Dermatopathology Fellowship
The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Dermatopathology Fellowship Program is a one-year, ACGME-accredited training program offered through the Department of Dermatology. Nicole Burkemper, M.D., serves as fellowship director, and M. Yadira Hurley, M.D., serves as associate fellowship director.
The fellowship is open to physicians who have completed a residency in either dermatology or pathology and is designed to train individuals to function as independent dermatopathologists. Though our program is accredited for two positions, we typically accept one fellow each year. However, a candidate with secured outside funding could be considered for the second position outside of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
About the Application Cycle
Our 2027-2028 fellowship position is filled. Beginning with the July 1, 2028, position, our program will participate in the NRMP.
Match Timeline
- Match opens: Feb. 3, 2027
- Rank order list opens: March 10, 2027
- Quota change/withdrawal deadline: March 31, 2027
- Rank order list certification deadline: April 14, 2027
- Match Day: April 28, 2027
- Training begins: July 2028
How to Apply
Our program accepts applications through the FellowshipCAS centralized application service. We will begin accepting applications on Oct. 1. The submission deadline is Jan. 15, 2027.
About SLU's Dermatopathology Training
All faculty members in the dermatopathology division are board-certified in dermatology or pathology, as well as in dermatopathology, and have diverse interests.
The program provides training in the morphologic evaluation of inflammatory skin disease and cutaneous neoplasms, use of histochemical and immunohistochemical stains, and evaluation of direct immunofluorescence specimens.
The dermatopathology lab receives approximately 50,000 routine dermatopathology cases, 400 consult cases and 700 direct immunofluorescence cases annually. The program also provides the opportunity for instruction in the interpretation of frozen and permanent Mohs micrographic surgery specimens.
For dermatologists, the fellowship involves surgical pathology training in the Department of Pathology. Pathology-trained fellows will fulfill their clinical requirements in the Department of Dermatology with an emphasis on clinicopathologic correlations.
Scholarly activity in either the dermatology or pathology department is required. Fellows participate in didactic conferences and actively teach medical students and residents.
Meet Our Current Dermatopathology Fellow
Sam Palmer, M.D.
Hometown: Pella, Iowa
Dermatology interests: medical dermatology, dermatopathology, medical education
Moment you first saw yourself as a dermatologist: I diagnosed pellagra on a patient admitted to the VA hospital inpatient service based
on his rash
Extracurricular interests: pickleball, kayaking, live music and theater, board games and reading
If you were a dermatology diagnosis you would be: disseminated actinic porokeratosis --- I love hanging out in the sun with my friends
About the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program
SSM Health proudly sponsors the Graduate Medical Education Program at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This university-based training program offers a world-class academic environment that fosters clinical excellence, research innovation and compassionate care. All program participants are employed by SSM Health, ensuring a cohesive and supportive experience within a nationally recognized health system.