UTMB Medical Student Publishes in JAAD Case Reports

Congratulations to Michael Ryan (MS4) for his recently published report "A telangiectatic nodule on the anterior shin" in JAAD Case Reports. This article was published under the "Images in Dermatology" section which allows for interesting cases to be presented in a clinical vignette format along with three multiple choice questions that are used to inform the reader about the topic at hand. The article can be found online at: https://www.jaadcasereports.org/article/S2352-5126(19)30555-7/fulltext#gr1 Can you figure out the Diagnosis?

Michael's co-authors are Drs. Seena Monjazeb (PGY-3 Dermatology Resident), Brandon Goodwin (Dermatology and Dermatopathology Faculty) and Kathleen Kroger (Dermatology Faculty). Congratulations to everyone on a job well done!

Applying to Multiple Specialties

Although probably too late for the current ERAS cycle, The Journal of Emergency Medicine offers sound advice and analysis for applicants considering applications to more than one specialty. Residency positions in emergency medicine have become much more competitive of late, akin to dermatology. More on this may be found at https://www.jem-journal.com/article/S0736-4679(19)30429-9/fulltext

Thoughts on Reducing the Cost for Dermatology Residency Applications

The December 2019 issue of Cutis (104;6:352-353) has an interesting Commentary about of some aspects of the dermatology application process from Dr. Aamir Hussain titled, “Reducing the Cost of Dermatology Residency Applications: An Applicant’s Perspective.” Some ideas for reducing the costs of dermatology residency applicants include the establishment of regional interviews (dermatology residency programs in the same geographic region would agree to interview in a timeframe that would allow applicants with multiple interviews in the same region to travel to that region only once and avoid the costs of multiple flights and other travel related inconveniences), and different regions would coordinate so that there were no competing regions interviewing at the same time). Capping the number of applications was also discussed, either by a “hard cap” (limiting the number of programs an applicant may apply to) or through imposition of an economic disincentive by charging higher application fees for applying to more programs than diminishing returns would suggest.

However, no mechanism for establishing a “hard cap” on the number of applications is suggested, and this strategy seems a bit unusual (most job openings do not place a limit on the number of applications they will review before selecting several candidates for interviews). The author does concede that placing a financial disincentive on additional applications above a certain number could favor more affluent applicants. However, several other approaches have the potential to decrease costs in the dermatology application process. Programs could opt to use Skype or telephone interviews instead of on-site visits, saving applicants travel costs. Rotators and home students could be interviewed during their dermatology rotations, a step that would eliminate a return visit for interview. Policy change at the NRMP that allowed programs to offer dermatology residency positions outside of the match would also decrease program need to interview additional applicants since the position would already be filled. Applicants may be able to limit applications if they had greater information about specific programs (how many residency positions are filled with internal applicants and rotators, how many of the current residents went to medical school outside of the region, how many of the current residents were AOA, what are the mean and range of the current resident Step scores, how many of the residents have additional degrees (MA, MS, MBA, MPH, PhD), etc.

2020 Annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk

UTMB DIG is planning to participate in the 15^th Annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk to be held on the Galveston Seawall on Saturday, April 18, 2020 starting at 7 am. More information to follow. Please join us in this worthwhile fundraising event.

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 1/16/19 (New Date)

Join UTMB Dermatology faculty and residents for the upcoming dermatology night at St. Vincent’s Clinic. 

Please note that this is not the typical 1st Thursday of the month; Dermatology Night has been pushed later in the month due to the holiday schedule.

Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot.

When: Thursday, January 16th 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

Happy Holidays from UTMB

Dr. Sharon Raimer (UTMB Professor of Dermatology and former Department Chair) is in the center of this holiday photo with UTMB medical students, staff, and faculty, alongside her husband, Dr. Ben Raimer, President ad interim of UTMB. The group is photographed in front of the new Medical Education Center on campus.

Former UTMB Medical Student Returning to UTMB for Dermatopathology Fellowship

UTMB DIG is excited to learn that Dr. Drew DeCrescenzo (UTMB SOM 2017) will return to UTMB Dermatology for dermatopathology fellowship (2021-2022 academic year) once he completes dermatology residency at Baylor Dallas. We look forward to working with you again!

UTMB Mohs Match for 2020-2021 Academic Year Announced

Congratulations to UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident, Dr. Julie Croley for her successful match into the UTMB Department of Dermatology Fellowship in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology for the 2020-2021 academic year. The result was announced by the San Francisco Match.

Should I Rotate at an Away Dermatology Residency Program that does not Interview all Visiting Students?

Good question, one that now comes up regularly as programs that reportedly do not interview all rotators are becoming known. Is it worth rotating (time, money, and the opportunity cost of not being able to rotate at an alternative program where all away rotators are interviewed) when an interview cannot be counted on?  Historically the best chances for a dermatology match occur at an applicant’s home program and at programs where they have rotated and interviewed. Part of the analysis depends on how well the “audition rotation” went. This process benefits the applicant (“Is this a program that I would want to go to?”) and the program (“Is the applicant someone we would like to work with for 3 years?”) It is possible that after a rotation is completed, it is apparent to the program that the rotator would not be a good fit or the rotator decides that this is a residency where they would prefer not to train. Some programs will give interviews to all rotators, regardless of performance. Others will decline, saving the applicant time, money, and the potential opportunity to interview at another program if there is a conflict in interview dates.

UTMB GME Offering Two Separate Orientations for Incoming 2020-2021 House Staff

The two dates for 2020 are:

June 16-20 (2 days of GME Institutional Orientation followed by 2 days of EPIC Training)

July 1-6 (check in on July 1, followed by 2 days of EPIC Training and 1 day of New Employee Orientation on July 6); no orientation on weekend of July 4^th and 5th

Time Well Spent

The annual UTMB Dermatopathology Board Review, directed by Dr. Brent Kelly and his colleagues, will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2020 this year. Please plan to attend this informative one day intensive review class that is held on the Galveston campus, especially if the ABD or ABP certification examinations are looming,  or if the new dermatopathology core exam is coming up soon!  It is a good chance to get together with the UTMB dermatopathology review faculty, UTMB residents, Mohs fellow, and Mohs Program Director during breaks and lunch as well (the ABD Certification Examination in Micrographic Surgery is expected to become available in 2021)!

“Finding The Right Job”

Dr. Brett Coldiron’s recent column published in MDedge (11/17/19) is worthwhile reading for those currently interested in dermatology careers and for dermatology residents about to complete residency and are looking for a job. It is available at https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/212372/business-medicine/finding-right-job

UTMB MS4 Publishes Case Report in SKIN

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 Caroline Crain for her recent case report, “A case of widespread cutaneous metastases from esophageal adenocarcinoma” in Skin: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine (Volume 3, Number 6, 2019. This publication is available online at https://www.jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/592 Coauthors were Drs. Adam Nguyen (UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident), Janice Wilson (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology), and Michael Wilkerson (UTMB Professor Dermatology).

Scholarships for People With Skin Diseases

“Aspire Higher” scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students (many in medical school) will soon begin accepting applications for 2020 from people with skin diseases. More information is available at https://www.aspirehigherscholarships.com/

UTMB Dermatology Faculty Exhibits Art

Congratulations to Dr. Brandon Goodwin, UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology for his recognition by reporter Shelby Hodge, in a recent article published in the November 11, 2019 issue of PaperCity Magazine (“Houston’s Top Doctors Reveal Their Hidden Talents in Annual Tradition: These Healers are Artists Too.”) The article is available online at https://www.papercitymag.com/society/top-houston-doctors-art-healing-show-hidden-talents/ 

This event was attended by Dr. Janice Wilson (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology), Dr. Julie Croley (UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident), Dr. Kristyna Gleghorn (UTMB PGY3 dermatology resident), Drs. Anthony Linfante and Caroline Hagan (UTMB PGY2 dermatology residents), and Dr. Vlad Codrea (UTMB Mohs fellow). Dr. John Cangliosi, a pathologist who completed dermatopathology fellowship at UTMB in 2011, also exhibited art at this event (not pictured in photo).

UTMB Offers Dermatology Residency Interviews for 2020 and 2021 Positions

This year there were 20 visiting medical students from 14 different medical schools who rotated at UTMB during Periods 12 through 5. All were offered interviews. Nonrotating MS4s and physicians from 3 additional US medical schools who were offered interviews had a mean Step 1 score of 259 (range 248-266), a mean Step 2 score of 266 (range 256-270), and 5 were in AOA . Applicants will be interviewed in Galveston on either Thursday, January 30 or Friday, January 31, 2020. There will be a dinner hosted by UTMB residents the evening before each interview at a local restaurant. One residency position is offered through the NRMP for July 2020 and 5 residency positions are available for July 2021.

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 12/5/19

Join UTMB Dermatology faculty and residents for the upcoming dermatology night at St. Vincent’s Clinic. Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot.

When: Thursday, December 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

2020-2021 Pay Increase Anticipated for UTMB Residents and Fellows

Pending approval by UT System Board of Regents, the following salaries are anticipated for the 2020-2021 academic year:

PGY1     $56,191

PGY2     $58,094

PGY3     $59,895

PGY4     $61,965

PGY5     $64,819

UTMB PGY3 Resident to Attend the 2020 Dermatology Foundation Clinical Symposia

Dr. Seena Monjazeb, a UTMB PGY3 dermatology resident, received a nomination from the UTMB Department of Dermatology and was selected to attend the 2020 Dermatology Clinical Symposia in Naples, Florida during February 5-9, 2020. Congratulations!

Galveston to Host Two Dermatology Meetings in 2020-2021 Academic Year

The first of these two meetings, the 28^th Annual John M. Knox, MD Memorial Lecture, will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020. The Texas Dermatological Society will hold its annual spring meeting in Galveston on April 30 to May 1, 2021. DIG members and other interested medical students are encouraged to work with UTMB dermatology residents and faculty on case presentations for these upcoming meetings.

UTMB Dermatology Resident Appointed to AAD Teledermatology Task Force

Congratulations to Dr. Kristyna Gleghorn, a current PGY3 dermatology resident at UTMB, for her recent two year appointment (2020-2022) as a dermatology resident member to the American Academy of Dermatology Teledermatology Task Force. 

UTMB Dermatology Faculty Appointed to AAD Regulatory Policy Committee

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Wilkerson, Professor of Dermatology for his recent appointment to the American Academy of Dermatology Regulatory Policy Committee for the 2020-2023 term. At UTMB Dr. Wilkerson holds the Sharon and Ben Raimer Professorship in Dermatology and is Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs.

UTMB Bay Colony Dermatology Clinic has Moved

The UTMB Bay Colony Dermatology Clinic has moved across I-45 to its new location in League City, UTMB Health Multispecialty Center -Dermatology,

2660 Gulf Freeway South, Entrance A,  Suite 14, League City, TX 77573. 

UTMB DIG Participates in St. Vincent's Health Fair

On Saturday November 9th UTMB DIG members volunteered at the St. Vincent's Health Fair in order to teach community members about sun safety and skin cancer prevention. UTMB DIG would like to give a special thanks to medical students Benjamin Garcia (MS1), Andrea Francis (MS1), and Kristen Kay (MS1) who took the time to run the table! The event was a resounding success and UTMB DIG looks forward to returning again next year!

Left to Right: Benjamin Garcia, Andrea Francis, and Kristen Kay 

UTMB Medical Student Publishes in American Journal of Dermatopathology

Congratulations to Michael Ryan (MS4) for his recently published article "Basomelanocytic Neoplasms: A Report of Two Similar Tumors with Divergent Treatments". 

The article has been published ahead of print in the American Journal of Dermatopathology, and can be found at: https://journals.lww.com/amjdermatopathology/Abstract/publishahead/Basomelanocytic_Neoplasms__A_Report_of_Two_Similar.98048.aspx 

This article was the result of a multi-institution collaboration and Michael's co-authors on the manuscript are Dr. Daniel Bennett from the University of Wisconsin Department of Dermatology and Drs. Brandon Goodwin and Brent Kelly from University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Dermatology. Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Yet Another Successful Stay Shady Presentation

UTMB DIG's Stay Shady Program is off to a very strong start thanks to the work of Stay Shady Chairs Christina Davis (MS2) and Nicholas Tahmassi (MS2) as well as the numerous volunteers that have helped run these events.

Our third Stay Shady event of the year took place at Satori School on 11/4/2019! Medical Student and DIG member Andrea Francis (MS1) went to Satori School to teach students about sun safety and brought supplies for students to make UV-light sensing bracelets.

Don't forget to follow the DIG blog for future opportunities to volunteer with Stay Shady!

UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Resident Publishes About Controversies in Mohs Surgery

Congratulations to UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident, Dr. Julie Croley for her recent featured Resident’s Corner review about controversies in Mohs surgery (Croley JA, Current Controversies in Mohs Micrographic Surgery,Cutis; 2019 October;104(04):E29-E31. The article is currently available online at cutis.com

Former UTMB DIG President Publishes Review Article About Scleroderma Ulcer Care

 Congratulations to Dr. Keith Wagner and his co-authors for their recently published literature review, “Filling in the Gaps of Scleroderma Ulcer Care: A Review,” that was published as an online pdf before print at the peer-reviewed journal, Advances in Skin and Wound Care, doi: 10.1097/01.ASW.0000582636.98643.3b, October 26, 2019. It is currently available on the journal’s website: https://journals.lww.com/aswcjournal/toc/publishahead  His co-authors are Drs. Kate Woolridge (UTMB completing resident in 2019) and Ashley Group, former UTMB Associate Professor of Dermatology.

UTMB Dermatology Residents Attend 2019 ASDS Meeting in Chicago

Three UTMB dermatology residents (one from each class) attended the recent American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Annual Meeting in Chicago (October  24-27, 2109). They were (left to right) Drs. Kristyna Gleghorn (PGY3), Julie Croley (PGY4), and Paige Hoyer (PGY2). They are eager to share what they learned at this meeting with our department!

Rare Colllision Tumor Presented at 2019 ASDS Meeting by UTMB Dermatology Resident

Congratulations to Dr. Kristyna Gleghorn and her coauthors for their poster, “An Unusual Presentation of a Collision Tumor, Containing Primary Basal Cell Carcinoma and Apocrine hidrocystoma, Encountered During Mohs Micrographic Surgery,” that was presented at the 2019 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) in Chicago this October. Dr. Gleghorn’s coauthors on this poster were Drs. Matthew Lacour (UTMB SOM 2019), Skyler White (UTMB PGY4), Josh Hammel (2018-2019 UTMB Mohs Fellow), David Raimer (Core UTMB Mohs Fellowship Faculty), Brandon Goodwin (Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology), Brent Kelly (Professor Dermatology and Director of Dermatopathology), and Richard Wagner (Professor Dermatology and Mohs Fellowship Director).

Dr. Aaron Joseph Promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology

Congratulations to Dr. Aaron Joseph, who was recently promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology (nontenure track without salary) at UTMB. Dr. Joseph is active in the UTMB’s Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology (MSDO) Fellowship Program, where he serves as the Associate Program Director and provides expert clinical and research supervision to the fellows in his Pasadena, Texas Mohs practice. Since 2016, three fellows have completed the UTMB MSDO program, with two currently in full-time academic positions (Dr. C. Helen Malone at Baylor Medical College and Dr. Jason Hirshburg at Oklahoma University School of Medicine). The 2019 completing fellow, Dr. J. Hammel is in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Vlad Codrea is the current MSDO Fellow.

UTMB DIG Presents Stay Shady at Collegiate Academy

UTMB Medical Student and DIG Stay Shady Chair Nicholas Tahmassi (MS2) presented Stay Shady to Students at Collegiate Academy on Tuesday October 22nd. Nicholas taught the students about sun protection and skin cancer, and made UV sensitive bracelets for students to take home. The event was a resounding success and the teachers and students were very enthusiastic about the presentation!

The next Stay Shady Event will be at Satori Elementary School on Monday November 4th at 2:30 pm. Please contact Nicholas Tahmassi  (nstahmas@utmb.edu) or Christina Davis (dndavis@utmb.edu) if you would like to participate.

UTMB Participates in the 2019 Annual ASDP Meeting

The Annual American Society of Dermatopathology Meeting was held in San Diego on October 17-20th and several UTMB medical students, fellows, and faculty participated. UTMB Medical Students Caroline Crain (MS4) and Michael Ryan (MS4) worked on the following posters with dermatology faculty and dermatopathology fellows:

A Rare Case of Endocrine Mucin- Producing Sweat Gland Carcinoma

Caroline Crain, BS; Liliana Rincon, MD; Brandon Goodwin, MD

Basomelanocytic Neoplasms: A Report of Two Similar Tumors with Divergent Treatments

Emily Behrens, MD; Michael P. Ryan, BS; Daniel D. Bennett, MD; Brandon P. Goodwin, MD; Brent C. Kelly, MD.

A Metastasizing Atypical Fibroxanthoma or a Pleomorphic Dermal Sarcoma? A Highlight on the Blurred Boundaries

Ghadah Al Sannaa, MBBS; Michael P. Ryan, BS; Adam V. Nguyen, MD; Brent C. Kelly, MD; Sharon S. Raimer, MD.

UTMB MS4 Caroline Crain and Dermatology Faculty Dr. Brandon Goodwin in front of their poster

Flooding in Galveston

Monday morning, October 21, 2019 found areas around the UTMB campus flooded on Market St and 9^th St, including parts of campus.

UTMB MS4 Publishes in Dermatologic Surgery

Congratulations to Michael Ryan (MS4) for his recent publication "Atypical Fibroxanthoma of the Scalp with Cutaneous Metastasis" in Dermatologic Surgery. His coauthors on the manuscript are Drs. Adam Nguyen (PGY-4 Dermatology Resident), Brent Kelly (Professor of Dermatology) and Sharon Raimer (Professor of Dermatology). The article can be found online ahead of print at:  https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Citation/publishahead/Atypical_Fibroxanthoma_of_the_Scalp_With_Cutaneous.98132.aspx

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 11/7/19

Join UTMB Dermatology faculty and residents for the upcoming dermatology night at St. Vincent’s Clinic. Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot.

When: Thursday, November 7th 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

UTMB Dermatology NP Selected for UTMB Academy of Master Clinicians

Congratulations to Dr. Liz Petitt, DPN, RN, FNP-C, DCNP, Assistant Professor, SON for her selection to the UTMB Academy of Master Clinicians.

Texas Leads Nation in Uninsured

 According to the Texas Medical Association (https://www.texmed.org/TexasMedicineDetail.aspx?id=51651&utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=TMT), 11.2% of Texas children and 17.7% of adults lack health insurance.

Congratulations 2019 Completing UTMB Dermatology Residents

The results are in, and all of UTMB’s PGY4 completing 2019 dermatology residents passed the American Board of Dermatology Certification Examination. Congratulations to Drs. Vlad Codrea, Kyle Kaltwasser, Kristin Wolf, and Kate Woolridge. It has been a great pleasure working with you! Good luck in your future practices!

UTMB Dermatology Posters at 2019 Fall Texas Dermatological Society (TDS) Meeting

UTMB was well-represented at the 2019 Fall Texas Dermatological Society Meeting in San Antonio. UTMB posters presented were:

Foreign Body Reaction to Hydrophilic Polymer Following Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Kristyna Gleghorn MD, Marie Clark BA, Skyler Maher MD, Vlad Codrea MD, Brandon Goodwin MD, Richard F Wagner Jr. MD

A Case of L. Mexicana in a Mexican Cave Diver from California and a brief review of treatment, Adam Nguyen

Primary cutaneous nocardiosis in a patient with pancytopenia, Frank Winsett

DRESS Syndrome: A Refractory Case with Severe Hepatitis, Julie Croley

Cystic Molluscum: A Unique Histopathologic Presentation of a Common Condition, Paige Hoyer

Dermatitis Herpetiformis in an African American Female, Bianca Uzoma

The diagnostic challenge of a chemotherapy-related drug eruption in a patient with a bullous rash, Caroline Crain

Case of severe pemphigus vulgaris in an 11-year-old girl treated with rituximab and methotrexate, Corley Pruneda

Lab Monitoring in Healthy Asymptomatic Acne Patients on Isotretinoin: A Cost Comparison Between Daily Practice and Literature Based Recommendations, Michael Ryan

Vismodegib-induced alopecia: description of histologic findings, Natalya Gallaga

Squamous Cell Carcinoma within a Verrucous Cyst, Michael Phan

A Rare Case of Familial Generalized Multiple Glomangioma in an Adult Female, Elise Weisert

Dermoscopic Clue for Diagnosis of Involuting Congenital Nevus of the Scalp, Maureen Ezekor

UTMB PGY3 Dermatology Resident Publishes in Cutis

Congratulations to Dr. Kristyna Gleghorn for her 2019 case letter published in Cutis, “Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation Following Treatment of Hyperkeratosis Lenticularis Perstans With Tazarotene Cream 0.1%” (Cutis. 2019 August;104[02]:E37-E38). Her coauthors were Drs. Tanya Riddle, and Adrian Subrt, and Erica Kelly (UTMB Professor of Dermatology). Their article is available at https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/207756/pigmentation-disorders/postinflammatory-hyperpigmentation-following

UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Resident Featured in Twitter Chat About Skin Cancer

UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident Dr. Julie Croley will participate in a twitter chat about skin cancer on Tuesday, October 8, at 8 pm est. Her co-hosts are Drs. Candrice Heath (Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Temple University Dermatology) and Anthony Rossi (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center). The chat is being held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at #MDedgechats.  Please join us to learn more about skin cancer, sunscreens, skin of color, and melanoma!

Stay Shady Volunteer Opportunities

UTMB DIG will have two upcoming Stay Shady Presentations that medical students can volunteer for:

-The first is at Collegiate Academy @ Weis on Tuesday October 22, 2019 from 2:00-2:51pm.

-The second is at at Satori Elementary School on Monday November 4th at 2:30 pm .

Please contact Stay Shady Chair Christina Davis (cndavis@utmb.edu) for more information if you would like to help out.

UTMB DIG Hosts Fall Bake Sale

The Dermatology Interest Group had its annual Fall Bake Sale on Wednesday October 2nd. The event was organized and planned by DIG Fundraising Chair Elise Weisert (MS3). Special thanks to McKenzie Poehl (MS1) and Claire Culbertson (MS1) for coming out and helping Elise run the stand. The following students provided the baked goods that were sold: Caroline Crain (MS3), Alyssa Hansen (MS2), Will Meyer (MS1) ,McKenzi Poehl (MS1), and Claire Culbertson (MS1). Thank you to everyone who participated and those in the community who bought baked goods!

Left to Right: Claire Culbertson (MS1), McKenzie Poehl (MS1), and Elise Weisert (MS3)

UTMB DIG Presents First Stay Shady of the Year

UTMB DIG visited Austin Middle School on Thursday 9/26/19 to teach students about skin cancer and sun safety. Special thanks to Nicholas Tahmassi (MS2) and Christina Davis (MS2) for setting up the event and volunteering to give the presentation and make UV-sensitive bracelets with the students. Nicholas and Christina are the DIG Stay Shady Chairs for the 2019-2020 year and are working to plan many more events throughout the year.  Stay tuned for future blog posts with additional opportunities to get involved with Stay Shady!

Medical Student Christina Davis in front of Austin Middle School

Bake Sale Volunteers Needed

DIG will be hosting our annual Fall Bake Sale on October 2nd from 11:00-1:00. We are still in need of volunteers to bake or bring treats. Please sign up using the link below if you are able to donate treats and/or would like to volunteer! Please contact Elise Weisert at emweiser@utmb.edu with questions. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SMRd_Bv1U1SkMHXtacpYZNE1rqM93v-grgui-TnqYqc/edit?usp=sharing

St. Vincent Health Fair 2019

UTMB DIG will be hosting a booth at the annual St. Vincent's Health Fair on Saturday, November 9th, 2019 from 9:00am to 12:00pm. The health fair is a community-wide event focused on providing health screening opportunities, health resources and health education to the underserved population in Galveston. Our booth will be focused on sun and skin care, and we will be providing participants with free samples and skincare education materials during the fair. We are looking for 2 to 4 volunteers who can create an educational poster and then help run the booth for any or all of the time between 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Please contact Michael Ryan (mpryan@utmb.edu) if you would like to be a part of this event.

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 10/3/19

Join UTMB Dermatology faculty and residents for the upcoming dermatology night at St. Vincent’s Clinic. Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot.

When: Thursday, October 3rd 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

Imelda Part 2

What started as a dry morning in Galveston has become a very wet with more flooding.

Photo caption: Same view as yesterday, looking south on 9^th Street from the UTMB Campus toward the Gulf of Mexico

Imelda

Yes, much of Galveston was under water today. Most area school districts closed. UTMB clinics in Galveston, Bay Colony, and Stewart Road remained open for patient care. Thank you dermatology residents, faculty, and staff!

Photo caption: View looking south toward Market and 9^th Street from UTMB campus

What is the Best Practice for Swapping Dermatology Interview Dates?

Since dermatology residency programs often have limited interview dates and not all interview offers are made at the same time, what should the applicant do if already committed to interview at Program A and then receives an offer from Program B for the same interview date? The applicant may like both programs and would like to interview at both. This issue was discussed in detail at the 2019 Association of Professors of Dermatology annual meeting. There is concern that in the recent past, applicants in this situation have offered to compensate those holding the desired interview date for more than travel costs already incurred. One prestigious dermatology program in attendance indicated that they would soon update their website to prohibit this type of trading, and to insure fairness in this process, only allow rescheduling through their program coordinator.

UTMB “Physician Only/R” Dermatology Residency Position for July 2020 Receives NRMP Program Code

The UTMB Department of Dermatology has received a NRMP Program Code for the “Physician Only/R”  for one dermatology residency position that will begin on July 1, 2020. The new NRMP Program Code is 1714080R0. This position is only available to physicians who currently are in or who have completed a PGY1 year in a clinical specialty approved by the American Board of Dermatology. Since UTMB Dermatology will be listing two dermatology residency programs with different codes this year, applicants should make sure that they use the correct program code on both ERAS for applications and NRMP for ranking.

Thank you Dr. Chandler Self

Dr. Chandler Self, UTMB Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, presented her lecture, “Delusions of Parasitosis” to dermatology residents, faculty, and students on Friday, September 6, 2019. We all enjoyed learning more about this important topic.

UTMB Dermatology Publishes Research About Cutaneous Nontuberculosis Mycobacteria Infections

Congratulations to Dr. Rebecca Philips (UTMB SOM, Dermatology Residency, and Dermatopathology Fellowship) for her September 2019 JAAD article, “Cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacteria infections: A retrospective case series of 78 patients from the Texas Gulf Coast region” (J Am Acad Dermatol 2019;81:730-9). Her co-authors on this publication were Dr. Paige Hoyer (UTMB PGY2 dermatology resident), Dr. Skyler White (UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident), Dr. Katherine Tinkey, Dr. Michael Loeffelholz, Clark Anderson, Dr. Michael Wilkerson (UTMB Professor Dermatology), Dr. Bernard Gibson (UTMB Dermatology Chair ad Interim), and Dr. Brent Kelly (UTMB Professor Dermatology and Director of UTMB Dermatopathology). Congratulations to all on such an excellent article!

More on Dermatology “Research Year” Opportunities

There has been a proliferation of “Research Year” opportunities in dermatology for medical students and for those who have completed PGY1. One current source lists 74 research positions nationwide: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18DTwXT1kq3RvsbO164q1LOHPVIBkDFRvfbeUg4FhX8I/edit#gid=1571544969 with 6 in Texas. This list is dynamic, with some programs closing and new ones opening. Applicants should be aware that the “Research Year” is trending toward more than one year in duration. Committing to a “Research Year” is indicative how competitive dermatology residency has become and the determination of applicants, but unfortunately is not a guarantee for matching into a dermatology residency. 

AAD Limits Case Report Posters for the 2020 Annual Meeting

Yes, the AAD has decided to limit the number of poster case reports accepted to 100 for the 2020 AAD Meeting in Denver: “New for 2020 and beyond: Case reports will be considered however there will be a maximum of 100 case reports that will be accepted. The top 3 accepted case reports will be printed at the front of the JAAD Supplement.”

Good Luck Dr. Ashley Group

The DIG has greatly enjoyed working with you and we are very grateful for your excellent dermatology teaching. Good luck!

Dermatology Interest Group - Opening Meeting Notes – 8/29/19

The Dermatology Interest Group would like to thank everyone who came out to the opening meeting on Thursday. Below are the notes from the meeting:


Q&A with Dr. Wagner (UTMB Program Director)


General Information
-UTMB Dermatology Residency Program will have 5 spots in the match this year and looks to fill them with high achieving students who have strong research background.
-Faculty are willing to assist students with research and mentoring.
-Always follow through with research projects and set clear expectations
-Honors Research Program is a good opportunity to complete independent project.
-Many clinical electives are available for students.
-1^st years can take a 4-week elective between MS1/MS2 in dermatology.
-Dermatology electives can count for many graduation requirements.
-There are didactive courses offered that can allow ample time for interviews.
-Opportunities for Conferences: Texas Dermatological Society meetings (fall and spring) and Annual AAD meeting (spring).
-Avoid prioritizing research at the cost of grades and learning. Applicants should be able to manage academics, research, and extracurriculars.
-Find reliable upperclassmen to provide advice and mentoring.

What options are available if you don’t match:
-Must have a back-up plan.
-Delay graduation (Super-senior year, master’s degree, more away rotations).
-Other specialties in the match.
-Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Period (SOAP).
-PGY-1 Year (intern year) + Apply again or Research years.
-Research Fellowships.
-Unmatched dermatology applicants have applications and step scores much higher than the median for many other fields.

What to do as a 1^st year medical student:
-First and foremost, focus on adjusting to medical school and performing well in classes
-Attend monthly St. Vincent Dermatology Nights (1^st Thursday of the Month)
-Sign up for Dermatology Preceptorship or dermatology related research (MSSRP) between 1^st and 2^nd year
-Consider shadowing opportunities
-Consider project ideas for Honors Research Thesis

Upcoming DIG Events:

Stay Shady Presentations:
9/26/19- 8:00 - 10:30 AM
Contact: Christina Davis
cndavis@utmb.edu

DIG Fall Bake Sale
October 2^nd 11:00am - 1:00pm
Sign up link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SMRd_Bv1U1SkMHXtacpYZNE1rqM93v-grgui-TnqYqc/edit?usp=sharing
Contact: Elise Weisert
emweiser@utmb.edu

Other events this year: (Dates TBD)
-6-7 additional Stay Shady Presentations
-Spring Bake Sale
-Dermatology Procedure Workshop
-Match Panel
-Officer Elections
-Melanoma Walk
-Psoriasis Walk

-Various volunteer activities

UTMB Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Receives 2019 UTMB President’s Cabinet Award

Congratulations are in order for Stephanie Kemmerling, FNP-C. She received a 2019 UTMB President’s Cabinet Awards for her proposal, “Reducing the Perception of Pain in Children and their Families with Implementation of Comfort Kits for Kids.”

Period 2 Students’ Present “Kodachrome Cake”

Thank you to our Period 2 rotating dermatology students who presented UTMB Dermatology residents and faculty with a “Kodachrome Cake” (based on our weekly clinical unknown Kodachrome conference) on the last day of the 4 week rotation. We all enjoyed working with you this month and learned from your end-of-rotation presentations. Good luck in your medical careers.

Photo caption (left to right): Mason Yu (UTMB PA student), MS4 Kathryn Hinchee-Rodriguez (UT San Antonio), MS4 Brandy Drozd (Texas A&M), MS4 David Duff (U Mississippi), MS4 Timothy Tran (Texas Tech El Paso), MS4 Kevelyn Rose (UT Houston), and MS4 Meenakshi Manivannan (Texas Tech El Paso)

Dr. Keith Wagner interviewed by The Dermatologist

Congratulations to Dr. Keith Wagner, a recent UTMB SOM graduate who will begin dermatology residency at UTMB in July 2020. He was interviewed by Melissa Weiss, Associate Editor of The Dermatologist about his research on skin hoaxes. Dr. J. Croley (UTMB PGY4) and Dr. Janice Wilson (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology) are credited with helping Dr. Wagner with his research. Their internet resource for the public and researchers interested in this topic is also mentioned (www.SkinHoax.com). The interview is available online at https://www.the-dermatologist.com/article/qa-dr-wagner-online-skin-disease-hoaxes

Dr. Ben Raimer Named UTMB Interim President of UTMB

 Congratulations to Dr. Ben Raimer, the new Interim President of UTMB. His wife is Dr. Sharon Raimer, former UTMB Dermatology Chair (1999-2016) and current dermatology professor. His son, Dr. David Raimer, is a UTMB SOM graduate, UTMB dermatology resident, and current UTMB Clinical Dermatology Faculty and a core faculty for the UTMB Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program.

Academic Trifecta!

Academic publication can be a daunting task for medical students. However, in academic medical centers and medical schools, experienced help is usually available! In many settings, presentations and publications are needed by medical students applying for residencies, residents seeking fellowships, and faculty seeking promotion and tenure. Where do medical students fit in? In many instances, medical students (especially in their final year) have time to read about interesting case presentations, topics, participate in research projects, write a first draft abstract or manuscript for review and editing by the resident(s) and faculty, and finally submit the work for conference presentation or publication.

This describes an often iterative process that may take several weeks in the writing phase until everyone is satisfied with the final draft. After submission, the medical student keeps coauthors informed during the review process and organizes everyone if revisions are requested. In doing so, everyone on the team benefits. Students become more acquainted with medical research and become better writers. Resident and faculty are able to help medical students by providing direction, editing, and providing mentorship. Following positive team interactions through this process, faculty become important professional references. When posters, presentations, and publications appear with medical student, resident, and faculty co-authors, everyone wins!

UTMB Honors Research Program has a New Director

Congratulations to Bret T. Howrey, PhD (UTMB Associate Professor of Family Medicine). Dr. Howrey is the new Director for the UTMB Honors Research Program for medical students. Since 2001, 32 UTMB medical students have completed this program in the Department of Dermatology, with the vast majority of these students matching into dermatology residency programs.

UTMB Dermatology Chair Search Announced

UTMB has announced its search for a Dermatology Chair. Dr. Bernard Gibson, UTMB Associate Professor of Dermatology, has been the UTMB Dermatology Chair ad interim since 2016.

UTMB SOM 2019 Graduate Publishes about Porphyria

Congratulations to Dr. Christopher Dallo, who published, “The Royal History of Porphyria” in Online Journal of Community and Person-Centered Dermatology.

The article may be found at http://ojcpcd.com/dallo-c-h/royal-history-of-porphyria/  Dr. Dallo begins dermatology residency at the University of Kansas in July 2020.

Updated Date for DIG 2019-2020 Opening Meeting (8/29/19)

Please note that the date for the opening meeting has been moved from Monday 8/26/19 to Thursday 8/29/19. The corrected announcement is copied below:

Come join the Dermatology Interest Group for their first meeting of the year! We will have UTMB Dermatology Program Director Dr. Richard Wagner present to answer questions about matching into dermatology. We will also discuss future events and have sign ups available for our fall fundraising bake sale and community outreach "Stay Shady" program. The meeting will be held on Thursday 8/29/19 in the 5th floor Dermatology conference room (5.124) at 5 pm. We hope to see you there!

American Academy of Dermatology Abstracts Due September 11, 2019 for 2020 Annual Meeting in Denver

Please see https://www.aad.org/meetings/annual-meeting/for-abstracts for additional details. The meeting is scheduled for March 20-24, 2020. Unfortunately it overlaps with the 2020 Match Day (Friday, March 20).

Psoriasis Walk is Coming Up!

The bi-annual National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) walk is quickly approaching this autumn & we encourage you to join the UTMB DIG team as we raise awareness for a great cause.

When: Saturday, 10/19/19 at 8 AM
Where: Memorial Park - Picnic Loop in Houston, TX


If you are interested in walking & fundraising with UTMB DIG, please contact Mai-Anh Vu (MS4), UTMB DIG's Psoriasis Chair, at mnvu@utmb.edu. An official registration form will be distributed to interested members within the next few weeks. UTMB DIG's team page can be found here: https://npf.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.team&teamID=8024

UTMB Announces House Staff Orientation Dates for 2020-2021 Academic Year

There will be two different UTMB house staff orientations in 2020. The June orientation will be 4 days, starting on Tuesday, June 16 and ending on Friday, June 19^th. A second orientation will be held for those unable to attend the June meeting starting on Wednesday, July 1^st through Friday, July 3, and again on July 6^th.

UTMB Dermatology Residency is Expanding

UTMB Dermatology has been approved to increase it resident complement from 12 to 15. UTMB plans to select 5 dermatology applicants each year for PGY2 (advanced) residency positions starting in the 2020 NRMP for July 2021 residency. An additional Physician/”R” applicant will be selected during the 2020 NRMP for a dermatology residency position to start in July 2020.

UTMB DIG 2019- 2020 Opening Meeting (8/29/19)

Come join the Dermatology Interest Group for their first meeting of the year! We will have UTMB Dermatology Program Director Dr. Richard Wagner present to answer questions about matching into dermatology. We will also discuss future events and have sign ups available for our fall fundraising bake sale and community outreach "Stay Shady" program. The meeting will be held on 8/29/19 in the 5th floor Dermatology conference room (5.124) at 5 pm. We hope to see you there!

Competitive Advantage of Medical School Academic Schedules

Several medical schools conclude their MS3 year early, permitting students to take 4 week away dermatology rotations during June. At other medical schools the MS3 year is not completed until the end of June. These scheduling differences may advantage students with one additional away rotation during the dermatology residency application cycle because successful away rotations appear to increase applicant chances of matching in these programs. 

DIGA Newsletter is Out!

DIGA’s Summer Newsletter has been published. This newsletter includes research opportunities and advice for dermatology applicants. DIGA is the largest national, non-profit student-run dermatology interest group encompassing over 100 school. Mai-Anh Vu (MS4) is current DIGA Co-President and was the lead editor of this newsletter. Congratulations!

https://mailchi.mp/a8099109c193/diga-newsletter-summer-2019-edition

Should I take a year off to do dermatology research before applying for residency?

Maybe. A year of dermatology research between the MS3 and MS4 year is becoming a trend as competition increases for residency positions. Funded positions are competitive and can demonstrate a commitment to a dermatology career, in addition for an educational opportunity to gain substantive dermatology research experience. DIGA (Dermatology Interest Group Association) lists some of the ones available at https://derminterest.com/research/

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 8/1/19

Join UTMB Dermatology faculty and residents for the upcoming dermatology night at St. Vincent’s Clinic. Please see the calendar link below to reserve your volunteering spot.

When: Thursday, August 1st 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

Good Luck UTMB Completing Dermatology Residents!

This Thursday, July 18, 2019 our 2019 UTMB Dermatology Residency graduates will be in Tampa, Florida for the ABD Certification Examination (“The Boards”). We wish Drs. Vlad Codrea, Kyle Kaltwasser, Kristin Wolf, and Kate Woolridge the best of luck on this examination!

UTMB MS4 Honored a 170th Osler Birthday Celebration

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 DIG President Michael Ryan for receiving the John D and Mary Ann Stobo Award in Oslerian Medicine. The event was held at the JD Rogers Building on the historic Strand in Galveston, and was hosted by the John P. McGovern Academy of Oslerian Medicine.

MS4 Michael Ryan receiving the award from Dr. Joan Richardson, Chair of UTMB Pediatric Department and Osler Scholar.

UTMB Medical Student Publishes in SKIN

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 Caroline Crain and UTMB alumni Drs. Tyler Marion and Jake Gibbons (SOM 2019) for their recent publication, “The Father of Modern Cryotherapy.” Their article appears in the “Compelling Comments” section of SKIN (2019, Volume 3, Number 4). https://jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/407

Registration and Hotel Information for 2019 Fall Texas Dermatological Society Meeting (San Antonio)

The Texas Dermatological website is now accepting registration for the fall meeting in San Antonio (https://www.texasdermatology.org/AMSIMIS/shared/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=TDSF19 ). Hotel reservations at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort are also available by calling  (210) 647-1234 at the discounted meeting rate of $229/night if you tell them you are there for the TDS meeting.

UTMB Dermatology Honors Thesis Published

Congratulations to Dr. Keith Wagner (UTMB SOM 2019) and his coauthors Dr. J. Croley (UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident) and Dr. J. Wilson (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology) for their recent publication in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology titled, “Internet Skin Disease Hoaxes: An Evaluation on Their Scope and Potential Impact on Dermatology.” This Research Letter (J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019 Jun 22. pii: S0190-9622(19)31025-4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.06.036. Epub ahead of print) was based on original research conducted while Dr. Wagner was a medical student participating in the UTMB Dermatology Research Honors Program. Dr. Wagner is the immediate past president of the UTMB DIG, and the recipient of the 2019 Edgar B. Smith Award for excellent dermatology research conducted while in the UTMB Department of Dermatology. Following a PGY1 transitional year at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan, he will join the UTMB dermatology residency program in July 2020.

More Information about 2019 Fall Texas Dermatological Society Meeting

All podium and poster applications are due on Friday, August 23, 2019 for the TDS September 27-28 meeting in San Antonio. Abstracts and poster PDFs are due on Friday, August 30^th. Additional  information is available on the TDS website ( https://www.texasdermatology.org/amsimis/ ) under “Residents Corner.”

UTMB Mohs Team Publishes Article About Skin Grafting

Congratulations to Dr. Julie Croley for her first author publication in the June 2019 issue of Cutis titled,  “Clinical Pearl: Advantages of the Scalp as a Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site” (103:369-370). Her coauthors are Drs. Jason Hirshburg (UTMB Mohs Fellow during 2017-2018 who is now dermatology faculty at University of Oklahoma) and Richard Wagner, UTMB’s Mohs Fellowship Director.

Thank You Dr. Will Tausend!

Dr. Will Tausend returned to UTMB Dermatology to lecture our residents about what he has learned during his first year of private practice. It was the last day that all 4 of our completing PGY4 residents were present. He is a UTMB SOM graduate (Class of 2014) and completed dermatology residency at UTMB in 2018. He is currently in practice with his father in Pasadena, Texas. Thanks for the cookie cake with the names of all of our new graduates!

UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Residents Present Scholarly Projects to Dermatology Department

Congratulations to our PGY4 dermatology residents for completing their departmental scholarly projects and presenting them to faculty and residents on Friday, June 14, 2019. The following research was presented:

Dr. Vlad Codrea: “Handedness in Micrographic Surgery Fellows: An Anonymous Professional Survey of Fellowship Directors”

Dr. Kyle Kaltwasser: “Dermoscopy Patient Satisfaction”

Dr. Kristin Wolf: “An Analysis of Dermatologic Diagnoses on Instagram”

Dr. Kate Woolridge: “Survey to Assess Laboratory Monitoring Practices during Standard Courses of Isotretinoin for Acne”

Following these presentations, the dermatology faculty commented how well-done all of the presentations were this year. They awarded Dr. Kate Woolridge with the 2019 “Dermatology Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Research.”

2019 Fall Texas Dermatological Society Meeting

The 2019 fall meeting of the Texas Dermatological Society (TDS) will be held in San Antonio at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort & Spa on Friday and Saturday, September 27-28. More information to follow. Residents who are the first authors on posters and podium presentations are eligible for awards in each category. Medical students may also present their work at this meeting, but are not eligible for awards when they are the first author on posters or presenters at the podium.