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