Elective Away-Rotation Exposes UW Resident to Innovative Approach to Melanoma Removal

A hallmark of the UW Dermatology Residency Program is exposing residents to a spectrum of dermatological conditions and specialties to enhance their professional development. Recognizing that no single institution can encompass every area of expertise, we support residents in pursuing unique educational experiences beyond our program.  

Ashi Gautam, MD, a second-year UW Dermatology resident, spent a two-week rotation at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio, where she learned an innovative approach to melanoma removal that is gaining momentum in skin cancer treatment. Dr Gautam studied under Dr. Jeremy Bordeaux, a leader in the field of dermatology with extensive experience in Mohs surgery for melanoma. 

“While melanoma has traditionally been managed with wide local excision, there is growing interest among Mohs surgeons in the use of Mohs surgery for melanoma. This approach offers the potential advantages of comprehensive margin assessment while minimizing tissue removal. Mohs surgery specifically for melanoma is not currently performed at my home institution; this rotation provided a valuable opportunity to gain exposure to this evolving approach and broaden my understanding of melanoma management,” said Dr. Gautam. 

What did you enjoy most during the rotation? 

What I enjoyed most was learning from every member of Dr. Bordeaux’s team. I had the opportunity to learn not only from Dr. Bordeaux and his fellow Dr. Tripathi, but also from the medical assistants and nurses, who were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. Everyone on the team was eager to teach and share their perspective, and I really appreciated being able to experience such a collaborative environment. They start every morning with a moment to express gratitude for something in their lives, and it is clear how that gratitude extends into their patient care. 

What were the important takeaways from the rotation? 

One of the biggest takeaways from the rotation was gaining a deeper understanding of the role Mohs surgery may play in the management of melanoma. Seeing these cases firsthand sparked several questions about patient selection, outcomes, and the potential benefits of tissue-sparing surgery. I am now working with Dr. Bordeaux and his team to design a research study around Mohs for melanoma, which has been an exciting opportunity to take what I learned during the rotation and translate it into a research question.

What did having this away rotation as part of your residency training add to your educational experience? 

This experience gave me the opportunity to learn a technique that is not currently performed at my home institution. It allowed me to step outside of my usual training environment, broaden my knowledge of Mohs surgery, and gain exposure to a different approach to melanoma management. I also really valued the opportunity to learn from physicians and a team with a high level of expertise in this area. 

Overall, this was an incredibly valuable experience, both professionally and personally. I’m very thankful to Dr. Bordeaux, Dr. Tripathi, and the entire team for making me feel so welcome and for sharing their knowledge with me. I am also grateful to the Women's Dermatologic Society for awarding me a mentorship grant. 

John E. Olerud Dermatology Resident & Fellow Fund for Career Development 

It’s our goal in the UW Dermatology Residency Program to offer career development opportunities that grow and challenge our residents and make a positive impact on patient care and research.  

Honoring the career of Dr. John E. Olerud, Professor Emeritus and former Division Head, this fund supports a range of professional development opportunities for residents and fellows in the Department of Dermatology, including but not limited to: 

• Elective rotations, including those outside the UW Department of Dermatology or the University of Washington School of Medicine 

• Research experiences and related expenses 

• Domestic or international travel to other institutions for educational purposes 

We invite you to give a gift in support of this fund and help shape the future of education at UW Dermatology.