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Welcome From The Program Director

Mary Gail Mercurio, M.D.The Dermatology Residency Program began in July 1981. The basic philosophy of the program: residents and faculty working closely together to promote the best possible care of patients with both common and complicated skin diseases. By way of background, The Department of Dermatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center was established in July 1981. Eastman Kodak Company endowed the James H. Sterner Chair in Dermatology in honor of Dr. Sterner—the founder of its Laboratory of Industrial Medicine and its Medical Director from 1951 to 1968. The Department of Dermatology serves as a tertiary and quaternary referral center for the entire Upstate New York area.

Our program’s basic philosophy is for residents and faculty to work closely together to deliver the best possible care of patients with common and unusual skin diseases.  We have a diverse faculty with expertise across the gamut of dermatology sub-specializations, several of whom have dual appointments in the medical center. Our faculty are recognized nationally and serve prominent positions in major academic associations. 

Integration of the clinical and research areas of Dermatology by advancement of knowledge through basic, clinical and policy research is a strong feature of our program.  All aspects of training are carefully supervised so graduates of our program can becomeexceptional clinical dermatologists whether they proceed on to clinical or academic careers. clinical or academic careers.   Our emphasis on the acquisition of essential knowledge, technical expertise, critical reasoning skills, and emphasis on working as part of a team with ancillary staff prepares them to practice independently in a variety of settings, promotes the potential for research pursuits, and hones administrative skills. 

In addition to guiding our residents to achieve stellar clinical, scientific, and technical skills, we emphasize the psychosocial model – a term coined here at the University of Rochester by Dr. George Engel.  The model prompted a revolution in medical thinking emphasizing that, in addition to the biological aspects of disease, the psychosocial dimensions are critical aspects of patient care.  Beyond the science of dermatology, we take very seriously our charge to train empathetic clinicians of the highest caliber.  The field of dermatology affords the gratifying opportunity for long-term continuity of care.

Our faculty members are excited to help residents meet their full potential, inculcating a spirit of leadership, lifelong learning, and excellence.  Thus, we strive to fulfill the motto of our University:  Meliora – “Ever Better”.  I encourage you to investigate and consider our program further. 

Sincerely,

Mary Gail Mercurio, M.D.

Mary Gail Mercurio, M.D.

Associate Professor of Dermatology

Department of Dermatology

University of Rochester School of Medicine

601 Elmwood Ave, Box 697

Rochester, N.Y.   14642