Editors



Current Editors: Fareen Momin and Jane Onyemachi

(Please email editors if there is blog-worthy news that you would like to see shared)

Past Editors: Andrea Francis, Renat Ahatov, Michael Phan, Elise Weisert, Michael Ryan, Keith Wagner, Tim Allen, Kristyna Gleghorn, Dung Mac, Alex Acosta, William Tausend, Sheila Jalalat, Rebecca Philips, Chelsea Altinger, Lindsey Hunter, Alison Wiesenthal, Leslie Scroggins, Mara Dacso, Ashley Group, Fadi Constantine, Emily Fridlington, Joslyn Witherspoon, Tasneem Poonawalla.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Congratulations Shailee Patel

The UTMB DIG congratulates University of Miami medical student Shailee Patel for her recent awards at the 54th National Student Research Forum (NSRF) that is held annually at UTMB each spring. She was awarded the Dermatology Poster Award and the Best Overall Poster for her work, “Predictive Biomarkers: Changing the Treatment Paradigm of Diabetic Foot Ulcers” last week in Galveston, Texas.

Melanoma Public Health Message for Teens

UTMB DIG members and others interested in communicating the public health risk for melanoma and its prevention to teens may be interested in this material that is available on YouTube:

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Programs That Offered 2012-2013 UTMB Dermatology Applicants an Interview


DIG polled most of the 2012-2013 UTMB Dermatology applicants to see which programs they were offered an invitation for an interview.

UTMB MS3s might find this list helpful when considering where to apply for away dermatology rotations during fourth year.

Albert Einstein
Baylor University Medical Center
Baylor College of Medicine
Chicago Stroger Cook County
Cornell University
Drexel University
Duke University
Henry Ford
Louisiana State University 
Loma Linda University
Miami Miller School of Medicine
Mayo Arizona
Medical University of South Carolina
New York University
Oregon Health Sciences University
St. Louis University School of Medicine-Missouri
SUNY Stony Brook
Texas A&M University-Scott & White
Texas Tech University Health Science Center 
Tulane University-Louisiana
University of California Medical Center-Los Angeles
University of Chicago-Illinois
University of Colorado
University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
University of Florida-Gainesville
University of Michigan
University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
University of Pennsylvania
University of Rochester
University of South Florida
University of Texas-Houston
University of Texas Medical Branch (automatic interview offered to home students)
University of Texas-San Antonio
University of Texas Southwestern-Austin
Wake Forest University

Note: At least eight interviews were cancelled due to schedule conflicts

Friday, April 26, 2013

Dermatology Poster Presentations at 54th Annual National Student Research Forum

The UTMB DIG welcomes medical students Shailee Patel (University of Miami) and Michelle Pequet (Creighton University) to UTMB for the 2013 Annual National Student Research Forum (NSRF). On Friday morning, April 26, 2013 these students presented their dermatology research posters in Levin Hall. Ms. Patel’s poster was entitled, “Predictive Biomarkers: Changing the Treatment Paradigm of Diabetic Foot Ulcers” and presented data about the role of c-myc in diabetic foot wounds. Ms. Pequet’s clinical research poster was about pediatric morphea patients seen at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Her poster was entitled, “Risk Factors for Morphea Disease Severity: A Retrospective Review of 114 Pediatric Patients.” Abstracts for both of these posters were published in the 54th Annual National Student Research Forum program book. Awardees will be announced on at the annual NSRF Awards Banquet on Friday evening, April 26, 2013. The UTMB Department of Dermatology sponsors the dermatology awards each year and encourages students and residents from other institutions to participate in the future.

 

UTMB Honors Research Steering Committee Approves Lindy Ross’ Dermatology Project

Congratulations to MS3 Lindy Ross for the recent approval of her Dermatology Honors Research Project entitled, “Perception and Influence of Jersey Shore on Tanning Behaviors.” Her faculty advisor for this project is UTMB dermatology faculty, Dr. Richard Wagner, and members of her ad hoc thesis committee are Drs. S. Raimer (UTMB Dermatology Chair), Dr. B. Kelly (UTMB Dermatopathology Director) and Dr. Simon Lewis (UTMB Professor of Neuroscience and Cell Biology).

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

UTMB Dermatology Department Publishes Article about Methotrexate use in Skin Diseases

Congratulations to UTMB PGY3 dermatology resident Dr. Megan Moody and her faculty supervisor, Dr. Cris Berlingeri, for publishing their article, “Methotrexate: Role of Treatment in Skin Disease” in the current issue of Skin Therapy Letter (Volume 18). The first author of this article was Dr. Alex Holliday, who is currently a PGY1 resident in the Department of Internal Medicine at UTMB. The entire article is available at:  http://www.skintherapyletter.com/2013/18.3/2.html

UTMB Dermatology Faculty Publish Their Experience with Resident Scholarly Project


Regular readers of this blog may know that the UTMB Department of Dermatology requires its dermatology residents to participate in a scholarly project related to dermatology during their three years of residency. Drs. R. Wagner, S. Raimer, and B. Kelly recently published their experience with this innovative educational program from 2005 through 2012 (Incorporating resident research into the dermatology residency program. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 2013:4). 
The link to their abstract:
http://www.dovepress.com/incorporating-resident-research-into-the-dermatology-residency-program-peer-reviewed-article-AMEP
During this research program’s implementation and development, 10 residents published their research in peer-reviewed journals, and another resident’s work is currently under consideration. Publication about this unique program was encouraged by the last dermatology residency review committee site reviewer, who was very impressed with this research program’s success. He encouraged UTMB faculty to share their educational experience and program design with others who may be interested in implementing similar programs at their institutions.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Dermatology Procedural Workshop: A Great Success!


Together with the UTMB Dermatology Interest Group, Dr. Julie Martin, a PGY4 UTMB dermatology resident, offered a procedural workshop for UTMB students. This new educational opportunity is part of Dr. Martin's dermatology scholarly project, specifically initiated for rotating dermatology elective students during the 2012-2013 academic year.

Due to an increased interest, Dr. Martin held an additional workshop the following day and plans to offer the workshop again in the future.

Students were given a lecture on surgical instruments and techniques frequently used by dermatologists and were also taught how to perform tangential biopsies, punch biopsies, injections and suturing techniques. 

Thank you again Dr. Martin for holding such a great workshop!

                                       Pictured: Dr. Julie Martin, PGY4 (middle)

UTMB Dermatology Alum Awarded AAD Grant

Congratulations to Dr. John Stephens, a recent UTMB Department of Dermatology Resident Graduate (Class of 2011). Dr. Stephens was recently awarded a 2013 Grant from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) to construct a Shade Structure at the Castleton United Methodist Church Nursery School in Indianapolis, Indiana. The AAD Awardee Annoucement is available here: http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/what-we-do/shade-structure-grant-program/shade-structure-grant-recipients
 
Great work John!

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Progress made on Indoor Tanning Bill in 2013 Texas Legislature

On Wednesday, 4/17/13 the Texas Senate passed SB 329 by a vote of 25-6. On the same day the Texas House Public Health Committee held hearings on HB 598, a similar type of legislation to prohibit indoor tanning for Texans who are younger than 18 years of age. Texas Dermatological Society President, Dr. Michael Wilkerson, provided testimony to the House committee. He is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at UTMB.

Dr. Brent Kelly Recertifies in Internal Medicine

Congratulations to Dr. Brent Kelly for recertifying in Internal Medicine. He is currently Associate Professor of Dermatology at UTMB, where he is the Director of Dermatopathology and Associate Program Director. His recertification by the American Board of Internal Medicine is in effect through 2022. Although many dermatologists are initially certified in internal medicine during their second residency in dermatology, most do not recertify in internal medicine.

Monday, April 15, 2013

REMINDER: DIG Suture Workshop Tomorrow-RSVP by Midnight


The Dermatology Interest Group will be holding a suture workshop for students. 
What: This free workshop will include a short lecture on technique and tools, hands-on practice suturing pig’s feet, excising, and injecting.
When: Tuesday April 16th at 5-6pm
Where: McCullough Bldg Conference Room 4.130 (access through the Dermatology Department 4.112)
RSVP: Sheila Jalalat at szjalala@utmb.edu by midnight tonight

Are NRMP Postmatch Dermatology PGY2 Positions a Growing Trend?

The UTMB DIG is aware of several programs that have recently announced dermatology PGY2 residency positions and are now requesting applications. These PGY2 positions were not offered during the 2013 NRMP, possibly because they were not known at that time (the Dermatology Residency Review Committee did not approve these requested additional positions for program expansion until after the NRMP deadline for listing positions was past) or a previously approved position was not funded until after the NRMP listing deadline. Regardless of reason, it seems that several of these positions are now becoming available each year. Usually applicants for these positions must have completed their PGY1 year by the time the PGY2 positions begins, typically in July. Since these dermatology residencies begins this summer, current MS4s who did not match into a dermatology residency in March 2013 are not eligible.

Tanning Bill Hearing by Texas House Committee

On Wednesday, April 17, the Texas House Public Health Committee will consider HB 598 that is sponsored by Representative Dr. John Zerwas. Please contact House Committee members by phone or email and let them know about your support for HB 598, that will protect children under 18 years of age from using indoor tanning beds in Texas. The current 2013 House committee members are:

Lois Kolkhorst (R) - Brenham
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0600
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-5240
Email:
lois.kolkhorst@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Web Page:
www.loisfortexas.com
Twitter:
Tweeting as loisfortexas
Member Staff:
Han Nguyen, Director  512-463-0600
Chris Steinbach, Chief of Staff  512-463-0600
Don Barber, Committee Clerk  512-463-0600
Madison Gessner, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0600
Corbin Marak, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0600
Preston Streufert, Legislative Director  512-463-0600
 Elliott Naishtat (D) - Austin

Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0668
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-8022
Email:
elliott.naishtat@house.state.tx.us
Member Staff:
Dorothy Browne, Chief of Staff  512-463-0668
Jessica Boston, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0668
Judith Dale, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0668
Garnet Coleman (D) - Houston
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0524
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-1260
Email:
garnet.coleman@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Email:
garnetcoleman@garnetcoleman.com
Twitter:
Tweeting as cgfcoleman
Blog:
blog.garnetcoleman.com
Member Staff:
Christopher Walker, Legislative Director  512-463-0524
Nicole Collier (D) – Fort Worth
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0716
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-1516
Email:
nicole.collier@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Web Page:
votenicolecollier.com/
Member Staff:
Jacob Limon, Chief of Staff  512-463-0716
Genevieve Cato, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0716
Irma Reyes, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0716
Jim Boynton, Legislative Director  512-463-0716
 Philip Cortez (D) – San Antonio

Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0269
Capitol Fax:
(512) 320-0555
Email:
philip.cortez@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Email:
lea@philipcortez.com
Campaign Web Page:
www.philipcortez.com
Twitter:
Tweeting as cortezphilip
Member Staff:
Thelma De Leon, Chief of Staff  512-463-0269
Joaquin Gonzalez, Legislative Director  512-463-0269
Ryan McHutchion, Legislative Director  512-463-0269
 Sarah Davis (R) – West University Place
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0389
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-1374
Email:
sarah.davis@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Email:
sarahdavis.134@gmail.com
Campaign Web Page:
www.sarahfortexas.com
Twitter:
Tweeting as sarahforHD134
Member Staff:
Lucia Mueller   512-463-0389
Hunter Hughes, Chief of Staff  512-463-0389
Charles Prothro, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0389
Bobby Guerra (D) - Mission
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0578
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-1482
Email:
bobby.guerra@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Web Page:
www.voteguerra.com
Member Staff:
Bernardo Aldape III, Chief of Staff  512-463-0578
Courtney Hanson, Counsel  512-463-0578
Susan King (R) - Abilene
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0718
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-0994
Email:
susan.king@house.state.tx.us
Member Staff:
Bryan W. Law, Chief of Staff  512-463-0718
M. Reid Alexander, Administrative Assistant  512-463-0718
Shana Berenzweig, Legislative Director  512-463-0718
Jodie Laubenberg (R) - Parker
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0186
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-5896
Email:
jodie.laubenberg@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Email:
jblauben@earthlink.net
Member Staff:
Suzanne Bowers, Chief of Staff  512-460-0186
Chris Covo, Legislative Director  512-460-0186
J.D. Sheffield (R) - Gatesville
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0628
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-3644
Email:
j.d.sheffield@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Web Page:
www.jdfortexas.com/
Member Staff:
Andrew Johnson, Chief of Staff  254-485-3420
Andrew Johnson, Chief of Staff  512-463-0628
Amanda Kit Tollett, Legislative Director  512-463-0628
Brynnan Whaley, Intern  512-463-0628
Bill Zedler (R) - Arlington
Capitol Phone:
(512) 463-0374
Capitol Fax:
(512) 463-0364
Email:
bill.zedler@house.state.tx.us
Campaign Email:
bill@billzedler.org
Campaign Web Page:
www.billzedler.org
Twitter:
Tweeting as Bill_Zedler
Member Staff:
Deanna Zimmerman, Chief of Staff  512-463-0374
Bryan Shufelt, Legislative Assistant  512-463-0374
Matthew Posey, Legislative Director  512-463-0374

Friday, April 12, 2013

Dr. Erica Kelly to Speak at Alabama Dermatology Society this Weekend

Dr. Erica Kelly, Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at UTMB, will speak about “Advances in Non-Prescription Skincare” at the Alabama Dermatology Society quarterly meeting held at the University of Alabama (Birmingham) on Sunday morning , April 14th.  UAB dermatology residents will present patients seen at the Kirklin Clinic  at 9 am, and Dr. Kelly’s presentation will follow. UTMB dermatology faculty, residents and students previewed this lecture on Friday, April 12, and highly recommend it to all of our friends in  Alabama.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Baylor College of Medicine Dermatology Department Medical Student Information Session

Baylor College of Medicine Dermatology Department is having a Medical Student Information Session, Saturday May 11, 2013 at 9:00 am at the Jamail Specialty Care Center (formerly known as the Baylor Medical Office Building) on the McNair Campus at 1977 Butler Blvd, 4th floor (Conference Rooms E4.120 and E4.125). All medical students interested in Dermatology are invited. No RSVP required.

Students can park at the VA hospital and walk over (they're across the street from one another) OR can opt to park at the lot on the Butler Blvd for a small charge OR just park on Butler Blvd, space permitting.

2013 In-Service Dermatology Examination Scores

Curious about your 2013 In-Service dermatology scores? The American Board of Dermatology indicates that you will have them before May 1, 2013.

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Houston Chronicle Reporter Concerned About Residency Positions in Texas

The Tuesday, April 9, 2013 edition of the Houston Chronicle (pages A1 and A8) contains a well researched article by reporter Harvey Rice that details the residency shortfall that Texas medical students will face unless additional residency positions are funded. It is projected that for the 1674 Texas medical students graduating in 2015, there will only be 1502 residency positions available in Texas. This means that if all Texas graduates wanted to remain in Texas for residency, it would not be possible to do so. It is possible that the Texas Legislature could increase state funding for residency positions or increase funding for graduate medical education in the state through another mechanism.

Monday, April 08, 2013

Dermatology Interest Group Suture Workshop


The Dermatology Interest Group will be holding a suture workshop for students. 
WhatThis free workshop will include a short lecture on technique and tools, hands-on practice suturing pig’s feet, excising, and injecting.
When: Tuesday April 16th at 5-6pm
Where: McCullough Bldg Conference Room 4.130 (access through the Dermatology Department 4.112)
RSVP: Sheila Jalalat at szjalala@utmb.edu by Sunday April 14th at midnight