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Today is my first day of my internship posting in dermatology. What should I be prepared of and... Or should I go prepared today?

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Today is my first day of my internship posting in dermatology. What should I be prepared of and... Or should I go prepared today?

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dermatology education AND clinical rotation

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dermatology clinical rotation medical student preparation skin examination documentation

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Yes, go prepared today, but do not feel you need to know all of dermatology beforehand. On day one, being punctual, observant, respectful with patients, and willing to learn matters more than recalling rare diagnoses.

Carry

  • White coat or clean professional attire, ID, stethoscope if expected
  • Small notebook or notes app and pen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Your hospital/internship logbook if applicable
  • Water and a light snack if your posting runs long

Revise briefly before you leave

Focus on how to describe a skin lesion rather than trying to memorize every disease:
  1. Primary morphology: macule/patch, papule/plaque, nodule, vesicle/bulla, pustule, wheal.
  2. Secondary changes: scale, crust, excoriation, erosion, ulcer, fissure, lichenification, scar.
  3. Distribution: localized/generalized, symmetrical/asymmetrical, flexural/extensor, acral, dermatomal, sun-exposed, mucosal, scalp, nails, palms and soles.
  4. Key history: onset and progression; itch, pain or burning; contacts and new products/drugs; prior treatments; similar illness in family or contacts; fever or systemic symptoms.
Dermatologic diagnosis relies heavily on careful inspection and palpation, plus the lesion’s site and distribution. Identifying the primary lesion is especially important because scratching, infection, and prior treatment can alter its appearance. Andrews’ Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology, p. 23.

In clinic, learn this routine

When you see a patient, silently structure the case as:
Who is affected + what is the lesion + where is it distributed + how long + symptoms + relevant triggers/treatments.
Example: “A 22-year-old with intensely pruritic, scaly erythematous plaques on both flexural elbows for 3 months, with a history of atopy.”

Common things you may encounter

  • Acne, eczema/dermatitis, fungal infections, scabies
  • Psoriasis, urticaria, pigmentary disorders
  • Hair loss and nail disorders
  • Bacterial/viral skin infections
  • Drug eruptions and skin lesions requiring biopsy or dermoscopy

First-day etiquette

  • Introduce yourself and ask permission before examining or exposing any body area.
  • Maintain privacy and draping, especially for breast, genital, or full-skin examinations.
  • Never photograph a lesion without explicit consent and your unit’s approved process.
  • Do not diagnose confidently in front of a patient if unsure. Say: “I’ll discuss this with my senior.”
  • Watch how your consultants document morphology and distribution. That is one of the fastest ways to learn.
  • Ask at the start: “What should interns do during clinic, procedures, and ward rounds?”
Your aim today is simple: learn the clinic flow, observe 10 to 15 cases carefully, and write down unfamiliar terms or diagnoses to review tonight. The AAD basic curriculum can be a useful structured resource once you know what your department emphasizes.
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