Dermatopathology

The dermatopathology training at Downstate is outstanding and one of the many strengths of the program. During rotations at the VA hospital, residents review all of their biopsy specimens weekly with the Chief of Dermatology, Dr. Usha Alapati, a trained dermatopathologist. We end the week with a three-hour Friday afternoon pathology conference. At each session, we discuss a particular pathology topic focusing both on essentials of histologic diagnosis as well as clinicopathological correlation. During our Academic Day, Dr. Ed Heilman, our chairman and a trained dermatopathologist, provides our residents with a highly interactive educational session and reviews a series of dermatopathology glass slides.

Additional dermatopathology training is provided in the final year of residency. Third year residents spend a month-long rotation exclusively studying glass slides at the microscope, under the guidance of trained dermatopathologists at Dermpath Diagnostics in Port Chester, New York. Moreover, we are fortunate enough to have access to the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology for further pathology teaching. Dr. Alapati also provides senior residents with rigorous dermatopathology training sessions to prepare us for the board examination as well as competitions in dermatopathology.

Kaposi's Sarcoma

The SUNY Downstate team placed 2nd in the 2017 Dermpath Bowl competition at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting. In 2013 and 2014, they were the first place winners at the summer and winter meetings, respectively.

The SUNY Downstate team placed 1st in the 2018 Dermpath Bowl at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting.