JAMA Author Takes Dig at Dermatology Resident Selection Practices

“A Piece of My Mind” is a feature of each issue of JAMA that has wide worldwide readership and high potential impact on public and professional perceptions of medical practice. In the May 23/30, 2012 issue, the author of “Considering Life Before Lifestyle” includes a jab at dermatology. During the author’s interactions with a MS3, the medical student told this him that he “…knew classmates who had hoped to become primary care physicians but who abruptly switched their focus to dermatology when they scored astronomically high on the USMLE Step 1 exam…” The author wrote that this medical student “…sensed that they had not developed a sudden passion for the immunotherapy of psoriasis, but rather an urgency to maximize their lifestyle now that their probability of matching had improved.” Obviously, this author’s perception is incorrect, and high Step 1 scores are not an automatic entry into a dermatology residency. Although important, dermatology is more than psoriasis. Likewise, the relatively few dermatology residency positions offered each year do not explain the national shortage of primary care physicians.

UTMB Dermatology Film Class Receives International Attention

Dr. Richard Wagner, Professor of Dermatology at UTMB, has published an original educational article entitled, “Teaching Skin Diseases to Medical Students through Film,” in the Spanish journal, Journal of Medicine and Movies 2012;8(1):30-34. His article is available online at: http://revistamedicinacine.usal.es/index.php/es/vol8/num1/682

Dr. Michael Wilkerson Now President of Texas Dermatological Society

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Wilkerson, Associate Professor of Dermatology at UTMB. Dr. Wilkerson was previously the president of the Oklahoma Dermatological Society when he lived in Tulsa.

UTMB’s Curriculum Committee Clarifies Selective Writing Requirement

For the upcoming 2012-2013 beginning in Period 1, the UTMB Curriculum Committee is requiring that the written product submitted by Selective students be at least 10 pages in length (not including figures, tables, illustrations and references).

Erik Malgerud Receives 53rd Annual National Student Research Forum Dermatology Poster Award

UTMB poster judges selected Erik Malgerud’s research, “Healing Efficacy of Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Skin Burn Wounds,” (Poster 286, page 85). His co-authors were H. Ito, A. Prasai, C. Finnerty, L. Traber, D. Herndon, D. Traber, and P. Enkhbaatar. Congratulations for winning this prestigious dermatology award!

2012 PGY4 UTMB Dermatology Residents Honored

Our three PGY4 dermatology residents were honored at the annual graduation party last week. Pictured (left to right) are Drs. Ashley Group, Neda Nosrati,  Sharon Raimer (Dermatology Chair) and Nate Davis. Dr. Group will stay on at UTMB as dermatology faculty, while Drs. Nosrati and Davis will join private dermatology practices  in Dallas and in Corpus Christi, respectively. Good luck in your careers!

Galveston AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Raises Over $6,000!

This past Saturday, May 5th, the UTMB DIG held our annual Galveston AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk at the UTMB Alumni Field House track. 40 people participated and raised $6,145 for melanoma research and awareness!  

Special thanks to the AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Co-Chairs, Miranda Uzoma and Donnie Warren, and all of the walk participants for making this such a successful event!

UTMB Dermatology Nurse James Wilson Receives Daisy Award

UTMB UHC Dermatology Clinic Nurse James Wilson (right) receives a 2012 Daisy Award from Cheryl Bryant (Assistant Director of Nursing Services) for the high caliber of nursing services he provides. Congratulations for winning this prestigious award! More information about the Daisy Award may be found at:  http://daisyfoundation.org/

UTMB DIG Bake Sale: A Great Success!

The UTMB DIG Bake Sale had a great turn out and we raised $135! Special thanks to Andre Pitt (MSII, right), Alexandra Acosta (MSII, left), Rebecca Philips (MSIV, middle) and Lindy Ross (MSII) for baking all of the delicious items, and for volunteering their time. Proceeds will go to the UTMB DIG, whose mission is to help raise funds for melanoma research and promote sun protection awareness. 

Dr. Ashley Group Recognized

Dr. Ashley Group, a PGY4 UTMB Dermatology resident, was recognized by the UTMB Graduate Medical Education Office for her outstanding service and leadership as a resident. She also received the 2012 UTMB Dermatology Department Award for Excellent Dermatology Service and Leadership. Dr. Group will be joining the UTMB Department of Dermatology as the newest faculty member in August 2012.

Galveston AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk: This Saturday!

The UTMB DIG's Annual AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk is this Saturday! Come help us raise melanoma awareness and support melanoma research by participating.

Date: Saturday, May 5, 2012

Time: Registration at 8:00 AM; Walk begins at 8:30 AM

Walk Location: UTMB Alumni Field House, 215 Holiday Dr., Galveston, TX 77555

Format: Leisurely walk or run

Fee: There is NO fee to participate. Each walker is encouraged to raise at least $50.

Completed pledge sheet, waiver, and donations: Due the day of the event

To Register and/or Donate: Click on the following link: AIM FOR A CURE

Questions? Contact Donnie Warren (dbwarren@utmb.edu) or Miranda Uzoma (mauzoma@utmb.edu).

Medical Students Enjoy UTMB Dermatology Film Class

Medical students are not shy about telling others about their favorite classes at UTMB. Here are some of their recent unsolicited comments about Dr. Wagner’s film class (DERU-4007 and DERU-4051):

 

“Thanks for teaching such a wonderful class! It has truly changed my perspective on patients with skin disease. I've learned that I must remember to address the psychological impact of the disease on the patient's life in addition to treating the disease itself.”

 

“I always wanted to take a film course during my time at UT, but never could due to the course restrictions of being a science major. However, I really enjoyed all of the fun discussion of your course, and I now have a new appreciation for the portrayal of disease in film and for overall film critique in general.”

Wedding in Old Red

Dr. Conner Chan, former UTMB DIG member and current dermatology PGY4 resident at LSU, married Dr. Cindy Lyou, classmate and PGY4 Chief Medicine resident (UTMB Internal Medicine) in Old Red (Ashbel Smith Building) last weekend. The reception was held in Garten Verein. Conner will begin private dermatology in Baytown, TX following residency completion, and Cindy has accepted an internal medicine faculty position at UTMB.