Announcing DIG's annual bake sale and hand sanitizer sale!

Hospital workers are at increased risk of both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis from a number of sources. Studies have shown that alcohol based hand sanitizers are less drying and harsh that frequent handwashing, but many people develop contact dermatitis as a result of hand sanitizers. There are several ingredients like fragrances, preservatives, and antimicrobial additives called quats that can cause an allergic response in susceptible individuals. Repetitive use of chemical irritants can lead to abrasions of the hands putting healthcare workers at increased risk of infection.

UTMB's DIG offers a creative solution: sensitive skin hand sanitizer containing isopropyl alcohol, aloe vera gel, and peppermint and lavendar essential oils. Stop by the UTMB Joe's Cafeteria (Jamail Bldg) TOMORROW on Thursday, May 30th, for DIG's annual bake sale and indulge in a pocket-size hand sanitizer for $2.

Support DIG while protecting your patients and yourself!

New 2013-2014 DIG Officers!

We have elected the new UTMB DIG officers for the 2013-2014 academic year. It was a great turn out as more students are becoming interested in pursing a career in dermatology and want to be involved with DIG.

President- Sheila Jalalat (MSIII)

Senior Vice President- Will Tausend (MSIII)

Junior Vice President- Alex Acosta (MSIII)

Community Outreach:
Head Community Outreach Chair- Mac Dung (MSI)
Sun Protection/Skin Cancer Awareness Chair- Mac Dung (MSI)
Contact Dermatitis Awareness Chair- Monica Noori (MSII)
Psoriasis Awareness Chair – Zach Jones (MSII)

Fundraising/AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Co-Chairs- Lindy Ross (MSIII) and Trisha Patel (MSIII)

DIG@UTMB Blog Editors - Sheila Jalalat, Will Tausend and Alex Acosta

Austin DIG President and Community Outreach Chair- Kevin Sharghi (MSII)

Keep an eye out for future post announcements of our upcoming events:

Baked goods + sensitive-skin hand sanitizer sale: Thursday, May 30^th 11-1pm, UTMB Joe's Cafeteria 

AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk: June 8^th

(Sign up at http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/galveston-2013.html)

“Stay Shady!” sun protection presentation for the Galveston beach lifeguards: TBA

2014 UTMB Dermatology Residency Interview Dates Announced

UTMB will be hosting interviews for invited outside dermatology applicants on Thursday January 30 and Friday January 31, 2014. The deadline this year for completed applications is October 31, 2013. Interviews are usually offered electronically in December. In past years, approximately 30 outside applicants were invited to interview for the 4 available advanced PGY2 dermatology positions that are offered through the NRMP.

UTMB MS4s must complete their interviews with dermatology residents and faculty before January 31^st. Outside applicants who rotate with the UTMB Dermatology Department before February 2014 are offered interviews during their rotation.

Tomorrow: DIG Officer Elections and Last Meeting of the School Year

This is a reminder that we will be holding elections for the 2013-2014 UTMB DIG Officers during our last meeting of the year on Thursday, May 23^rd at 5:30 PM in the Dermatology Conference Room (4.112 McCullough).

We will also be distributing certificates of appreciation for current DIG officers- so all current officers please try to attend!

The list of available officer positions, including the number of positions available, is below:

Junior Vice President (1)

Candidate must be a MS-2 or MS-3 during the 2013-2014 school year

Fundraising/AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Chairs (2)

Community Outreach:

Contact Dermatitis Awareness Chair (1)

Psoriasis Awareness Chair (1)

Austin DIG officer positions

President (1)

Vice President (1)

Community Outreach (1)

Upcoming DIG events to discuss during meeting:

Baked goods + sensitive-skin hand sanitizer sale: Week of May 27^th

(Specifics to be discussed at the meeting)

AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk: June 8^th

(Sign up at http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/galveston-2013.html)

If you are interested in running for a position, but unable to attend the meeting or if you have any questions, please contact Sheila Jalalat at szjalala@utmb.edu

See you all tomorrow!

UTMB Dermatology Resident Poster Award at Texas Dermatological Society Spring Meeting

Congratulations to UTMB PGY3 Dermatology Resident Dr. Megan Neill and her co-authors MS3 Will Tausend and faculty Dr. Brent Kelly, for their award winning poster, “Amyloidosis-induced Nail Dystrophy.” Their poster was awarded third place at the annual spring meeting of the Texas Dermatological Society that was held in San Antonio over the past weekend.

           Pictured: Will Tausend (MS3) and Dr. Wilkerson (UTMB Dermatology Department Faculty and Texas Dermatological Society President) 

2013 NRMP Statistics for Dermatology

In the 2013 NRMP, there were 369 PGY2 positions offered by 109 programs for dermatology residencies, and 316 (85.6%) were filled by US MS4s (442 US MS4s submitted rank lists for dermatology positions). 132 applicants were not US MS4s in 2013. In addition, 37 US graduates who were not MS4s matched into PGY2 positions, along with 3 osteopathic school graduates, 3 US IMGs and 3 non-US IMGs. Dermatology residency programs needed to rank 3.6 applicants to fill their PGY2 positions in 2013; this was the lowest number of ranked applicants needed when compared to other competitive specialties in 2013 such as plastic surgery (4.6) and radiation oncology (5.8). In addition, it was historically the least number of ranks needed to fill dermatology programs since 2009 when 3.0 ranks were needed. These figures suggest that dermatology residency positions may be getting more competitive.

DIG Officer Elections and Last Meeting of the School Year

We will be holding elections for the 2013-2014 UTMB DIG Officers during our last meeting of the year on Thursday, May 23^rd at 5:30 PM in the Dermatology Conference Room (4.112 McCullough).

We will also be distributing certificates of appreciation for current DIG officers- so all current officers please try to attend!

The list of available officer positions, including the number of positions available, is below:

Junior Vice President (1)

Candidate must be a MS-2 or MS-3 during the 2013-2014 school year

Fundraising/AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Chairs (2)

Community Outreach:

Contact Dermatitis Awareness Chair (1)

Psoriasis Awareness Chair (1)

Austin DIG officer positions

President (1)

Vice President (1)

Community Outreach (1)

Upcoming DIG events to discuss during meeting:

Baked goods + sensitive-skin hand sanitizer sale: Week of May 27^th

(Specifics to be discussed at the meeting)

AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk: June 8^th

(Sign up at http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/galveston-2013.html)

If you are interested in running for a position, but unable to attend the meeting or if you have any questions, please contact Sheila Jalalat at szjalala@utmb.edu

See you all next week!

Dr. Mara Dacso Honored

Dr. Mara Dacso, a PGY4 UTMB dermatology resident, will be honored during the 2013 UTMB Outstanding Residents Award Ceremony to be held on May 30, 2013. Congratulations from the UTMB DIG for this recognition of professional excellence by UTMB!

2013 UTMB Department of Dermatology Medical Student Award Winners

History of Dermatology Award: Michael Lindsey (“The Baghdad Boil: A Brief History of Leishmaniasis in the Military”)

Dermatology in Cinema Award: Joseph Stafford (“The Twlight of Modern Skin Complexion”)

Edgar B. Smith Scholarship: Elizabeth Drone

Thomas Freese Award: Alison Lowe

The UTMB Department of Dermatology congratulates you for your great work in dermatology this academic year!

Act Now! Tell Governor Perry to support SB 329!

Protect Minors from the Dangers of Indoor Tanning Support SB 329 Contact Governor Perry Today! SB 329 would prohibit the use of UV indoor tanning devices by minors under the age of 18. This bill has been sent to Governor Perry’s desk and could be signed or vetoed as early as today! Act Now!  Tell Governor Perry to support SB 329! Your voice and time will directly impact the ability of this bill to become law.  It is essential that you let Governor Perry know how important hissupport for SB 329 is to you and your patients. Please contact Governor Perry’s office today to share your support for SB 329 via phone at (512) 463-2000 or via the Governor’s website!  Your message to Governor Perry: Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old. There is a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma in those who have been exposed to UV radiation from indoor tanning, and the risk increases with each use. Melanoma is increasing in young women and one American dies every hour from this disease. Evidence demonstrates that ever-use of indoor tanning beds is associated with a 69% increased risk of early-onset basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common form of skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, the estimated total direct cost associated with the treatment of melanoma in 2010 was $2.36 billion. Oversight of the indoor tanning industry is critical to prevent future skin cancers.  Survey data indicate use of these devices increases with each year of adolescence. I urge your support of SB 329 to protect minors from the dangers of indoor tanning. Please take action today!  For technical support with the DAN website, please contact Blake McDonald, at bmcdonald@aad.org. American Academy of Dermatology Association

Tanning Bill - URGENT ACTION NEEDED - SB 329 on behalf of Dr. Wilkerson

Late Sunday night it was announced that the Texas House of Representatives will vote on SB 329 by Sen. Joan Huffman\Rep. John Zerwas, MD as early as Monday afternoon. 

As you know, the Texas Dermatological Society is helping to lead the effort to ban minors under 18 from using indoor tanning devices. We can make Texas the next state to protect its youth from these dangerous devices. However, we can't do it without your help. 

The tanning industry is mounting an all-out effort to stop this bill. They have been spreading misinformation about the benefits of indoor tanning. If we do not respond to their barrage of misinformation and calls, our bill will die on the House floor. 

In 2013, there will be over 76,600 new melanoma cases diagnosed in the U.S. of which 3,930 of those melanoma cases will be reported in TX. The state will have the 4th highest number of new melanoma cases in the United States. 

Please take a few minutes of your time to email or call members of the Texas House and ask them to please support SB 329. 

Below is a link that will allow you to find your State Representative and their contact information: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/

Also, you do not need to contact Rep. John Zerwas, MD the House sponsor. 

Thank you, 
Michael Wilkerson, MD President, 
Texas Dermatological Society

UTMB MS3 Publishes Review Article About Erythema Nodosum During Pregnancy

Congratulations to UTMB MS3 Alex Acosta, for her publication entitled, “Etiology and Therapeutic Management of Erythema Nodosum During Pregancy: An Update.” The article was published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology (2013). Her coauthors were Drs. Mary Haver (UTMB Department of OB/GYN) and Brent Kelly (UTMB Department of Dermatology).

Dr. Brent Kelly Lectures at UTMB HIV Conference

Dr. Brent Kelly, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Director of the UTMB Dermatopathology Laboratory, and holder of the A. Dearl Dotson Professorship of Dermatology at UTMB, presented his invited lecture, "Cutaneous Mainifestions of HIV" at the UTMB HIV Conference on May 6, 2013 at Moody Gardens. 

Monday, May 6th-SPOT Skin Cancer Awareness Day-Wear Your Orange!

SPOT Skin Cancer "Melanoma Monday" was started by the American Academy of Dermatology to increase awareness and understanding of skin cancer in our society today. Wear orange to help spread awareness!

As per American Academy of Dermatology Website:

"Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer.

More than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year.

Of these cases, it is estimated that about 131,810 are melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which claims an estimated 9,180 lives annually.

One American dies of melanoma almost every hour.

The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98%."

Further information on SPOT Orange and ways you can contribute at http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer/about-spot#.UYeZUSvSO1J