UTMB “Positivity Corner” Launched!

UTMB PGY2 dermatology resident Dr. Skyler White has developed a “Positivity Corner” for our department to publically acknowledge the great work that our dermatology residents and others do each day in the clinic and hospital. A box (decorated with donuts) for anonymous reports about how our professionals exceed expectations is located in the Galveston departmental mail room and its contents will be reviewed each week at the Friday dermatology department meeting that is attended by residents, faculty, and providers. Everyone is invited to contribute anonymous positive reports.

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 4/5/18

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

When: Thursday, April 5th at 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

Summer Basic Science Research Opportunity for Current UTMB MS1

Work with Drs. M. Wilkerson and Finnerty at the Galveston Shriners Burn Hospital during the upcoming 2 month summer break in ongoing research about the effects of rose bengal on scars. Applications are currently being accepted via the UTMB Medical Student Summer Research Program. Those with previous bench experience with cell cultures and PCR techniques are preferred.

Dermatology Honors Thesis Defense Scheduled

DIG members are invited to attend UTMB MS3 Tyler Marion’s Dermatology Honors Research presentation, “Dermatologic Features in Good Film Characters Who Turn Evil: The Transformation,” on May 11, 2018  at 8 am in the dermatology conference room (5.120F McCullough Bldg).

His honors thesis advisor is Dr. Richard Wagner, UTMB Professor of Dermatology, and his ad hoc UTMB Dermatology Honors Research Committee includes Drs. M.K. Peek, J. Wilson, and B. Kelly. UTMB MS1 and MS2 medical students interested in participating in the UTMB Dermatology Honors Research Program would benefit from attending.

US Preventative Services Task Force Recommendations for Skin Cancer Behavioral Counseling

In a recommendation surprising to most dermatologists, the US Preventative Task Force “…concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of counseling adults about skin self-examination to prevent skin cancer. (I statement)”

However, it does recommend “…counseling young adults, adolescents, children, and parents of young children about minimizing exposure to UV radiation for persons aged 6 months to 24 years with fair skin types to reduce their risk of skin cancer (B recommendation)” The entire report may be reviewed in JAMA.2018;319(1):1134-1142 (March 20, 2018).

Volunteers needed for Stay Shady

UTMB DIG is excited to announce another Stay Shady presentation at Holy Family Catholic School at 1:00 pm on March 28th! We are looking for volunteers, preferably some 1st and 2nd years. Volunteers would need to be there at 12:45, and the presentation should only take about an hour. If you would like to do the presentation, more information will be provided before Wednesday. Interested volunteers should email Tyler Marion, MS3, asap at trmarion@utmb.edu to reserve their spot. 

UTMB MS2 Presents Stay Shady at Odyssey Academy

Michael Ryan (MS2) gave several Stay Shady presentations to over 250 students from the 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade at Odyssey Academy on Tuesday March 20^th. The students enjoyed the interactive presentation and asked excellent questions at the end. All student were able to make UV sensitive bracelets that change color when exposed to the sun and had the opportunity to test them outside. The event was a great success and the teachers said they are looking forward to Stay Shady presentations again next year. UTMB DIG would like to thank Michael Ryan for setting up and presenting the program as well as Odyssey Academy and their staff for being so receptive and welcoming!

Michael Ryan (MS2) preparing to present Stay Shady to Odyssey Academy students

UTMB PGY3 and PGY4 Dermatology Residents Take 2018 American Board of Dermatology ITE Tomorrow

Good luck everyone! 

UTMB MS3 Coauthors Article about Pyoderma Gangrenosum

Congratulations to UTMB MS3 Drew Armenta for his recent 2018 publication, “Delayed diagnosis of post-surgical pyoderma gangrenosum: A multicenter case series and review of literature.” It was published in the International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, Volume 33, pages 152-156. Additional coauthors include two former UTMB dermatology residents (Drs. Julie Martin and Mara Dasco) and UTMB dermatology and dermatology faculty Dr. Brandon Goodwin. This article is available online at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210261218300592?via%3Dihub

UTMB Medical Students Publish 2 “Notable Notes” in March 2018 JAMA Dermatology (Volume 154, Number 3)

Congratulations to Kevin Cao (MS2) and Tyler Marion (MS3) for their recent JAMA Dermatology publications, “A Thousand Words,” (page 375) and “Monroe’s Mark” (page 308). Their co-author was former UTMB medical student, Dr. Jorge Roman.

UTMB MS4 Coauthors JAAD Research Letter

UTMB MS4 Eduardo Rodriguez has coauthored a Research Letter that was published in the January 2018 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD) entitled, “Retrospective effects of the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s eighth edition guidelines for staging melanoma,” (78:177-178). His coauthors were first author, Dr. Janice Wilson and Dr. Brent Kelly, both dermatology and dermatopathology faculty members in the UTMB department of dermatology.  

Is it Better to go Unmatched and SOAP?

Is it Better to go Unmatched and SOAP?

An unconventional and somewhat risky strategy for dermatology residency applicants is to intentionally go unmatched if a NRMP dermatology match was not achieved. This strategy permits several career options that may eventually lead to a dermatology residency:

1. A categorical dermatology residency (4 year dermatology or 5 year  combined dermatology and internal medicine) may have gone unfilled, and the only MS4s eligible for it through the SOAP are those who do not already have a PGY1 year commitment through the Match. It is also possible that other categorical dermatology or combined residencies that were not filled and do not participate in SOAP and will be available once SOAP is completed (typically on Match Day).
2. Depending on the year, there may be SOAP positions available in transitional (do not count toward Medicare residency funding) or preliminary surgery at prestigious academic institutions (5 year Medicare funding) that will allow those completing such programs to apply to a dermatology residency without Medicare funding issues being a concern. However, these positions may only be available in different parts of the country, so relocation is necessary.
3. Depending on the medical school, an MS4 may be able to defer graduation for another year while having the opportunity to take more away dermatology rotations, conduct dermatology research, and/or complete a 1 year Master’s program in an area of interest such as a MPH, MBA, MS, etc.
4. Graduating and taking a clinical or basic dermatology fellowship that does not require a medical license.

The disadvantages of this approach include:

1. Not being able to take a dermatology clinical fellowship that requires a medical license.
2. Not being able to apply for a PGY2 dermatology residency that becomes available during the PGY1 year (happens every year because new programs open, new PGY2 positions are funded, or a previous matched applicant is unable to take the position)
3. Incurring more debt
4. Opportunity cost of not taking a residency in another specialty and going into practice (multiple years of lost practice possible)
5. No guarantee of getting into a dermatology residency and convincing other specialty Program Directors why you are now interested in their specialty

Meet the UTMB Dermatology Residency Class of 2022

Congratulations to the following MS4s who matched into the UTMB Dermatology Residency Program (Class of 2022):

Morgan Arnold: UTMB

Caroline Hagan: LSU-Shreveport

Paige Hoyer: UTMB

Anthony Linfante: Drexel

MS4s Morgan Arnold and Paige Hoyer at 2018 UTMB Match Ceremony

UTMB MS4s Match Into Dermatology Residencies for 2019

Congratulations from the UTMB DIG to our successful dermatology applicants from the Class of 2018! They are:

Tara Acunna: University of Arkansas

Tim Allen: University of Minnesota Combined Dermatology and Internal Medicine Program

Morgan Arnold: UTMB

Ben Falck: Cook County (Chicago)

Paige Hoyer: UTMB

Ben Nia: Howard

Eduardo Rodriguez: UTHSC-San Antonio

Jay Truitt: Texas Tech

2019-2020 UTMB Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (Mohs) Fellow Announced

Congratulations to Dr. Vlad Codrea, a current PGY3 dermatology resident at the UTMB. Through a San Francisco Match exemption available to dermatology residents currently in the same program, Dr. Codrea has accepted the UTMB ACGME-accredited Mohs Fellowship for the 2019-2020 academic year. The UTMB DIG looks forward to working with you next year as a chief dermatology resident and in the following year when you are the UTMB Mohs fellow.

Dr. Erica Kelly Selected for UTMB Academy of Master Clinicians

The UTMB DIG congratulates Dr. Erica Kelly for her selection to the UTMB Academy of Master Clinicians (AMC). This campus organization “is to promote clinical excellence and recognize our faculty that meet the rigorous standards defining a Master Clinician.”  It is an honor that is well-deserved!

DIG has Another Successful Spring Bake Sale

The Dermatology Interest Group had their spring bake sale on Wednesday, March 14^th to raise funds for its Stay Shady Program. Special thanks to medical students Caitlin Pekowski (MS2), Michael Ryan (MS2), and Alec De Jong (MS1) who ran the table as well as DIG's fundraising chair Uloma Ibezim (MS3) who coordinated the event. The bake sale would not have been a success without the delicious contributions provided by Keith Wagner (MS3), Mai-Anh Vu (MS2), Catherine Hazen (MS2) Caitlin Pekowski (MS2), Caroline Crain (MS2), Kevin Cao (MS2), and Alec De Jong (MS1). The DIG would like to congratulate everyone involved as well as thank the UTMB community for their support!

DIG Members (left to right) Alec De Jong (MS1), Caitlin Pekowski (MS2), and Michael Ryan (MS2) running the bake sale

DIG Spring Bake Sale Today!

The spring DIG bake sale is up and running in the UTMB library between 11 and 1. Come out and get some treats made by the DIG to fund Stay Shady!

PGY4 Dermatology Resident Nominated for UTMB Resident of the Year

The DIG congratulates Dr. Chinelo Ikpeama, a current PGY4 dermatology chief resident for her departmental nomination for UTMB Resident of the Year. All UTMB clinical departments have the opportunity to nominate one of their residents for this annual UTMB award. Nominees and their guests will be honored at a UTMB award ceremony on May 23, 2018.

UTMB PGY2 Dermatology Resident is First Author on Clinical Review about Deepithelialized Flaps and Grafts

Congratulations to Dr. Julie Croley for her March 2018 peer-reviewed publication, “Deepithelialized Flaps and Grafts: Applications in Dermatologic Surgery,” in the March 2018 issue of Cutis (101:213-216). Her co-authors are Drs. C. Helen Malone (former UTMB Fellow in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology) and Richard Wagner, UTMB Professor of Dermatology and Director of the Fellowship program. This article is available online at: https://www.mdedge.com/cutis/article/160167/aesthetic-dermatology/deepithelialized-flaps-and-grafts-applications (registration required)

All UTMB Dermatology 2018 NRMP Positions Filled

The UTMB Department of Dermatology was notified by the NRMP that all 4 advanced PGY2 dermatology residency positions offered through the 2018 Match have been filled.

Dr. Ashley Group to Present Lecture about Wound Care to Houston Dermatological Society

Dr. Ashley Group has been invited to give a lecture in her subspecialty area of wound care to members of the Houston Dermatological Society and dermatology residents from Houston and Galveston on April 2, 2018. Her lecture is titled, “What Should I Treat That With? A Collection of Wound Care Cases.” She attends the UTMB Wound Care and Hyperbarics Clinic in Dickinson, Texas where she takes care of patients with difficult wounds, and teaches UTMB dermatology residents and medical students about wound care when they rotate with her. She also cares for general dermatology patients and cosmetic dermatology patients at the UTMB dermatology clinics in Galveston and in League City.

UTMB Medical Students Publish in SKIN

Congratulations to UTMB MS2 Kevin Cao and MS3 Tyler Marion for their 2018 publication, “Rorschach Nevus” that appeared in the latest issue of SKIN Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, Volume 2, Number 2. This “Compelling Comment” was co-authored by Jorge Roman MD, a past UTMB medical student who is completing his PGY1 year in Dallas. This interesting article is available at https://jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/236/pdf

UTMB Medical Students Selected as DIGA Officers

Congratulations to our UTMB DIG medical students Mai-Anh Vu (MS2), Andrew Armenta (MS3), and Tyler Marion (MS3) for being selected as 2017-2018 national DIGA officers. DIGA is a national, student-run, non-profit dermatology interest group encompassing nearly 100 medical schools in the US. Their officer positions are below:

• Mai-Anh Vu (MS2) - Psoriasis Chair 
• Andrew Armenta (MS3) - Secretary 
• Tyler Marion (MS3) - Southwestern Regional Director 

Their official officer headshots can be found on the DIGA website here: http://derminterest.org/People/CurrentOfficers.aspx 

Mai-Anh Vu (MS2, center) attends the DIGA officer meeting at the AAD in San Diego, CA

National Psoriasis Foundation Walk

This year, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is celebrating 50 years of driving efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improving the lives of those affected. They have approached Jacob Benavidez (MS3) with another volunteer opportunity and are seeking the help of UTMB DIG volunteers for the Houston Team NPF Walk at the University of Houston on March 9th-10th. They are asking for available DIG members to volunteer on Friday, March 9th from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM and on Saturday (event day), March 10th from 6:00 AM-1:00 PM. There is no need to register for the event. There is a sign-up sheet for you to indicate the day(s) of your volunteer availability and shirt size. The link to sign up is located below, and the map for parking is attached; they ask that everyone, please park in either lot 20A or 20C.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B4j-ta6U6Qt3ln08PqscKeQrMCSYsplXLOiAMKfGbAY/edit#gid=0

For any questions, you can contact Jacob Benavidez at jabenavi@utmb.edu.

Let's help the NPF make this event a success and remember, stay shady!

Diversity Visiting Clerkship Program

Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Dermatology is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the 2018 Diversity Visiting Clerkship Program. The program is open to fourth year medical student applicants from groups underrepresented in medicine including Black/African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic and Pacific Islander.  The accepted student will be provided with housing and a $1500 stipend for travel and living expenses during the month-long visit. The clerkship is available only for the months of June or July 2018 and the application deadline is April 6.

Spring Bake Sale Goodies Needed

Below is the link to sign up to bring goodies for our Spring Bake Sale. It is scheduled for March 14^th from 11 am-1 pm. Please follow the link below to sign up. Please contact Uloma at ucibezim@utmb.edu if you are available to help run the table during the event. Thank you!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OvTP9HZ6CBolN11ogDikKnLNUpMdQY0A1JACc_tLL-E/edit?usp=sharing