Penn Dermatopathology International Observership

Penn Dermatology runs a single highly structured dermatopathology observership slot each academic year aimed at physicians who are already residency-trained in either dermatology or pathology and want a year of immersion in a US academic dermatopathology service. The twelve-month format mirrors a fellowship calendar, running July through June, and the observer spends their time at multiheaded microscopes with faculty, participating in sign-out of biopsies, attending teaching conferences, and working through the department's case archives. Because the program only accepts one observer per cycle and requires English fluency, selection is competitive and driven by CV strength, research interest, and faculty fit with Program Director Emily Chu, MD, PhD. Applicants must submit a full package including three LORs, personal statement, CV, notarized English-translated medical degree, transcripts, and explicit evidence of how tuition will be paid. Tuition is $10,000 for the year, with half due on day one and the remainder by the six-month mark. The program runs on J-1 exchange visitor sponsorship. April 1, 2026 deadline is for a July 2027 start.