DIGA Leadership Opportunities for 2008-2009

DEADLINE: January 31, 2008, 12PM EST. Positions will be announced at the annual DIGA meeting on SATURDAY, February 2nd, 2008 (6PM) in San Antonio, TX at Casa Rio (430 E. Commerce St., http://www.casa-rio.com/).

Available DIGA Positions:
-Vice President
-Webmaster
-Treasurer
-Secretary
-Community Service Director
-National DRID Director
-Southern Regional Director
-Northeastern Regional Director
-Midwestern Regional Director
-Western Regional Director
-Various Committee Chair positions

New candidates interested in a DIGA position MUST complete an application(http://www.derminterest.org/resources/applications/application0809.doc) and e-mail it to apply@derminterest.org. Descriptions of the duties for each position can be found at http://www.derminterest.org/resources/applications/leaderdescriptions0809.doc.(Applications and Position Descriptions are in Microsoft Word format).

UTMB Dermatology Resident's Lip Protection Research Appears In Dermatology Times

Dr. Josh Diimmick's recently published academic research paper in Cosmetic Dermatology about lip protection with SPF products used at the beach was featured in an article that appeared in the November 2007 issue of Dermatology Times (Melville NA. Lips: Sunscreens' final frontier? Study finds UV protection awareness is low. Dermatology Times, Volume 28, Number 11, November 2007, pages 46-47). Dr. Dimmick is currently a second year resident in the Department of Dermatology at UTMB. He is continuing to research SPF lip protection use in patients with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer(s) to fulfill the "Scholarly Project" UTMB dermatology residency program requirement. Good luck with your ongoing research, Josh!

Dermatology Interest Group Association - Annual Meeting

The National Dermatology Interest Group Association will be having their annual meeting on Saturday, February 2, 2008, at 6:00 pm in San Antonio, Texas. If interested, please RSVP by January 7, 2008 to Brittney Culp at brittney.culp@derminterest.org. She can also provide you with more information.

Monday, November 26, 2007 UTMB DIG Meeting Summary

The most recent UTMB DIG meeting was well attended for Dr. Wagner's presentation about the media and skin diseases (thanks for providing the popcorn and diet cokes). Historically, skin diseases were depicted in theatre (William Shakespeare) and interest continued in fine arts and literature. Skin diseases are now included in modern film, television and appear on the internet. There is lots of opportunity for research in this new emerging area of academic dermatology interest.

Upcoming DIG Meeting

Hello Everyone!

We will be having the next DIG meeting on Monday, November 26, at 5:00 pm in the Dermatology Conference Room (4th floor McCollough Building). Dr. Richard Wagner, who is our organization's faculty sponsor, as well as the dermatology residency program director at UTMB, will be giving us a presentation entitled "Skin Diseases in Contemporary Films: What are Patients Seeing at the Movies?" This will give us a preview to the new course offered this year through the department of dermatology entitled "Skin Diseases Depicted in Film," which can be taken for elective credit (DERU-4007) or to fulfill the BSHS requirement (DERU-4051). I look forward to seeing you there!

Ashley Group

UTMB Dermatology offers "Skin Diseases in World Literature" elective

A new elective, "Skin Diseases in World Literature" (DERU-4011) is now being offered for UTMB and visiting medical students with an interest about the impact of infectious, autoimmune and malignant skin diseases on literary characters and plot development http://ar.utmb.edu/04-05review/bdisplay.asp?rec=396 The course is offered during all periods of the academic year and up to 5 students are permitted to enroll during each period. Dr. Richard Wagner is the course director. Students will read and discuss three required books: The Plague (Albert Camus, 1947), Cancer Ward (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, 1968) and The Centaur (John Updike, 1963). For the final week of the course, students will select one of three recently published novels to read: On A Night Like This (Ellen Sussman, 2004, melanoma), Isolation Ward (Joshua Spanogle, 2006, infectious disease) or Flawless (Joshua Spanogle, 2007, facial tumors) as the basis of a critical essay due on the last Friday of the period. Additional novels for the final paper may be added for the final writing project book list at the suggestion of course participants.The dermatology department library will lend the required and final project books to students taking this class.

Recent UTMB Dermatology Residency Program Graduates Attend 2007 Texas Dermatological Society Fall Meeting

Drs. Stacy Beaty ('05), Hurst, Texas, Renee Snyder ('05), Austin, Texas and Jason Weaver ('07), College Station, Texas (left to right) update their dermatology education at the 2007 Fall Meeting of the Texas Dermatological Society (TDS) held in Galveston over this past weekend. Dr. Beaty has just returned to Texas from St. Louis, MO, where she was on the dermatology faculty at St. Louis University for the past two years. The meeting offered 10 hours of AAD category I CME credit over 3 days. The TDS hosts two meetings each year, one in the Fall and the other one in the Spring. The next TDS meeting will be on May 2-3, 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.

Update on Texas Dermatological Society Annual Fall Meeting in Galveston

The 2007 Annual Fall Meeting of the Texas Dermatological Society hosted by the UTMB Department of Dermatology was a huge success this year. About 120 meeting registrants attended lectures and patient presentations over 3 days (November 2-4). Five UTMB dermatology faculty gave lectures over the weekend meeting (Richard Wagner, MD, "Ethics Hour: Skin Diseases in Contemporary Films: What are Patients Seeing at the Movies?"; Michael Wlikerson, MD, "Periodic Fever Syndromes"; Brent Kelly, MD, "Update on Urticaria"; Erica Kelly, MD, "What's New in Fillers"; and Sharon Raimer, MD, "What's New in Pediatric Dermatology." On Sunday morning, the UTMB dermatology residents and dermatology fellows prepared 17 interesting clinical cases for presentation and discussion. Thank you Dr. Sharon Raimer for coordinating this meeting and thanks to all the UTMB dermatology faculty, fellows and residents who worked hard to make this meeting such an excellent learning experience!

2006-2007 UTMB Dermatolpathology Fellows Pass American Board of Dermatopathology Board Certification Examination

Congratulations to Drs. Brent Kelly and Matt Petitt for passing the certification examination given by the American Board of Dermatopathology in September 2007. Dr. Kelly is now triple-boaraded in dermatopathology, dermatology and internal medicine and he is currently the Director of Dermatopathology at UTMB. Dr. Petitt is now double-boarded in dermatopathology and pathology, and is currently taking a clinical internship in UTMB in the Department of Internal Medicine prior to beginning dermatology residency at UTMB in July 2008.

Congratulations Dr. Readinger!

The UTMB DIG is pleased to learn that Dr. Allison Readinger, a 2006 UTMB Dermatology Residency Program graduate, passed the certification examination given by the American Board of Dermatopathology on her first attempt in September 2007, and is now a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatopathology. Dr. Readinger completed her dermatopathology fellowship training with Dr. Ronald Rapini (The University of Texas Medical School at Houston) this year before sitting for the examination.

Volunteers Needed for Texas Dermatologic Society Meeting

I wanted to remind all of you of the upcoming Texas Dermatologic Society Meeting that will be held in Galveston the weekend of Friday, November 2 through Sunday, November 4. All DIG members are invited to attend and help out at the patient viewings on Sun Nov 4th. We will ask anyone who is interested in helping to show up at the clinic at about 8 am on Sunday, and help room the patients and direct the visitors to the clinic. There will be some excellent cases, so I encourage all of you to attend! If anyone has any questions, feel free to stop by the clinic/department anytime and talk to any of the residents.

2007 UTMB Dermatology Graduating Residents Pass Dermatology Boards

Congratulations to Drs. Becky Kelso and Jason Weaver for passing the certification examination given by the American Board of Dermatology in August 2007. This marks the 7th consecutive year that 100% of graduating senior UTMB dermatology residents have passed their dermatology certification examination on the first attempt and have become Diplomates of the American Board of Dermatology. Dr. Weaver is currently in private practice (College Station, Texas) while Dr. Kelso is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at UTMB.

DIG Meeting Recap 10-8-07

Tonight we had our first DIG meeting of the year. We welcomed 3 new members to our organization: Auris Huen, MS1; Tri Ngo, MS1; and Alison Wiesenthal, MS2. We brainstormed ideas for speakers and topics that we would like to have for the year, as well as upcoming community outreach projects. There was also a generalized Q&A at the end of the session to discuss questions related to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year, dermatology electives, as well as research projects/mentors, etc. Fadi and I will both be on away rotations next month, so our next meeting will be in late November -- look for an email announcement to specify the date. I look forward to seeing you all then!

Sincerely,
Ashley Group

UTMB Dermatology Adds Another Full-time Faculty

The UTMB DIG has learned the Bernard R. Gibson, MD (General Dermatology) has accepted a full-time faculty position in the UTMB Department of Dermatology, starting this week. The Department of Dermatology at UTMB now has 6 full-time dermatologists: Dr. Sharon Raimer, Chair (Pediatric Dermatology), Dr. Richard Wagner, Deputy Chair and Dermatology Residency Program Director (Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology), Dr. Brent Kelly (Dermatopathology), Dr. Mike Wilkerson (Dermatopharmacology), and Dr. Becky Kelso (General Dermatology). They are joined by 5 additional part-time faculty: Dr. Erica Kelly (Cosmetic Dermatology), Dr. Maria Colome-Grimmer (Dermatopathology), Dr. Ramon Sanchez (Dermatopathology), Dr. Norman Guzick (General Dermatology), and Dr. Dayna Diven (General Dermatology).

UTMB Dermatologists Elected to ISHRS

Drs. Andy Perri, a senior UTMB dermatology resident, and Dr. Richard Wagner, the UTMB Director of Dermatologic Surgery, attended the 15th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) in Las Vegas recently and were elected into Society membership. They hope to develop a specialty hair loss dermatology clinic at UTMB for the diagnostic evaluation and management of patients with hair loss (alopecia). It is anticipated that the medical management of hair loss and hair transplantation surgery services will be offered. They hope to eventually offer a new clinical dermatology elective in Hair Diseases to medical students once the clinic is established.

Useful Website

One of our members (Conner) came across a website that you may find useful. It has match information indicating where matched derm applicants have gone to medical school for the past several years.

http://www.dermboard.com/docs/2006-2007.htm

Upcoming DIG Meeting

Hello All!

We will be having our first DIG meeting of the year on Monday, October 8, at 5 pm in the Dermatology Conference Room (4th floor McCollough Building). We will be discussing our plans for this school year - speakers, service projects, etc. If you have any questions, please email Ashley Group at argroup@utmb.edu or Fadi Constantine at fcconsta@utmb.edu.

UTMB to Host Texas Dermatological Society Meeting November 2-4, 2007

The UTMB Department of Dermatology has announced that it will host the Annual Fall Meeting of the Texas Dermatological Society on Friday, November 2nd through Sunday, November 4th at the Moody Gardens Resort & Spa in Galveston, Texas. The program schedule is available at http://www.texasdermatology.org/files/TDSfall2007.pdf UTMB dermatology residents and dermatopathology fellows will present patients at UTMB (5th floor University Clinics Building) from 9-10 am on Sunday morning, November 4th from 9-10 am, with case discussions to follow from 10:20 am through noon. UTMB medical students with an interest in dermatology are encouraged to attend.

New Clinical Dermatology Fellowship at UTMB-Austin

The UTMB DIG welcomes Dr. Dianne Kovacic, the first clinical dermatology fellow at UTMB-Austin. This 12-month fellowship will focus on dermatologic infectious diseases and underserved populations. Dr. Jason Reichenberg is the fellowship director. We look forward to working with Drs. Kovacic and Reichenberg during our UTMB dermatology electives in Austin during the 2007-2008 academic year.

Increased Enrollment for DERU-4007 ("Skin Diseases Depicted in Film")

Good news for UTMB and visiting medical students interested in learning about skin diseases as portrayed in the movies--the maximum enrollment for this elective has just been increased from 5 to 10 students for each 4 week period. However, UTMB students should remember that if this course is needed to meet the UTMB senior BSHS selective writing requirement, it should be taken as DERU-4051 (same topics covered and requirements, but with a different number).

Attention all those interested in a Dermatology residency!!

The Baylor Department of Dermatology would like to invite any 4th year medical students interested in dermatology to attend an informational session. The information given will benefit students applying to dermatology within the next few years. If you are interested, please send an email to aglaich@sbcglobal.net.

UTMB Dermatology Department offers History of Dermatology Elective

The UTMB Department of Dermatology has announced a new elective course offering, "History of Dermatology" (DERU-4008) that is now available to UTMB and visiting medical students. This four week course will be taught by Dr. Richard Wagner and based on assigned readings from the text, Historical Atlas of Dermatology and Dermatologists (Crissey JT, Parish LC and Holubar K) and other primary sources. The course is a survey of dermatology history, from Egyptians through the modern period. In addition to scheduled class discussions based on the readings, the students taking this elective are required to write an original 5-10 page paper based on their own research about the history of dermatology based on primary and secondary sources. Each year the UTMB Department of Dermatology will issue a "History of Dermatology Award" certificate to recognize the medical student who writes the best historical manuscript.

Josh Dimmick, MD Publishes Research Study

Congratulations to Dr. Dimmick, a first year dermatology resident at UTMB, for his latest dermatology publication in the June 2007 issue of Cosmetic Dermatology, a peer-reviewed dermatology journal. His article is entitled "Barriers to UV Radiation Lip Protection" (Cosmetic Dermatology 20:363-366, 2007). The research was conducted while he was a visiting fourth year medical student from UT Houston Health Sciences Center taking an away dermatology research elective at UTMB. Dr. Dimmick's co-authors on this study are Mr. Tatuso Uchida (UTMB Office of Biostatistics) and Dr. Richard Wagner (UTMB Dermatology).

DIG sighting at the UTMB annual Medical Student Summer Research Program poster session

First year medical student Navin Dhingra presented his preliminary survey results about medical student opportunities for dermatology electives at U.S. Medical Schools ("Educational Opportunities & Barriers for Medical Students Interested in Dermatology") at the UTMB annual Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) poster session. Dr. Richard Wagner supervised the project. Students participating in this program receive a stipend and elective academic credit for their research. Good job Navin!

Update on UTMB Dermatology Electives, 2007-2008 Academic Year

UTMB Dermatology Electives Available in Galveston and in Austin: http://ar.utmb.edu/04-05review/blist.asp?dc=der

Sunburn and Sun Safety Teaching Program - Recent Presentations

At the beginning of May, DIG members Julie Cummings, Ashley Group, and Navin Dhingra gave a presentation to the 6th Graders at Rosenberg Elementary School on sunburns and skin safety. The kids really enjoyed having us there and had great participation throughout the talk. We are looking forward to going back next year!

Yesterday (6/10/07), Ashley Group and Julie Cummings gave another presentation to the Galveston County Beach Patrol Lifeguards. Topics that were covered included the basics of skin anatomy and function, the effects of ultraviolet light on the skin - sunburns & tanning, as well as sun protection. We really enjoyed speaking to this group! They are essential to maintaining safety on our beaches during the summer months, but by doing so are exposed to excessive amounts of sun damage. They were very receptive to our recommendations of how to minimize their risks by protecting their skin. We are hoping to go back later this summer to talk to the Junior Lifeguards. If anyone is interested in coming along, please let Ashley know.

2007 UTMB Dermatology and Dermatopathology Graduates

Congratulations to our recent graduates! Where are they all headed next year? Here are their plans:

Brent Kelly, MD: Dr. Kelly will become a full-time Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the UTMB and will serve as the the new Director of Dermatopathology.

Rebecca Kelso, MD: Dr. Kelso has accepted a full-time faculty appointment at UTMB. She will be an Assistant Professor of Dermatology.

Matt Petitt, DO: Dr. Petitt will be starting an internship at UTMB in the Department of Internal Medicine, prior to returning to the UTMB Dermatology Department to start his Dermatology Residency in July 2008.

Jason Weaver, MD: Dr. Weaver will be returning home to College Station, Texas to begin a dermatology private practice.

The UTMB DIG congratulates all of the new graduates and wishes you continued success in your careers!

2007 Dermatology Awards Announced

Awards to Senior Medical Students

Edgar B. Smith Endowed Scholarship Award for Excellent Dermatology Research by a Medical Student: Laura Speck

Thomas B. Freese Award for Overall Excellence in Dermatology: David Raimer


Awards to Senior Dermatology Residents

Medical Student Teaching Award for Excellent Dermatology Teaching by a Senior Resident: Jason Weaver, MD

Dermatology Faculty Award for Excellent Dermatology Research by a Senior Dermatology Resident: Becky Kelso, MD


Awards to Dermatology Faculty

Medical Student Teaching Award for Excellent Dermatology Teaching by Dermatology Faculty: Erica Kelly, MD

Dermatology Resident Award for Excellent Dermatology Faculty Teaching: Sharon Raimer, MD

Dermatology Resident Award for Excellent Dermatology Faculty Teaching by a Community Dermatologist: Bernard Gibson, MD

UTMB Students Recognize Excellent Senior Dermatology Resident and Faulty Teaching

DIG Co-President Ashley Group presented the 2007 annual resident and faculty awards for excellent dermatology teaching to Dr. Jason Weaver (resident award) and Dr. Erica Kelly (faculty award) at the Friday dermatology journal club. Each year UTMB medical students select a senior dermatology resident and a dermatology faculty for these teaching awards.

The UTMB DIG wants to thank all of our dermatology residents and faculty for developing such an excellent teaching and research program for medical students at our medical school.

2007 UTMB Senior Medical Students Receive Dermatology Graduation Awards

Dr. Richard Wagner presented the two annual departmental dermatology awards to Laura Speck and David Raimer at the Friday Dermatology Journal Club this week. UTMB Dermatology Faculty have selected the awardees every year since 1986 for the Freese Award and 2001 for the Smith Award.

Edgar B Smith Endowed Scholarship Award for Excellent Dermatology Research by a UTMB

Medical Student: Laura Speck

Thomas B. Freese Award for Overall Excellence in Dermatology by a UTMB Medical Student: David Raimer

The Schlip Miles for Melanoma walk

Hi everyone,

We want to thank you so very much for coming out and supporting melanoma research and awareness on May 5th. I just finished tallying up what we have so far and the total comes to $2,334!!! Way to go!!! We will also have a $1,000 grant that will be applied to our walk as well. Jean Schlipmann said she would apply the amount towards our walk!! This will bring us to at least $3,334!!!! Here are a few pictures that highlight the walk. Thanks again and we'll see everybody out there again next year.
Fadi and Ashley

UTMB DIG Congratulates Dr. Joslyn Witherspoon, School of Medicine Class of 2006

Our DIG has recently learned that Joslyn Witherspoon, MD, MPH has accepted a 2007 Dermatology Research Fellowship at Northwestern University School of Medicine following completion of her internship year. Dr. Witherspoon was a UTMB DIG Co-President during the 2005-2006 academic year. Congratulations to Joslyn!

Congratulations New Officers!

Last Monday, at the last DIG meeting of the year, we selected the new officers for the 2007-2008 academic year. As the DIG has expanded this year, we thought it was appropriate to increase the number of officer positions for next year, making new spots for Vice President, Secretary, Miles for Melanoma Walk Coordinator, and Second Year Medical Student Representative. Congratulations to the following:

Ashley Group, MSIII - Co-President

Fadi Constantine, MSIII - Co-President

Wenhong Zhou, MSIII - Vice President

Christine Kwan, MSIII - Secretary

Julie Cummings, MSIII - Miles for Melanoma Walk Coordinator

Leslie Scroggins, MSII - Community Outreach Coordinator

Navin Dhingra, MSI - Second Year Medical Student Representative

I want to thank everyone for a wonderful year!

2007 Dermatology National Student Research Forum (NSRF) Awardees Announced

On Friday night, April 27, two dermatology awardees were announced at the NSRF Banquet held at the San Luis Hotel in Galveston:

Dermatology Poster Award: Justin G. Madson, Creighton University School of Medicine, "Erbb2 Promotes

S-Phase progression in Keratinocytes Following UV Irradiation by Maintaining Cdc25a Levels"

Dermatology Oral Presentation Award: Saurabh Lodah, New York University School of Medicine, "Emerging Melanoma Genetics: The Role of Gab2"

Congratulations to both winners, and thanks to all Dermatology NSRF participants this year! We hope you all enjoyed your visit to Galveston!

UTMB Dermatology Resident Selected for Presentation at 2007 National Medical Association Scientific Assembly

Congratulations to Dr. Mark Ramirez, a second year dermatology at UTMB for having his abstract entitled, "Topical Imiquimod as an Adjuvant to Laser Removal of Mature Tattoos in an Animal Model" selected for presentation at the annual John A. Kenney, Jr., Resident Symposium, National Medical Association Scientific Assembly in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 5, 2007. According to the meeting announcement received, "The The Resident's Research Symposium was developed by the Dermatology Section of the National Medical Association (NMA) to provide residents and fellows in training an opportunity to present original papers of clinical or basic science research. Minority residents/fellows in training in dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatologic surgery, etc. are eligible to participate." Presenters are awarded a travel and lodging stipend. The abstract deadline for this year's meeting was 12/30/06.

Last DIG Meeting, April 30 at 5pm

Hi Everyone,

The last DIG meeting of the year will be held this coming Monday, April 30 at 5 pm in the Dermatology Conference Room (4th floor McCollough Building). We will be holding officer elections for next year and go over some last minute planning for our volunteer events that will be held next week. On Tuesday, May 1 we will be giving a Sunburn and Skin Cancer Awareness Presentation to the 4th grade class at Rosenberg Elementary School. The following Saturday, May 5 will be the Miles for Melanoma walk held at the Fieldhouse track at 8:30 am. We encourage everyone who can to come participate! The registration deadline is April 27, so go to www.TheSchlip.com and register today! Finally, following the walk, we will be volunteering at the Annual Skin Cancer Screening from 10:00-1:00 pm put on by the UTMB Dermatology Department.

We will be looking for people to help out at all of these events, so please come to the meeting to find out more information.

Thanks!

Good News for Visiting Medical Students

The new "Skin Diseases Depicted in Film" course is now available for visiting medical students who wish to take this four week dermatology career development elective. The course number is DERU-4007 and elective students will be combined with senior UTMB medical students who are taking the same class to meet their BSHS selective graduation requirement (DERU-4051). For each of the 13 periods the course is given throughout the year, there are 10 spots allocated to UTMB Selective seniors and 5 spots for visiting elective students. The course requirements (for Selective and Elective students) are attending two 2 hr classes twice weekly, presenting an assigned 30 minute PowerPoint Presentation to the class about a skin disease depicted in the required films, and the submission of a 5 page original essay about skin disease (see course description for additional information). It is anticipated that many students will elect to write an original movie critique using techniques learned in class to review a supplementary film with skin disease/dermatology content that may be borrowed from the UTMB Dermatology Department Film Library. Interested visiting students should contact the UTMB Registrar at http://www.utmb.edu/enrollmentservices/prospect/visitingmedical/index.html for additional information about registration for this class.

48th Annual NSRF Dermatology Poster Presentations Tomorrow, Thursday, April 26, 2007

The UTMB Dermatology Interest Group (DIG) welcomes the dermatology research poster participants to this year's National Student Research Forum. Student researchers will present their studies from 1-3 p.m. in Levin Hall. The 3 dermatology posters this year are:

Poster 26 A NOVEL FUNCTION OF IKKα IN CENTROSOME DUPLICATION. Xiaojun Xia, J Shen, B Liu, Y Hu. University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Poster 27 PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTIVE DEVICE USE AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS EARLY IN THE HOSPITAL STAY. Shayna Rich, M Shardell, D Margolis, M Baumgarten. University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Poster 28 Erbb2 PROMOTES S-PHASE PROGRESSION IN KERATINOCYTES FOLLOWING UV IRRADIATION BY MAINTAINING Cdc25a levels. Justin Madson, David T. Lynch, Laura A. Hansen. Creighton University.

Dr. Richard Wagner Receives Honor

Our Dermatology Program Director, Dr. Richard Wagner, has accepted an invitation to edit a special 2008 issue (January/March) of the quarterly peer-reviewed dermatology journal, Skin Cancer (Lisbon). He is busy preparing original articles that he hopes will highlight the research contributions in skin cancer made by the Dermatology Department at The University of Texas Medical Branch. He anticipates that many of the first authors of these manuscripts will be current and former UTMB students and dermatology residents. He last had the honor of being a guest editor for Skin Cancer in 1993, when he served as their first international editor, an tradition that has continued at the Journal. Congrats to Dr. Wagner!

Kudos to Dr. Mark Ramirez

Dr. Ramirez has published an original research study entitled, "Topical Imiquimod as an Adjuvant to Laser Removal of Mature Tattoos in an Animal Model," in the March 2007 issue of the peer-reviewed journal, Dermatologic Surgery (Dermatol Surg 2007;33:319-325). He performed the research during his participation in the UTMB Honors Research Program in Dermatology, that earned him Summa Cum Laude graduation honors in 2004. That year he also received the annual departmental Thomas W. Freese Award for the best overall senior medical student in dermatology at graduation. Dr. Ramirez is currently a 2nd year dermatology resident at UTMB. His co-authors on the study were Norma Magee, Dayna Diven, Maria Colome-Grimmer, Massoud Motamedi, Gisele Oliveira, Jesus Zamora, Tatsuo Uchida and Richard Wagner.

2007 Annual UTMB Dermatopathology Review Course

This year the review will be held on the weekend of May 19 and 20. Currently enrolled UTMB medical students may register at no charge with Kimberly Cooper (772-1911). This course has received excellent reviews in the past, and is geared toward dermatopathology differential diagnosis and recognizing diagnostic criteria (correct diagnosis of unknown dermatopathology cases based on histopathologic features). The course offers an excellent cd of dermatopathology images to study.

Students who are available on Friday afternoon, May 18th and want to help set up microscopes for the conference in the School of Allied Health Sciences Building, please contact the Dermatology Chief Residents, Drs. Becky Kelso and Jason Weaver.

Miles for Melanoma Walk

Hi everyone. Courtney Freasier, our DIG volunteer/fundraiser chair, is organizing a Miles for Melanoma walk planned for SaturdayMay 5th. Please email Ashley Group, Courtney Freasier, or myself for information regarding advertising and registration for the walk. We had a good turnout last year and raised a significant amount of money for the fight against melanoma. We are all hoping to have an even better turnout this year. More information will be passed out in subsequent DIG meetings as we approach the date. I would GREATLY appreciate help with getting the word out about the walk. Also, if anyone knows of someone who has a tent/canopy that could be used for the walk please let me know. The DJ needs a small shaded area to cover his computer.

Thanks,
Fadi Constantine

Congratulations to Julie Cummings!

Congratulations to Julie Cummings, a current 3rd year medical student at UTMB, for having a case report published in this month's edition of Cutis. Julie's article was entitled "Drug-Induced Linear Immunoglobulin A Bullous Dermatosis Mimicking Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report." Her co-authors were Dr. Renee Snyder (UTMB Department of Dermatology), Dr. Erica Kelly (UTMB Department of Dermatology), and Dr. Sharon Raimer (UTMB Department of Dermatology).

UTMB Dermatology Department Honors Research Project Approved

Julie Cummings, a current third year UTMB medical student, has received approval from the UTMB Honors Committee to conduct her original Honors Research Project, "The Correlation of Biopsy Margins in Non-melanoma Skin Cancers with Corresponding Excisions." Her UTMB faculty advisor on this research is Richard Wagner, MD.

There are currently junior 4 medical students conducting Honors Research Projects in Dermatology, a new record for the UTMB Dermatology Department. The other three medical students participating this year are:

Neil Amar: Measuring quality of life in psoriasis patients compared to their spouses using the SF-36: a comparative study(UTMB faculty advisor: Dayna Diven, MD)

Conner Chan: Positive margins in surgical excisions of nonmelanoma skin cancers (UTMB faculty advisor: Richard Wagner, MD)

Christine Kwan: Relationship between depressive symptoms and patients using botulinum toxin type A to treat glabellar frown lines (UTMB faculty advisor: Dayna Diven, MD)

DIG Meeting Recap (3-21-07)

We had a great meeting last Wednesday! Dr. Wagner came to speak with our group and he gave us some statistics on the 18 non-UTMB Dermatology applicants that were interviewed here this interview season. The average Step 1 score was 244, the average Step 2 score was 246, and 15/18 were members of AOA. A number of the applicants also had publications. The UTMB applicants accepted interviews at a total of 7 different programs. A number of our questions regarding scheduling next year were also answered. As of now, there are 5 periods during which an AI in Dermatology is offered at UTMB. Currently, only 1 AI position is allowed per month. Dr. Wagner is going to speak with Dr. Raimer regarding the possibility of increasing this number to 2 positions per month, since there are so many students interested in this rotation for next year. An AI is also offered in Austin. For away rotations, it's recommened to pick programs that you are interested in going to or in which you would like to get a letter of recommendation from. Also, take off January for interviews next year! For our upcoming volunteer activities, we are still working on finalizing dates for the High School out reach program this spring. The Miles for Melanoma walk will be on Saturday, May 5. PLEASE print off flyers and post them around town and campus. We want to have a great turnout and raise as much money as possible!!

Austin Dermatology Electives

For the upcoming 2007-2008 academic year, UTMB is offering a 4 week Clinical Dermatology (DERO-4014 ) elective in Austin for all 13 periods, as well as a Dermatology Acting Internship (AI), DERO-4013. UTMB dermatology faculty, Dr. Jason Reichenberg is the director of both courses. To register for these courses, contact Adriane Thompson, telephone 512-324-7860. Application forms for Austin rotations are available at http://meded.utmb.edu/orme/Austininformation.htm

2008-2009 UTMB Dermatopathology Fellows Announced

Alma C. Berlingeri-Ramos, MD
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine
San Juan, PR

Cecilia M. Rosales, MD
University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Dr. Berlingeri-Ramos is currently completing Dermatology Residency at the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan, while Dr. Rosales finished training in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Residency at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2002 and subsequently completed fellowships in Forensic Pathology at the University of South Florida, Tampa and Pediatric Pathology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Please join the UTMB DIG in congratulating our two newest fellows. We look forward to working with you next year!

2007 UTMB Dermatology National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Results

Congratulations to the to the following applicants for matching into the UTMB Dermatology Residency Program:

Mika Izutsu: University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine

Matthew Petitt, DO: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

David Raimer: The University of Texas Medical Branch

They will begin dermatology residency at UTMB in July 2008 following internship.

The combined 5-year dermatology and pediatric residency program matched with:

John Stephens: Indiana University School of Medicine

He will begin combined residency training at UTMB in July 2007.

DIG Meeting

Hi Everyone!
The next DIG meeting will be on Wednesday, March 21, at 5:00 pm in the Dermatology Conference Room. Dr. Wagner will be speaking with us about how to select an away rotation at the various Dermatology programs, electives UTMB has to offer, what to expect on your AI, etc. Since all of us are currently trying to create our schedules for next year, his advice will be very helpful! He is also planning on sharing with us some statistics about non-UTMB Dermatology applicants from this year. Please feel free to email me with any questions.

Thanks and see you next week!

Ashley Group

UTMB Dermatology Department Announces New Course Offering for Academic Year 2007-2008

The UTMB Department of Dermatology plans to offer a new dermatology humanities selective for the upcoming academic year. The new course is "Skin Diseases Depicted in Film," and it will be offered all periods for up to 10 students each period. The class will meet for 2 hours, twice a week over 4 weeks, and will cover 12 films related to skin diseases. During each class, two films will be discussed and students will make 30 minute PowerPoint presentations about the skin diseases depicted. The course will be team-taught by the UTMB dermatology faculty (Richard Wagner, MD, Course Director). Although the selective has pass/fail grading, the dermatology faculty plan to annually award a certificate for the best original 5-10 page "dermanities" student essay, the course writing requirement.

This Week's Meeting Recap

I want to thank everyone who was able to make it to our meeting on Monday! We had an excellent turnout and our group continues to gain new members at each meeting. Dr. Erica Kelly gave a very engaging talk on "The Cosmetic Consultation." We learned how to approach patients seeking cosmetic treatment and what some of the therapeutic options Dermatology has to offer them. We also discussed plans for upcoming service projects for our group this spring. Courtney Freasier, our volunteer coordinator, is organizing a Miles for Melanoma walk. We are trying to finalize a date this week, afterwhich we will be able to get the ball rolling on planning! We also discussed plans for the Skin Cancer and Sunburn Awareness Teaching Program that was created two years ago by DIG members. A group of third year students, including Julie Cummings, Tray Speck, Jenny Valliere, and Jennifer Schopp volunteered to revise the teaching presentation for this year. Jenny Valliere will be leading this group, and will keep us posted on future dates and plans for this outreach program! We will be looking for volunteers in a couple months, so please keep these activities in mind.
-Ashley Group

Meeting Reminder

Hey Everyone! Just a quick reminder of our meeting tomorrow, Monday Feb. 2 at 5 pm. Dr. Erica Kelly will be talking with us about Cosmetic Dermatology and we will also be discussing our service projects for the semester! I hope to see all of you there.

Ashley

Annual DIGA Meeting

You’re Invited…
The Dermatology Interest Group Association Third Annual Meeting and Reception

During the AAD:
Saturday, February 3 at 6:00pm-7:15pm
Conference Theatre
Grand Hyatt, Washington, DC

This will be an informal gathering of medical students interested in careers in Dermatology where we will discuss DIGA service and research projects, plans for the upcoming year, and share our experiences/support each other as dermatology applicants. Please join us! Your school need not be a DIGA member for you to attend.

RSVP TO meetings@derminterest.org by Jan 25

Upcoming DIG Meeting

Hi Everyone!
The next DIG meeting will be on Monday, February 5, at 5 pm in the Dermatology Conference Room. Dr. Erica Kelly will be speaking with us about Cosmetic Dermatology. We will also be discussing plans for upcoming volunteer events such as the Miles for Melanoma walk, as well as the Skin Cancer and Sunburn Awareness high school outreach program we have done in the past. I hope all of you can make it and I look forward to seeing you at the meeting!
-Ashley Group

Congratulations to UTMB Dermatology Honors Program Participants

Three junior medical students have recently received approval for their dermatology research theses:

Neil Amar: Measuring quality of life in psoriasis patients compared to their spouses using the SF-36: a comparative study(UTMB faculty advisor: Dayna Diven, MD)

Conner Chan: Positive margins in surgical excisions of nonmelanoma skin cancers (UTMB faculty advisor: Richard Wagner, MD)

Christine Kwan: Relationship between depressive symptoms and patients using botulinum toxin type A to treat glabellar frown lines (UTMB faculty advisor: Dayna Diven, MD)