The Dermatology Clinical Research Fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine is a two-year, non-ACGME-accredited program designed for physicians and aspiring clinician-scientists seeking advanced training in dermatologic clinical research. Embedded within USF’s robust academic medical environment, the fellowship provides comprehensive exposure to research methodology, scholarly collaboration, and evidence-based dermatologic practice. Fellows work alongside experienced faculty, contributing to clinical research initiatives while developing the analytical, leadership, and professional skills essential for careers in academic medicine and dermatology. As part of USF Graduate Medical Education (GME), which supports more than 500 residents and over 200 fellowship positions across numerous specialties, fellows benefit from a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning community committed to excellence in education, research, and patient care.

The Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine is the only academic dermatology program on Florida’s west coast and serves as a leading regional referral center for complex medical, surgical, and oncologic dermatologic conditions. Renowned for its commitment to excellence in patient care, research, and medical education, the department provides care to more than 50,000 patients annually across a broad spectrum of dermatologic diseases. Over the past four decades, the program has trained hundreds of dermatology residents and numerous dermatopathology fellows, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in academic medicine, clinical practice, and research.

Clinical Research Fellows benefit from a rich academic environment supported by nationally recognized faculty and a diverse network of clinical training sites, including Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa General Hospital, and the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. These partnerships provide exposure to specialized programs in cutaneous oncology, transplant dermatology, cutaneous lymphoma, inpatient dermatology, and complex medical dermatology. Through access to diverse patient populations, multidisciplinary collaborations, and active clinical research initiatives, fellows gain valuable experience that supports scholarly productivity and prepares them for future careers in dermatology and academic medicine.

The Dermatology Clinical Research Fellowship at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine is a two-year, non-ACGME accredited training program designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical research, academic scholarship, and dermatologic investigation. Fellows gain hands-on experience in clinical trial methodology, study design, regulatory processes, data analysis, manuscript development, and scientific presentation.

Working closely with faculty mentors, fellows serve as sub-investigators on a variety of dermatology clinical trials, including studies focused on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, vitiligo, and other complex dermatologic conditions. Through structured mentorship, weekly educational meetings, and individualized career guidance, fellows develop the skills necessary to become successful clinician-scientists and future leaders in academic medicine.

In addition to research activities, fellows participate in departmental conferences, grand rounds, journal clubs, didactic lectures, dermatopathology reviews, and clinical experiences with faculty across USF Health and its affiliated institutions. All research activities are supervised by dermatology faculty, and fellows receive regular evaluations to support ongoing professional and academic growth.

Fellowship Responsibilities

Fellows are expected to actively contribute to the academic and research mission of the department through the following activities:

• Serve as a sub-investigator on clinical research studies in collaboration with faculty investigators and research coordinators.

• Assist with study design, protocol development, regulatory submissions, and research implementation.

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant and research proposal development.

• Publish a minimum of two peer-reviewed case reports, original research manuscripts, or scholarly publications each academic year.

• Author at least one comprehensive review article on a dermatologic topic of interest.

• Design, conduct, and publish at least one investigator-initiated research project during the fellowship.

• Present research findings at local, regional, and national meetings, including opportunities such as AAD, FAD, FSDS, SID, and USF Research Day, as funding permits.

• Participate in departmental educational activities, including grand rounds, didactic conferences, journal clubs, and dermatopathology slide reviews.

• Meet regularly with the Fellowship Director and faculty mentors to review research progress, academic goals, and professional development.

• Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, ethical research conduct, and academic excellence throughout the fellowship.

This structured combination of research, scholarship, mentorship, and academic engagement provides fellows with a strong foundation for future careers in dermatology, clinical investigation, and academic medicine.

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

Clinical Trial Contact Information

For more information about clinical trials, please contact: 

Lucy Lam, RN, MSMS, CCRC
Clinical Research Nurse
llam@usf.edu 
(813) 493-3034

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

*Applications for 2026-2028 have closed. The next application cycle will open December 2027.  

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, USMLE Step 1 and 2 Scores, 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 Kimberly Jones.

**Applications for 2026-2028 have closed. The next application cycle will open and the application link will become available December 2027.

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
annlin@usf.edu

Program Contacts

Kimberly Jones, MBA
Program Administrator
KimberlyJones@usf.edu

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