Today marks the 10th year anniversary since
the creation of the blog. We gathered some of the past
blog editors experiences with DIG and the DIG@UTMB Blog.
“I wanted
a way to communicate easily with the members and anyone who was interested in
the DIG. The reason why I chose to blog rather than use a website was the ease
of use as well as the fact that a blog is always "live." A website is
a static affair. The blog combines the timeliness of a newspaper with the
visual appeal of a message board. I am
happy to see it flourishing and hope it continues to help many in their quest
to become dermatologists.” –Creator, Dr. Tasneem Poonawalla
“Being in DIG was a great experience.
It helped solidify my decision to pursue dermatology and taught me skills
that I still use today. It is a very well rounded organization- with
emphasis in education, residency application, and community service.”
-Dr. Leslie Scroggins
"I was
lucky enough to be part of the DIG Blog during its earlier years when I think
it really started to make an impact. At that time, people were only starting to
explore the use web-based tools to more effectively communicate. The blog
really started to take off the year I was a co-editor - more and more students,
residents and staff, not only from UTMB, but also from all around the country,
began to sign up to receive posts regarding current events in Dermatology,
politics, research, and community outreach. The blog was also a really great
way to keep alumni connected to the UTMB Dermatology Department which, now that
I have graduated, is something that I appreciate even more!" -Dr. Mara Dasco
“The UTMB DIG was a great way to network with
UTMB Dermatology faculty and residents, get the word out about upcoming news
and events in the dermatology community, and help organize various events, like
the melanoma fundraiser walk, Stay Shady sun protection and skin cancer
awareness presentation, and the DIG suture workshop for students.” –Dr. Lindsey
Hunter
“My introduction to the UTMB DIG was a Q&A
panel with the UTMB Derm residents during my first week of med school. Before
that meeting, I didn't know much about Dermatology, and I can remember being
incredibly excited to explore the field after hearing the residents talk about
their experiences. I learned more about Dermatology, the UTMB Derm department,
and opportunities to participate in DIG through the DIG@UTMB blog, and later
enjoyed being an editor for the blog. Throughout medical school I had a lot of
fun organizing and participating in events such as our "Stay
Shady!" sun protection presentations at local schools and health fairs.
Additionally, I enjoyed getting to know the other medical students in the
group, and appreciated advice from my UTMB DIG friends when it was time to
apply for residency.” –Dr. Rebecca Philips
“Being involved with DIG early on let me know
more about the field. I have always been impressed with the support from the
faculty and residents with this organization. As co-editor of the blog for the
past year, I have become particularly interested in the impact of the blog as a
web-based tool for readers-I’m glad to be part of it!” -Sheila Jalalat,
President
Thank you for sharing all of your experiences! We
hope that DIG continues to be an organization and resource for those pursing
dermatology!