Regular Posting (1‑Week Dermatology Attachment)
Introduction
The National Skin Centre (NSC) hosts DUKE‑NUS Medical School students for a one‑week Dermatology Clinical Posting as part of their core curriculum. This attachment provides students with an introduction to the fundamentals of dermatology through structured clinical exposure, didactic teaching, and observation of outpatient dermatology practice.
Students will have opportunities to observe common dermatological conditions, gain insight into clinical approaches for skin‑related presentations, and participate in learning activities conducted by NSC educators. This posting aims to establish a solid foundation in dermatology that will support students as they progress through their clinical training.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the one‑week posting, students will be able to:
- Use appropriate dermatological terminology to describe skin lesions.
- Recognise common clinical patterns of skin disorders.
- Understand key considerations in evaluating patients with dermatological complaints such as rashes, pruritus, ulcers, pigmentary changes, and suspected drug eruptions.
- Identify common skin conditions and appreciate the basic principles of management.
- Understand the relevance of dermatology within general medical practice.
Elective Posting In Dermatology (1 to 4 Weeks)
Introduction
NSC offers a 1‑ to 4‑week elective posting for DUKE‑NUS students who have a deeper interest in dermatology and wish to explore the specialty further. This elective provides more extensive exposure to dermatological practice compared to the regular posting and allows students to participate in a broader range of clinical and educational activities under the supervision of an assigned consultant mentor.
During the elective, students will join outpatient clinics, ward rounds, and NSC's teaching sessions. Students are encouraged to engage actively in clinical discussions, patient reviews, and learning activities. Opportunities for independent study and exposure to dermatology‑related clinical research may also be offered. Students who are interested in sexually transmitted infections may request an attachment to the Department of STI Control (DSC), subject to clinic capacity.
This elective is ideal for students considering future training in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Dermatology.
Goals and Learning Objectives
1. Dermatological Knowledge
Students will learn to:
- Use dermatological terminology correctly.
- Describe and document skin lesions systematically.
- Formulate differential diagnoses for common dermatological conditions.
- Understand therapeutic approaches for frequently encountered skin disorders.
2. Dermatological Techniques
Students will:
- Perform basic laboratory diagnostic assessments, including microscopic examinations of dermatologic samples.
- Gain familiarity with common dermatologic procedures such as shave and punch biopsies, curettage, electrosurgery, and cryotherapy.
3. Dermatological Concepts
Students will learn:
- The systemic associations of dermatological diseases.
- Principles governing the use of topical and systemic dermatologic therapies.
- The importance of systems‑based practice in delivering effective dermatological care.
4. Dermatological Research (Optional)
Students who are interested may request exposure to clinical research activities within NSC.
Elective Application Details
To apply for the Dermatology Elective Posting at NSC, DUKE‑NUS students should contact:
DUKE‑NUS Contact Details
Hua Cheng Ying (Ms.)
Management Assistant Officer
Clinical, Academic & Faculty Affairs
Duke‑NUS Graduate Medical School Singapore
8 College Road, Level 5, Singapore 169857
Tel: (65) 6516 5534
Fax: (65) 6221 9716
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.duke-nus.edu.sg
NSC Contact Details
Programme Coordinator
Name: Austin Lim
Tel: +65 6253 4455
Email: [email protected]