The Dermatology Clinical Research Fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine offers a unique two-year, non-ACGME–accredited training experience designed for individuals seeking advanced exposure to clinical research in dermatology. As part of USF’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs, fellows train within an academic environment dedicated to cultivating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential for future leaders in medicine. USF GME supports over 211 fellowships and more than 512 residents across a wide range of specialties, fostering a collaborative and interdisciplinary learning community.

The Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery at USF is the only academic dermatology program on Florida’s west coast and serves as a major referral center for complex dermatologic diseases. With more than 50,000 patients treated annually, the department maintains a strong legacy of excellence in clinical care, research, and education. Over the past forty years, the program has trained more than 500-600 dermatology residents and 20 dermatopathology fellows, many of whom have become leaders in academic medicine.

Fellows benefit from the department’s diverse clinical partnerships, including training at Moffitt Cancer Center, the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, and Tampa General Hospital. These affiliations provide access to specialized clinics such as cutaneous lymphoma, transplant dermatology, cutaneous oncology, and inpatient dermatology, offering a robust platform for clinical research involvement.

Program Director

Ann Lin, DO

Director of Clinical Trials Unit

USF Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery

12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC 79

Tampa, FL 33612

Phone:813-493-3034

Fax: 813-974-4272

Email: annlin@usf.edu

Number of Fellows

One fellow is accepted bi-annually for the fellowship. 

Training Sites

Primary:

• USF Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery

Secondary: 

• Moffitt Cancer Center
• James A. Haley VA Hospital
• Tampa General Hospital

The Dermatology Clinical Research Fellowship provides intensive training in clinical research methodology, study design, trial execution, and scholarly dissemination. Fellows serve as sub-investigators on a wide range of dermatologic clinical trials, including projects in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, vitiligo, and other important areas of study. Under the mentorship of USF Dermatology faculty and the Research Fellowship Director, Dr. Ann Lin, fellows receive structured guidance, weekly educational meetings, and individualized support to achieve their academic and professional goals. Fellows participate in departmental conferences, grand rounds, didactic lectures, and clinical rotations with faculty. All research activities are directly supervised by a dermatology attending. Fellows receive quarterly and annual evaluations, with continuation into the second year based on performance and departmental review. 

Responsibilities

Fellowship responsibilities include:

• Serving as a sub-investigator on clinical research projects in collaboration with faculty and study coordinators
• Developing research protocols, identifying funding opportunities, and preparing grant submissions
• Publish at least two case reports or research papers with dermatology attending(s) and resident(s) per each academic year     

• Authoring one comprehensive review article on a dermatologic topic of choice Designing, conducting, and publishing at least one investigator-initiated project (retrospective or prospective)  

• Presenting research annually at local and national dermatology meetings, including AAD, FAD, FSDS, SID, and USF Research Day (funding permitting)
• Participating in departmental didactics, grand rounds, journal clubs, and dermatopathology slide reviews

• Meet with fellowship program director weekly to discuss progress with clinical trials 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• Completion of a one-year Preliminary or Transitional year in an ACGME-accredited program
• Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2
• Possession of a valid Florida medical license prior to the fellowship start date
• Completion of an MD or DO degree
• Demonstrated academic excellence, professionalism, and integrity

Application Process

Applicants should submit:

• A personal statement outlining interest in dermatology research
• Curriculum vitae
• Copy of medical diploma
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from their residency program director

Application Timeline

• December 15: Applications open
• April 5: Application deadline
• May: Candidate selection
• July 1: Fellowship start date

If you are interested in applying to the Dermatology Clinical Research Fellowship Program, please begin your application by completing the Qualtrics survey linked below. Applicants who meet the minimum eligibility requirements will be invited to upload their personal statement, CV, a copy of their medical diploma as one combined PDF within the Qualtrics system. All letters of recommendation must be sent directly by the authors or by a Program Administrator to asanford@usf.edu. 

Click here for the Clinical Research Fellowship Qualtrics Screening and Application link.