9-2 DIG Meeting Recap

We had a great turn out at yesterday's meeting! DIG would like to thank Dr. Wagner for his very informative talk about getting into a Dermatology residency and the UTMB Dermatology Residency program. Below is a summary of the items Dr. Wagner discussed, followed by a meeting summary.

Summary of Dr. Wagner's Talk:
1.) UTMB is the only school that offers and Acting Internship in Dermatology! The AI is offered the first 5 periods of 4th year, and is a really good way to get to know the Dermatology faculty and residents in addition to getting exposure to Dermatology.

2.) The UTMB Department of Dermatology has a wide variety of electives, ranging from Clinical Dermatology and Research, to Dermatopathology and Dermatology in the Cinema.

3.) Dermatology is an extremely competitive field. 4th year students who match into dermatology often have many publications, research experiences, volunteer activities, superior USMLE Step 1 scores, and 50% belong to the AOA Medical Honor Society. If you don't match the first year, work on getting things published during your intern year, then reapply. Don't give up! It is very possible to match into Dermatology the second or third time around.

4.) Consider participating in the Honors Research Program in Dermatology. The official deadline for the Honors Proposal is 12/31 of the third year, but extensions may be possible with permission from Dr. Simon Lewis.

5.) The UTMB School of Medicine allows you to participate in a 6-8 week summer research elective between 1st and 2nd year. This is a good way to gain a research mentor, compete for various research awards, and perhaps even the opportunity to get published.

6.) PA students can rotate through the Dermatology clinic too!

7.) 1st year medical students can sign up for a 4 week pre-clinical Dermatology preceptorship at the end of the year. There are only 4 spots, but you can volunteer at the clinic if you want exposure to Dermatology.

8.) St. Vincent's Free Health Clinic has a Dermatology night once per month with a UTMB Dermatology faculty member who supervises students. This is a good way to gain experience in Dermatology and serve the community.

9.) UTMB Dermatology is one of the few programs to offer a dermatologic surgery rotation to medical students, as well as telederm/prison derm to both students and residents.

10.) Remember, the Dermatology faculty are here to help!

UTMB DIG Meeting Summary:
1.) The UTMB DIG has a Facebook Group! Check it out: UTMB Dermatology Interest Group

2.) The UTMB DIG will be volunteering at the La Porte Health and Safety Fair on 9/25/2010 at La Porte Junior High, 9 – 1 PM

3.) Contact Melissa Efron (mfefron@utmb.edu), the UTMB DIG Austin President, for information on how to get involved with the UTMB DIG in Austin.

4.) The American Contact Dermatitis Society Meeting will be in Dallas, TX this year, October 14-16th. Contact Chelsea Altinger (cealting@utmb.edu) if you would like to attend.

5.) Upcoming meetings will include a "Meet the 1st year Derm Residents" session and a pig foot suturing session (this spring)

6.) DIG has openings for several committees, e-mail the officers to join or find out more information:

a.) Miles for Melanoma Committee - contact Auris (aohuen@utmb.edu) or Kenne (koogunma@utmb.edu)

b.) Stay Shady! (Sun Protection/Skin Cancer Awareness) Committee - contact Michaela (mrmarek@utmb.edu) or Kris (kbmccall@utmb.edu)

c.) Allied Health Outreach Committee - contact Lindsey (lihunter@utmb.edu)