Current Practice Environment for Newly Graduating Dermatologists

Dr. Brett Coldiron’s column in the December 2017 issue of Dermatology Times (“I figured it out…I owe my soul to the company store,” pages 16 and 17) is worthwhile reading, especially for dermatology residents looking for their first employment opportunity following program completion. Although he recognizes that patients are the biggest losers as dermatology practice becomes more corporate, dermatologists joining these practices lose potential income and the autonomy that comes from traditional private practice.

Should Dermatology Interest Groups Do More for Dermatology Applicants?

An interesting article from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia about expanding the scope of Dermatology Interest Groups was recently published as a Commentary in Dermatology Online Journal (“Modernizing dermatology interest groups in medical school: Certificate programs,” https://escholarship.org/uc/item/9mp64547 ). One possible application to medical schools would be to offer medical students the opportunity to concentrate in specialized areas while obtaining their medical degree. For example, one might be able to major in dermatology through successful completion of a specified number of electives, related activities, and productive research. UTMB medical students may think that this proposal sounds like the multiple opportunities currently available at this medical school, although no dermatology certificate program is currently being offered. The authors think is possible that well-designed certificate programs could give dermatology applicants an edge in the residency selection process because it would establish early interest and commitment to the specialty.

Are You a Circle? Unanticipated Questions for Dermatology Residency Applicants at UC San Diego

Current dermatology residency applicants are advised to read a recently published article by Dr. Phil Cohen in Dermatology Online Journal (“Residency interview questions to assess non-cognitive characteristics: Reasons for answers allow applicants to express personality characteristics,” https://escholarship.org/uc/item/88h1f3hv ). According to the author, these unusual types of questions avoid rehearsed answers geared to pleasing the interviewer, and permit insight into the applicant’s personality and thought process. Applicants were also asked if they could identify Dr. Cohen’s latest publication (26% could identify recent publications)!

There Are Not Enough Dermatology Residencies to Meet Current Applicant Demand

Even though dermatology residency programs have increased 9% over the past 8 years and the number of graduating residents has increased from 339 in 2007-2008 to 415 in 2015-2016, (Dermatology World, December 2017, page 59), there are still not enough dermatology residencies available to satisfy applicant demand. Prospects for increased numbers of dermatology residency positions is not good, especially since dermatology is not currently considered a specialty shortage area (2005 data). With this in mind, current applicants should also consider alternative medical careers in different specialties if they are unable to match into a dermatology residency.

Talking Yourself Out of a Job

The December 14, 2017 issue of the Wall Street Journal featured an article by Joanne S. Lubin entitled, “Talkaholics Hurt Their Careers, Firms Say,” (page B6). The bottom line is, at interviews remember that conversational interaction is key. Don’t dominate the conversation. According this report, it can come across as “poor preparation, an overblown ego or low confidence…”

UTMB MS3 has Dermatology Research Honors Project Approved

Congratulations to Tyler Marion, a current UTMB MS3 for having his Dermatology Research Honors Project approved by the UTMB Honors Research Committee. Tyler’s topic is “Dermatologic Features in Good Characters Who Turn Evil: The Transformation.” His faculty advisor for this research is Dr. Richard Wagner, the UTMB Dermatology Program Director. Other UTMB faculty members of his thesis committee are Drs. M.K. Peek, B. Kelly, and J. Wilson.

Dr. Brent Kelly and UTMB Clinic Staff Exceed Patient Expectations

From the November 2017 UTMB Health System Friday Focus Shout Out feature(page 7): “[We] would like to commend and recognize Dr. Brent C. Kelley and his wonderful staff in Dermatology for the wonderful work they do. I have been a patient of Dr. Kelley’s for many years and he has always gone beyond the call of duty to assist me with my dermatology needs. I can’t say enough as they will see me on short notice and spend time in discussion of any medical questions I might have.”

Congratulations Dr. Kelly and clinic staff!

UTMB MS4 Co-authors Lower Lip Reconstruction Article

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 Josh Hays for his co-authorship of the published review article, “A Systematic Review of Lower Lip Anatomy, Mechanics of Local Flaps, and Special Considerations for Lower Lip Reconstruction,” that was published in the December 2017 issue of Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (J Drugs Dermatol 2017;16[12]:1254-1261). Josh provided all of the original surgical drawings used in this publication. This manuscript involved collaboration of the UTMB Mohs service in the Dermatology Department and the UTMB Division of Plastic Surgery. The first author of this article, Dr. Stefanos Boukovalas, currently a PGY4 resident in the plastic surgery division, proposed this research while a PGY3 plastic surgery resident during his required PGY3 interdisciplinary rotation on the Mohs service. His other co-authors were Alexis Boson, Dr. C. Helen Malone (UTMB Mohs fellow at that time), and UTMB faculty, Drs. Eric Cole (plastic surgery) and Richard Wagner (Mohs). Congratulations to all contributors for this well-done and informative educational review article about lower lip reconstruction. It is available online at: http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961617P1254X/1

Are You Attending the Upcoming AAD Conference?

Current DIG President Tim Allen (MS4) is asking that all DIG members who are planning to attend the upcoming AAD conference email him for a head count. The conference is set to be in San Diego, California starting on Friday, February 16, 2018. Only DIG members who have had an abstract accepted to the conference are eligible to attend and represent UTMB. This is an amazing opportunity for medical students to be able to present research on a national level as well as meet many residents and program directors from other universities. Furthermore, students from different programs at UTMB (such as PAs) may also benefit! If you are planning on attending, please email Tim at tirallen2@utmb.edu with both your flight information and title of accepted abstract. Hope to see you there in Sunny San Diego!

UTMB Dermatology Invites Outside Medical Students for Residency Interviews

All 12 medical students who took 4 week rotations in Galveston during the current academic year were invited to interview on either February 1nd or 2nd, 2018, as were 18 other outside applicants selected from over 400 applications received.

Selected applicants were from 8 states and 15 medical schools. 15 of 18 outside applicants who did not do UTMB rotations were in AOA at their medical schools. Their average Step 1 score ranged from 243 to 274, with a mean of 253.

Their Step 2 scores ranged from 243 to 279, with a mean of 263.

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 12/7/17

Join UTMB Dermatology residents and faculty for the upcoming dermatology night (Thursday, Dec 7th) at St. Vincent’s Clinic. Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot:

When: Thursday, December 7th 5:30-8:30PM (volunteers should arrive at 5:15)

Where: St. Vincent's House, 2817 Post Office Street, Galveston, Texas 77550

Volunteer link: http://stvsc.org/index.php/students/sign-up

UTMB MS4 Publishes Case Report

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 Morgan Arnold for her recently published case report, “A case of erythema multiforme major following administration of ciprofloxacin ophthalmic drops,” in the November 2017 issue of Dermatology Online Journal (Volume 23, Volume 10). Her co-author was dermatology professor, Dr. M. Wilkerson. The article is available at https://escholarship.org/uc/item/49k2k7xt

New York Times Publishes Critical Article About Dermatology Practices

DIG members (especially those currently interviewing for dermatology residencies) should review the November 20, 2017 New York Times investigative report, “Skin Cancers Rise, Along With Questionable Treatments,” by reporters Katie Hafner and Griffin Palmerov because of the ethical issues that it raises.

( https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/20/health/dermatology-skin-cancer.html )

UTMB Publishes 3 More Case Reports in SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine (Volume 1, Number 3)

Congratulations to the UTMB for their 3 recent publications in SKIN.

These areticles are:

Timolol for Treatment of Recalcitrant Pyogenic Granulomas: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Paige Hoyer, Priscilla Ly,  Lindy Ross, Michael Wilkerson

Ulcerative Tinea Corporis in an Immunosuppressed patient

Lizy M Paniagua Gonzalez, Alison Lowe, Michael Wilkerson

Basal Cell Carcinoma with Adnexal Differentiation, a Rare Entity and Challenging Histopathology Presentation. Case Report

Lizy M Paniagua Gonzalez, Ikue Shimizu

DIG members help out at Cast Away Cancer

This past Thursday, DIG members participated in Cast Away Cancer, an event organized by member Priscilla Ly (MS3). In addition to making a poster, members Michael Ryan (MS2) and Catherine Hazen (MS2) taught both participants and the community about the different types of skin cancer, steps to recognize suspicious lesions, and ways to stay safe when exposed to the sun. The event was a huge success and even some dermatology faculty and residents stopped by as well! Thank you to all the DIG members who helped make the event a great success!

DIG members and residents (left to right): Michael Ryan (MS2), Catherine
Hazen (MS2), Dr. Chinelo Ikpeama (PGY-4), Dr. Lindy Ross (PGY-4),
 Priscilla Ly (MS3), Caroline Crain (MS2), and Daniel Burkeholder (MS3)

Medical Students (left to right) Priscilla Ly, Michael Ryan,
and Catherine Hazen posing in front of their Skin Cancer Poster

 

UTMB DIG members help out at local clinic St. Vincent's

This past Saturday, November 11^th, UTMB DIG members volunteered their time to teach Galveston locals the importance of sun protection and proper skin care. Daniel Burkholder (MS3) and Tyler Marion (MS3) spent their morning manning the Sun Safety station and gave out many free sunscreen samples to the community. Thank you DIG members for helping to make the St. Vincent’s Health Fair a success!"

Medical Students Daniel Burkholder and Tyler Marion teaching the community about sun safety.

Fall Bake Sale Success

The Dermatology Interest Group held their Fall Fundraising Bake Sale this past Monday to raise money for DIG's community outreach programs such as Stay Shady! The Bake Sale was a great success and we are looking forward to having another one this upcoming spring! Special thanks to Uloma Ibezim (MS3) for organizing the fundraiser and to Michael Ryan (MS2), Caitlin Pekowski (MS2), Caroline Crain (MS2), Mai-Ahn Vu (MS2), Aspen Stuart (MS2), Catherine Hazen (MS2), and Tyler Marion (MS3) for providing the delicious treats that were sold. We are very appreciative of everyone who bought baked goods or donated for the cause! Thank you to all who helped make the bake sale a success!

Medical Students Caitlin Pekowski and Michael Ryan selling delicious treats!

Botox on Cover of Bloomberg Businessweek

DIG blog readers will remember that Time featured Botox on its cover in January 2017. Last month, Bloomberg Businessweek’s cover featured a photo of Botox being injected into the lower eyelid (Cynthia Koons, Botox: The most lucrative, poisonous and secret formula on Earth, pages 50-53, October 30, 2017). It is recommended reading for all interested in Botox.

Stay Shady Visits Austin Middle School!

This past Thursday, November 9^th, UTMB DIG members presented Stay Shady to 130 fifth grade students at Austin Middle School. Michael Ryan (MS2) gave an interactive Stay Shady Presentation and discussed ways to stay safe in the sun and Tyler Marion (MS3), Daniel Burkholder (MS3), and Catherine Hazen (MS2) facilitated small groups for the students to make UV bracelets with special beads that change color when exposed to harmful UV rays. The teachers were very supportive and welcoming to DIG members, and the students enjoyed the presentation and had fun making color-changing UV bracelets. Austin Middle School Teachers say they "can't wait for DIG to come back again next year!"

Medical Students (from left to right) Daniel Burkholder, Catherine Hazen, Michael Ryan, and Tyler Marion preparing to make UV bracelets with the students.

Michael Ryan (MS2) presenting Stay Shady!

UTMB Dermatology Presents 18 Virtual Cases at Annual Knox Lecture

Thanks to all of the UTMB residents and faculty who made these interesting virtual presentations possible! The presentations were as follows:

1) Primary Systemic Amyloidosis (William Tausend M.D., Brent Kelly M.D., Bernard Gibson M.D.)

2) Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis (William Tausend M.D., Brent Kelly M.D.)

3) Metastatic Squamoid Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (Kristin Wolf, M.D.; Brandon Goodwin, M.D.; Brent Kelly, M.D.)

4) Disseminated Vesicular Mycobacterium Abscessus Infection (Kristin Wolf, M.D.; Brent Kelly, MD; Janice Wilson, M.D.)

5) Trichorrhexis Nodosa (Adam Nguyen, MD and Brandon Goodwin, MD)

6) Lupus Profundus Complicated by Ulceration (Katelyn Woolridge, MD and Ashley Group, MD)

7) Cutaneous Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma (Katelyn Woolridge, M.D. and Ashley Group, M.D.)

8) Nail-Patella Syndrome (Arathi Rana, MD and Bernard Gibson, MD)

9) Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis (Adrian Subrt, M.D. and Brent Kelly, M.D.)

10) Linear Porokeratosis (Adrian Subrt, M.D. and Michael Wilkerson, M.D.)

11) Cat Scratch Disease (Kyle Kaltwasser, MD; Janice Wilson, MD; Ashley Group, MD)

12) Eczema Herpeticum (Kyle Kaltwasser, M.D. and Bernard Gibson, M.D.)

13) Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome (Skyler White, M.D. and Bernard Gibson, M.D.)

14) MIDAS Syndrome (Lindy Ross, M.D. and Sharon Raimer, M.D.)

15) Leishmaniasis Recidivans (Lindy Ross, M.D. and Erica Kelly, M.D.)

16) Bullous Pilomatricoma (Vlad Codrea, M.D. Ph.D. and Erica Kelly, M.D.)

17) Scleredema of Buschke (Vlad Codrea M.D., Ph.D. and Jason Hirshburg M.D., Ph.D.)

18) Necrolytic Acral Erythema (Julie Croley, M.D. and Brent Kelly, M.D.)

DIG played an active role in the success of this conference through the volunteerism of its members who directed attendees from UTMB parking lots to the correct building on campus for the presentations. Thanks for your help!

CoolSculpting® Now Available at UTMB Galveston UHC

UTMB Dermatology is now offering CoolSculpting® (an FDA-Cleared device that removes unwanted fat nonsurgically through freezing) in the UHC Dermatology Clinic. Those considering this procedure should ask one of the UTMB dermatologists about it.

Volunteers Needed for Knox Lecture on Saturday, November 11, 2017

Dermatologists from around Texas will be attending the upcoming Knox Lecture hosted by UTMB Dermatology next Saturday morning, November 11^th. Volunteers are needed to help guide our visitors to the correct building on the UTMB campus. Please contact UTMB PGY4 Dr. Lindy Ross for more information if you are able to assist (and hopefully attend) this interesting and educational dermatology conference.

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 11/2/17

Join UTMB Dermatology residents and faculty for the upcoming dermatology night (Thursday, November 2nd) at St. Vincent’s Clinic. Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot:

When: Thursday, November 2nd 5:30-8:30PM (volunteers should arrive at 5:15)

Where: St. Vincent's House, 2817 Post Office Street, Galveston, Texas 77550

Volunteer link: http://stvsc.org/index.php/students/sign-up

Pseudo-Couples Matching: A Success Story?

Pseudo-Couples Matching is a phrase used to describe medical student couples and others applying for specialties that re not linked together through the NRMP. The two outlying specialties described in this observation are urology and ophthalmology, both with matches in January since they don’t participate in the NRMP. How one couple coped with a dermatology/urology pseudo-match is detailed in an by Roger Khouri Jr in the October 2017 issue of Journal of Graduate Medical Education (page 668). If you are wondering, they were able to get PGY1 years in the same institution, but will be separated “…a short flight away” during the remainder of specialty training. He notes that “…the 3 years of distance will be a challenge,” and questions, “Why, then, does our profession seem to ignore the human experiences of trainees?” Of course the same outcome (residencies in different cities) may occur to couples participating in the NRMP as well, depending on the rank lists the couples submit.

UTMB Dermatology Publishes Two More Articles in SKIN

SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine (http://jofskin.org/index.php/skin) has published two more articles from the UTMB Department of Dermatology in its newest issue.

They are:

Hypertrophic Lichen Planus versus Well-Differentiated Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Histological Challenge

Samuel P Haslam, Lindy S Ross,  Alison C Lowe,   Brent C Kelly

Hailey-Hailey Disease Complicated by Herpes Simplex Viral Infection

Morgan Arnold, Mai-anh Vu, Emily Grimshaw

Congratulations to our medical students, PGY1 house officer, dermatology residents, and faculty for their academic collaborations on these manuscripts. SKIN is a peer-reviewed, open-access publication that like Dermatology Online Journal, does not charge a publication fee to authors.

DIG Needs Volunteers for St. Vincent's Health Fair

DIG is looking for 2-3 volunteers to manage an educational booth at the St. Vincent's health fair on November 11th, from 10:00am-12:00pm. The booth will have suncreen to pass out and information about sun safety. Please contact Michael Ryan (mpryan@UTMB.EDU) to sign up.

Dr. Janice Wilson is the Associate Program Director for the UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship

Our newest dermatology faculty member, Dr. Janice Wilson, is the new Associate Program Director for the UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship. She works with the UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship Director, Dr. Brent Kelly, and the Dermatopathology Fellowship Coordinator, Ms. Kimberly Cooper.

UTMB Dermatology Hosting the 25TH ANNUAL JOHN M. KNOX, M.D. MEMORIAL LECTURE on Saturday, November 11, 2017

UTMB dermatology residents and faculty have prepared interesting and educational virtual presentations of dermatology patients for the upcoming Knox Memorial Lecture. It is being held in UTMB Research Building 6 — Rm 1.206 on Saturday, November 11, 2017.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to 713-526-1434. Meeting details are below:

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast

9:00—10:30 a.m.

Patient Presentations

& Discussions

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Questions

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.

BREAK

11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Lecture—Dr. Joseph Ray, Director of Medical Genetics, UTMB

DIG Fall Bake Sale Sign-uP

On Monday, November 13th, DIG will be having its Fall Bake Sale from 12 to 2pm. Fundraising Officer Uloma Ibezim (ucibezim@utmb.edu) is asking available members to both help volunteer managing the table as well as bake goodies for the event. In addition, she is asking for a few of the more artistic members to help make a couple signs. If you have any questions or concerns, email her using the email above. Here is the link to the sign-up: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OvTP9HZ6CBolN11ogDikKnLNUpMdQY0A1JACc_tLL-E/edit?usp=sharing

More Than 3 Requires IRB!

Case reports are generally exempt from IRB review. However, if more than 3 cases are reported (“Series”) the UTMB IRB wants to know about it! Make sure that you get IRB approval or exemption for case series involving more than three patients!

New Stay Shady Volunteer Date on 11/9/17

UTMB DIG is excited to announce this year's first Stay Shady presentation for the 5th graders at Austin Middle School (1514 Ave N, Galveston, TX) at 8:30 am on November 9th! There will be a presentation by second year medical student Michael Ryan and afterwards students will break into smaller medical student run groups for a craft activity. We are looking for 5 additional student volunteers to come facilitate smalls group of about 20 students in which you will be making UV bracelets and answering student questions about sun protection. Please plan on arriving no later than 8:15 am and please be willing to stay until 9:30 am. No prior experience is needed in order to volunteer and all supplies will be provided! 

Contact Michael Ryan (mpryan@utmb.edu) to reserve your spot as a volunteer; spots are first come first serve. This is a wonderful opportunity to help educate the next generation of students about the importance of sun protection.

DIGA Resource for Dermatology Applicants

DIGA is a national resource for dermatology applicants that extends beyond our local UTMB DIG. Its website is http://derminterest.org/ UTMB MS4 Paige Hoyer is an officer (Residency Interview Database Director) in DIGA and can be contacted for more information about this organization.

UTMB Mohs Technician Receives Additional Training

UTMB Mohs Histotechnician Ms. Jeanne March attended the Mohs Technician Quality Assurance (MTQA) Training Initiative in October 2017 that was offered by the American Society for Mohs Histotechnology. Attendance at this customized training program was exclusively offered for technicians who current work for physician members of the American College of Mohs Surgery, where Dr. Richard Wagner is a Fellow. Training included lecture and lab instruction in mapping, inking, embedding, staining, cryosections, CLIA regulations, and laboratory troubleshooting.

Good News for UTMB MS4s Taking Away Dermatology Electives

In the past, UTMB did not give double elective credit to our medical students that took “Clinical Dermatology” at UTMB and the same elective with another dermatology department where they took an away rotation. No more! Now UTMB medical students can receive elective credit for an unlimited number of their away “Clinical Dermatology” electives! This is an important change, since the most frequently elective offered nationally by US dermatology departments is “Clinical Dermatology.” And more often than not, it is the only dermatology elective that they offer.

DIG 10/11/17 Meeting Recap

Thank you to all members who were able to attend our fall meeting last night and a very big thank you to Dr. Wagner, who took time out of his busy schedule to speak to DIG members. Please see below for a quick recap of the meeting:

1. Stay Shady (Michael Ryan; MS2; mpryan@utmb.edu)
   • Stay Shady is currently working on obtaining 8 dates (4 fall and 4 spring) to present Stay Shady to different schools in the area
   • Look for sign-up opportunities on the blog or by email
   • Contact Michael Ryan for more information
2. Bake Sale Date (Uloma Ibezim; MS3; ucibezim@utmb.edu)
   • Tentatively scheduled for 11/13
   • Check your email for a sign-up document for members to donate baked goods
   • The fall and spring bake sale are used to help defray the cost of supplies for Stay Shady
3. Volunteer opportunities
   • Melanoma Walk (Paige Hoyer; pehoyer@utmb.edu)
     • Paige Hoyer (MS4) is currently looking for either an MS1 or MS2 to help with planning the annual Melanoma Walk
     • Paige did an amazing job with the walk the past spring on the seawall and we would like to continue this!
   • Houston Psoriasis Walk (Jacob Benavidez; Jacobbenavidez7@gmail.com)
     • Jacob Benavidez (MS3) is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Psoriasis Walk
     • It will be on Saturday, March 10th, 2018
     • For more information, visit www.teamnpf.org/houstonwalk or contact Jacob
   • Be Joint Smart (Jacob Benavidez; Jacobbenavidez7@gmail.com)
     • Jacob Benavidez (MS3) is looking for volunteers to help with the annual Psoriasis Walk
     • It will be on Saturday, February 10th, 2018
     • For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-joint-smart-houston-tx-tickets-34157116856
   • DIGA Board and Regional Representatives (Paige Hoyer; pehoyer@utmb.edu)
     • Please check your email for a message about information on applying to be a member of the national DIGA board as well as volunteer opportunities from DIGA
     • For more information, please visit the DIGA website http://derminterest.org/About.aspx
   • Cast Away Cancer (Priscilla Ly; pfly@utmb.edu)
     • Cancer awareness event hosted by UTMB SGA and started by DIG member Priscilla Ly (MS3)
     • DIG is looking for volunteers to help create a skin cancer awareness poster and ways to both screen for and prevent skin cancer
     • Will be on 11/16 with free food and T shirts provided
4. Q&A with Dr. Wagner
   • Dr. Wagner has been the Program Director for UTMB Dermatology for more than 15 years. Last night, he took time out of his busy schedule to come answer questions that DIG members had in order to become successful, competitive applicants. Topics included: overall information about applying, research, away rotations, and schedule recommendations.
     • Overall information about Dermatology
       • Almost all Dermatology residencies are 3 year Advanced positions
       • For the intern year, the ACGME allows Preliminary Internal Medicine, Preliminary Surgery, Transitional Year, Categorical General Surgery, Categorical Pediatrics, and Categorical OBGYN to count as a successful intern year
       • Applicants typically apply for Prelim - IM or Transitional Year; however, it is becoming more competitive to match into a Transitional Year
       • In addition, if an applicant is interested in a fellowship in dermatology (Pediatric Dermatology, Procedural Dermatology, or Dermatopathology), it may benefit to apply for a Pediatric categorical or a Surgery Prelim or Categorical position
       • In addition, applicants need to know that both the overall number and the quality of applicants increases every year
     • Research
       • Dr. Wagner recommends at least 10 abstracts, presentations, and publications combined in order to be a competitive applicant
       • The most important way to get research is to be present around the department and be proactive (done though electives or St. Vincent's)
       • Research is the expectation now by programs
     • Away rotations
       • One of the most important parts of the process because 50% of applicant match at their home program or places they did away rotations at
       • Because what a program values as important varies widely, away rotations allow both the program and the applicant to see if they are a "good fit" for one another
       • Things to consider are if other UTMB students have matched at a given program recently and the size/previous matches of different programs (smaller programs may prefer their own students versus larger programs who may cast a wider net)
       • In some instances, the away rotation can be better than the interview itself
       • Even if students are limited by their schedule, Dr. Wagner stresses that it is important to do as many away rotations are you can
     • Fourth year schedule recommendations
       • Do your best to avoid having rotations during interview season. 
       • If required, choose easier courses to do during interview season so that you may attend your interviews
       • Don't do away rotations during interview season (avoid December and January at all costs; Best to do them from July until early November)
       • Be prepared for conflicts when receiving interview applications because some programs interview on the same day. In that event, decide which one you have the best chance to match at
       • Talk to upperclassmen to figure out and decide on good electives and away rotations

Reminder: Meeting today at 5pm

DIG meeting today in the 5th floor conference room for all DIG members. Topics for discussion include: Stay Shady dates/sign-up, Texas Derm Society recap, Fall Bake Sale, and upcoming volunteer opportunities. In addition, UTMB Program Director and DIG Faculty Adviser Dr. Richard Wagner will be present to provide general advice/recommendations as well as host an informal Q&A session.

 

What: Fall DIG Meeting

When: Wednesday, October 11th @ 5pm

Where: 5th floor conference room (5.124 McCullough)

UTMB MS2 Michael Ryan Defends Dermatology Honors Research Thesis

UTMB MS2 Michael Ryan successfully defended his UTMB Dermatology Research Honors Thesis, “Dermatologic Depictions in Animated Movies,” on October 5, 2017.  He was awarded Magna Cum Laude graduation research honors. Members of Ryan’s ad hoc honors thesis committee were Drs. M. K. Peek,  R. Wagner (faculty advisor), B. Kelly, and J. Wilson. Congratulations to Michael for this outstanding early academic dermatology research recognition!

Congratulations Ms. Kimberly Cooper!

The UTMB DIG congratulates Ms. Kimberly Cooper. She was one of five UTMB Program Coordinators selected by UTMB GME to attend the 2018 Annual Educational Conference held by the ACGME. Ms. Cooper is currently the UTMB Dermatology Residency Program Coordinator (Dr. R. Wagner, Dermatology Program Director) and this July also became the Program Coordinator for the UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship (Dr. Brent Kelly, Dermatopathology Fellowship Director). The meeting is held in Orlando, Florida during March.

Dr. Uyen Ngoc Mui Returns to Texas

The UTMB DIG was pleased to learn that Dr. Uyen Ngoc Mui (UTMB SOM Class of 2016) has returned to Texas following her PGY1 year in Callifornia. She is currently a clinical dermatology research fellow working under Dr. Stephen Tyring at the Center for Clinical Studies.

Ultherapy Now Available at UTMB Bay Colony Dermatology Clinic

UTMB dermatologists have now completed Ultherapy training and the service is now available at the Bay Colony (League City) UTMB Dermatology Clinic. This ultrasound-based device was approved by the FDA in 2009 for noninvasive eyebrow lifts, and in 2012 for the treatment of neck and submental skin laxity.

UTMB Medical Students, Residents, and Faculty Present at Fall 2017 Texas Dermatological Society Meeting

Congratulations to all of the UTMB medical students (underlined below), residents, and faculty that presented at the fall meeting of the Texas Dermatological Society in Bastrop, Texas. The following presentations made the program:

Podium Abstracts

Michael P. Ryan, Vail Reese, Richard F. Wagner. Dermatologic depictions in animated movies.

Poster Abstracts

Tara Akunna, Chinelo Ikpeama, Michael Wilkerson. Pseudokeratoacanthoma associated with T. tonsurans tinea capitis.

Morgan Arnold, Adrian Subrt, Michael Wilkerson. A 68-year-old-female with diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the breast.

Jacob Benavidez, Lindy Ross, Brent Kelly. Atypical presentation of xanthomas in a patient with undiagnosed familial hypercholesterolemia.

Vlad Codrea, Katrina Kesterson, Bernard Gibson. A case of idiopathic annular lichen planus.

Caroline Crain, Chinelo Ikpeama, Michael Wilkerson. A 16-year-old female with a breast rash.

Maureen Ezekor, Timothy Allen, Chinelo Ikpeama, Erica Kelly. An 88-year-old male with an itchy rash.

Benjamin Falck, Kristin Wolf, Brent Kelly. Vesicular mycobacterium abscessus infection mimicking disseminated herpes zoster in a burn patient.

Josh Hays, Helen Malone, Chinelo Ikpeama, Brandon Goodwin, Richard F. Wagner. Reactive eccrine syringofibroadenoma associated with basal cell carcinoma: a histologic mimicker of fibroepithelioma of Pinkus.

Paige Hoyer, Priscilla Ly, Adrian Subrt, Brent Kelly. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: a case report.

Lindy Ross, Michael P. Ryan, Brent C. Kelly. Calciphylaxis after kidney transplantation.

Michael P. Ryan, Helen Malone, Brandon Goodwin, Chinelo S. Ikpeama, Richard F. Wagner, Jr., Pseudohalo basal cell carcinoma.

Adrian Subrt, Katrina Kesterson, Michael Wilkerson. Evolution of a doxycycline-induced phototoxic rash with an unusual distribution.

William Tausend, Tara Akunna, Sharon Raimer. Asymmetric growth of feet in an adolescent female.

Keith Wagner, Brandon Goodwin. A novel weed whacker laceration pattern.

Katelyn Woolridge, Michael P. Ryan, Ashley Group. A rare variant of extraskeletal osteosarcoma presenting as a clinically benign subcutaneous neoplasm.

Tara Akunna, William Tausend, Sharon Raimer. Asymmetric Growth of Feet in an Adolescent Female.

UTMB medical students(Left to Right) Caitlin Pekowski,
Caroline Crain, Jacob Benavidez, Michael Ryan,
Andrew Armenta, Priscilla Ly, Maureen Ezekor

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 10/5/17

Join UTMB Dermatology residents and faculty for the upcoming dermatology night (Thursday, October 5th) at St. Vincent’s Clinic. Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot:

When: Thursday, October 5th 5:30-8:30PM (volunteers should arrive at 5:15)

Where: St. Vincent's House, 2817 Post Office Street, Galveston, Texas 77550

Volunteer link: http://stvsc.org/index.php/students/sign-up

Updates from the National Psoriasis Foundation

The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) recently announced that they have changed the dates for their annual Houston Walk and their Be Joint Smart events due to the effects of Hurricane Harvey. DIG members have both participated in and helped volunteer at these events previously and are encouraged to maintain this tradition! The new dates are Saturday, March 10th, 2018, for the Houston Walk and  Saturday, February 10th, 2018, for Be Joint Smart. Please go to www.teamnpf.org/houstonwalk or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/be-joint-smart-houston-tx-tickets-34157116856 to find out more information about these great events. 

DIG Meeting on Wednesday, October 11th at 5pm

On Wednesday, October 11th at 5pm in the 5th floor conference room (McCullough 5.124), the DIG Officers will be hosting the Fall 2017 meeting. Topics for discussion include: Stay Shady dates/sign-up, Texas Derm Society recap, Fall Bake Sale, and other upcoming events of interest. In addition, UTMB Program Director and DIG Faculty Adviser Dr. Richard Wagner will be present to provide general advice/recommendations as well as host an informal Q&A session. This is a great opportunity for interested students to receive advice early on to help them become a top applicant.

What: Fall DIG Meeting

When: Wednesday, October 11th @ 5pm

Where: 5th floor conference room (5.124 McCullough)

Recent PGY4 Dermatology Graduates Provide Lunch for Department

Thanks to our recently graduated PGY4 dermatology residents (and now Diplomates of the American Board of Dermatology!) Elizabeth, Emily, Young, and Alison for the delicious lunch. Wish you could be here with us! We will see y’all in Bastrop at the 2017 fall Texas Dermatological Society meeting in Bastrop, Texas next weekend. UTMB has lots of medical student and resident posters that should be of interest.

MCAT Score Predictive of AOA Election

Medical education researchers at the University of Minnesota report that at their medical school, higher MCAT scores were predictive of future AOA election (P < 0.001 ). Between 2012 and 2016, no students were elected to AOA who scored less than 27 on the MCAT. However, students who scored 38 or higher (99^th percentile) had a 27% chance of AOA election. For additional information, please see: https://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=34741

Galveston is Free on Weekend of September 30/October 1, 2017 (At Least Some Things…)

The City of Galveston is generously offering free Seawall parking and beach (Stewart Beach and East Beach) admission during the weekend of September 30^th and October 1^st (“Galveston Cares Weekend”). Trolley rides on the Strand are also free these days. Free fireworks at 37^th and Seawall honoring first responders. This is a good time to enjoy the wonders of Galveston for free! Please read http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/bayarea/news/article/Galveston-plans-free-beach-weekend-fireworks-and-12217740.php  for additional information.

UTMB MS4 First Author on Mohs Surgery Article

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 Josh Hays for his recent first author publication, “Reactive Eccrine Syringofibroadenoma Associated With Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Histologic Mimicker of Fibroepithelioma of Pinkus,” This electronic publication, ahead of print, appears in Dermatol Surg. 2017 Sep 4. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001308, PMID: 28902033.  His co-authors on this study were Drs. H. Malone (UTMB former Mohs Fellow not in private practice in Katy, Texas), Brandon Goodwin (Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology at UTMB), and Richard Wagner (Mohs Fellowship Director). The UTMB DIG blog congratulates Josh for the quality of his research and for his excellent academic productivity!

UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Resident Dr. Chinelo Ikpeama Assists Dermatology Lobbying Effort in Washington, DC

Chinelo Ikpeama MD, MBA, PGY-4 UTMB dermatology resident is photographed with the Texas delegation as they lobby Texas Junior Senator Ted Cruz at Capitol Hill during the 2017 American Academy of Dermatology Association Legislative Conference in Washington DC. Dr. Ikpeama is standing to the immediate right of Senator Cruz in this photograph.

UTMB Mohs Team Publishes Nasal Reconstruction Article in October 2017 JAAD

Congratulations to Dr. Helen Malone (former UTMB Mohs Fellow now in private practice in Katy, Texas), UTMB MS4 Josh Hays, UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Resident Dr. Will Tausend, and Fellowship Director, Dr. Richard Wagner for their October 2017 article, “Interdomal sutures for nasal tip refinement and reduced wound size,” that was electronically published in the October 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (Volume 77, Issue 4, pages e107-e108). Of note, Josh Hays drew all of the figures in this report! It is available online at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962217316456

Congratulations to Josh and the rest of the Mohs team for this interesting article!