Native American health service resident rotation program

The AAD's Education and Volunteers Abroad Committee provides four grants per year to dermatology residents from the United States who are in their second or third year of residency to participate in a rural health elective in Chinle, Ariz. This elective takes place at the Indian Health Service for one to two weeks.

Residents provide dermatologic care to the Navajo Nation population and work with primary health care providers to assist with diagnosis and management of dermatologic diseases. Residents are expected to keep records of consults, prepare lectures, and submit a report of activities to the Academy.

"This rotation is an excellent way for dermatologists to learn about a very underserved population here in the United States. It also is a great opportunity to provide care to an underserved population while also getting wonderful clinical experience."
— Nicole Wellman Donester, MD

Grant recipients receive a stipend for airfare, accommodations, and board. Second- and third-year residents are encouraged to apply. Four grants are available for rotations to be completed in March, May, August, and November during a period of one to two week(s). Each applicant must attach a letter of support from his or her program director or department chair, write a short application essay, and submit a complete curriculum vitae with his or her online application. 

Information about how to apply for the 2014 rotations is forthcoming.

Complete the online application.

To learn more about the program, the following materials are available: