy and hands-on teaching. Dr. Donnelly spends time with fellows in the cadaver lab working on surgical skills–an incredible opportunity. For example, you will first learn how to properly design and execute a repair on a cadaver. Then, when that repair is appropriate in the clinic, you have the confidence to execute that repair on a patient, with Dr. Donnelly there to guide you. Dr. Donnelly is incredibly patient, but has high expectations for her fellow. You will continually strive for an ‘invisible scar.’ This high expectation challenges fellows to grow on a personal and professional level. You also will never turn away a repair. After leaving DSSC, you will be comfortable removing any tumor and repairing any defect. I think there are few fellowship experiences that rival Dr. Donnelly’s. Aside from the great training, I really enjoyed working with Dr. Donnelly and getting to know her and her family. I always looked forward to going to work every day. During my fellowship year, I also had the opportunity to work with Dr. Alison Spiker two days a week and several other Mohs surgeons intermittently throughout the year. This provided me a well-rounded perspective and helped me diversify the way I approach Mohs. Dr. Donnelly’s fellowship is demanding, but it was an extremely rewarding experience and I 100% would choose to train at DSSC again.
– David Surprenant, MD (2020‐2021 Fellow)

Thank you for your interest in the Dayton Skin Surgery Center Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program.

If you have any questions regarding our fellowship program, you can reach our Fellowship Coordinator by calling 937.293.5567 or emailing fellowship@daytonskincare.com

Dr. Donnelly with Dr. Madden and Dr. Surprenant, our 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 fellows. Each year the outgoing and incoming fellows have two weeks of overlapping time to pass responsibilities.

Fellow 2019-2020