The UT Tyler School of Medicine (Contributed Photo)

U.S. Dermatology Partners and The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine are proud to announce their partnership in establishing a new Department of Dermatology. This collaboration aims to improve the health and well-being of East Texans through community integration, innovative medical care, groundbreaking research, and comprehensive education.

With a clear vision to enhance the understanding and treatment of dermatological conditions, the UT Tyler School of Medicine Department of Dermatology will set new standards for dermatologic care and education on a regional and national level. By fostering collaboration, nurturing innovation, and demonstrating unwavering dedication, this partnership will lead the way in improving rural health outcomes.

The Department plans to launch educational programs for medical students at the university within the next year and hire a Chair of the Department and a Dermatology Program Director with plans to apply to become an ACGME-accredited dermatology residency program. These programs will provide comprehensive training and hands-on experience in dermatology, preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve East Texas and provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their fields. Additionally, the Department will engage in clinical research endeavors in partnership with U.S. Dermatology Partners, focusing on developing new treatments and approaches to skin care.

The program is particularly critical for Tyler, which faces physician shortages, similarly to many other rural communities. More rural residents often face limited access and extended wait times for specialist care, leading to a heavier dependence on primary care providers. The objective of the Department is to cultivate a new wave of dermatologists interested in serving their local communities, while simultaneously enhancing the knowledge and management of skin conditions among primary care physicians undergoing training within UT Tyler’s residency and fellowship programs.

The first UT Tyler School of Medicine class commenced in June 2023, consisting of 40 students from the East Texas region. This medical school aims to enlist students from the local community to cater to community needs, engage in research, and tackle the health issues specific to East Texas families. UT Tyler currently operates 20 residency and fellowship training programs.

U.S. Dermatology Partners Tyler has been dedicated to serving the East Texas region since 2013. The group oversees medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology services across 11 locations in East Texas, with a team of 25 dermatology experts.

“Partnering with the UT Tyler School of Medicine to bring top-quality dermatology education and care to East Texas aligns closely with our mission and builds upon the work we have achieved in rural communities through our Outreach Program,” said Paul Singh, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Dermatology Partners. “Together, we will advance the health and well-being of the community through comprehensive education and innovative research, impacting countless lives in East Texas and beyond,” said Jennifer Holman, MD, Regional Physician President U.S. Dermatology Partners.

“This initiative not only aims to cultivate a highly skilled workforce of healthcare professionals in dermatology, but also to significantly improve patient outcomes in the community and beyond,” said Dr. Brigham C. Willis, UT Tyler School of Medicine founding dean. “The establishment of the Department of Dermatology at the UT Tyler School of Medicine is a milestone for the region and for the university, promising to elevate the standard of education and dermatological care in our area.”

The UT Tyler Dermatology Department is actively recruiting a Chair of the Department of Dermatology and a Program Director for the Dermatology Residency Program. Qualified applicants can inquire at dermjobs.usdermatologypartners.com.