UTMB MS3 Named as DIGA Co-President

Congratulations to Mai-Anh Vu (MS3) for being selected as one of the three 2019-2020 Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) Co-Presidents. DIGA is the largest national, student-run, non-profit dermatology interest organization encompassing over 100 medical schools in the US.

The official 2019-2020 DIGA officer board photos can be found at https://derminterest.com/people/

March 2019 JAAD Research Letter on Dermatology Residency Match Trends from 2007-2018

These author provide a detailed historical analysis of 12 years of dermatology match data (JAAD 2019;80:788-790). Interesting findings were that although matched applicants with PhD degrees is diminishing (11.6% to 8%), those with other graduate degrees are increasing (6.8% to 12.8%). Matched US allopathic MS4s increased from 61.7% before plateauing at 82.7% in 2012. For matching US MS4 allopathic applicants from 2007 to 2016, mean step 1 scores increased from 238 to 249,  step 2 CK scores increased from 242 to 257, and AOA membership increased from 47% to 52.8%.

Upcoming DIG Elections

Come join UTMB DIG for our upcoming officer elections and rising 4th year meeting on Thursday March 28th at 6:30pm in the 5th floor dermatology conference room!

Several matched MS4s will be present to answer questions about ERAS, aways, and interviews.

If you are interested in running for any of the following positions we ask that you come to the election meeting next Thursday March 28th at 6:30 pm. Please prepare a short statement about your previous involvement in DIG and why you would be a good fit for the position.

We have the following positions open:

Vice President (1):
-Runs the blog with the president and assists with day-day operations.

-Open to Current MS2s Only

-Preference given to current officers

Stay Shady Chairs (2):

-Plan and give presentations on Sun Protection to local Galveston Schools

-Preference given to current MS1s

Melanoma Walk Chair (1):

- Coordinate Annual Melanoma Walk

- Open to any year medical student

Psoriasis Chair (1):

- Plan Psoriasis Walk

- Open to any year medical student

Bake Sale Chair (1):

- Plan and Coordinate Fall and Spring DIG Bake Sale

- Open to any year medical student

Diversity Chair (1):

- Promote Diversity and run the booth for Welcome Weekend

- Open to any year medical student

If you don't want to be an officer or don't get a position, you can also become a committee member and help the chair with their duties throughout the year.

See you there!

“RTM Calls” and Advice to Future Applicants

Some residency programs are known to communicate with applicants following their rank list meeting and inform the highest ranked applicants (for example, the top 3 ranked applicants on a program  that has 3 NRMP positions) to let them know that the program really wants to match with them. This is allowed under current NRMP rules as long as the program does not inquire about how it will be ranked by the applicant. This is also known as the “Ranked to Match” (RTM call). It is a relief to applicants receiving this type of notification that they are going to match into the specialty, regardless of where the applicant places the program on their match list. However, this information may convince applicants to change the order of their match list, placing the program providing the RTM higher or even number 1 on their match list because the program has indicated such strong interest (“They really want me to go there because they called and told me.”).  While it is wonderful to learn that one or more programs have listed the applicant as RTM before match day, it can result in “match regret” following the match with the now matched applicant wondering if the right decision was made, because competing programs that the applicant also liked may have also listed the same applicant as RTM on their list but did not make the call. The best advice is for applicants to rank programs with the most desirable programs listed first, regardless of RTM calls that may have been received.

Couples Matching for Dermatology Applicants

As competitive as the dermatology residency application are, what happens when the dermatology applicant is in a couples match? When both applicants want to match into the same dermatology program, it could become much more difficult to match because most dermatology residency programs have relative few positions each year. Matching into dermatology programs in the same city or geographic area can also be difficult, even if there are multiple dermatology programs in the area because of the competitive nature of the application process. However, there may also be an advantage to couples matching when the couple wants two different specialties. Since dermatology interviews tend to be toward the end of the interview period with most dermatology interviews held in January, the applicant to a different specialty has often interviewed earlier. If the earlier applicant is competitive for that specialty and is wanted by the program director, it is not unusual for the program director to contact the dermatology program director at the same institution and request an interview for the dermatology applicant. When these types of internal contacts occur at multiple institutions it can result in an increased number of interviews for the dermatology applicant. Of course, more dermatology interviews are often correlated with increased chances of matching into a dermatology residency program. 

UTMB’s 2019 Dermatology Match

Andrew Armenta (UTMB)

Allison Good (University of Florida, Gainesville)

Victor Teran (University of Virginia, Charlottesville)

Keith Wagner (UTMB)

Welcome to the Class of 2023!

The UTMB DIG looks forward to working with you!

UTMB MS4 classmates Keith Wagner (left) and Drew Armenta (right) will begin dermatology residency at UTMB in July 2020.

Dr. Uyen Ngoc Mui Matches into Dermatology Residency

Congratulations to Dr. Mui for her recent match into a dermatology residency at Texas Tech. Dr. Mui graduated from UTMB SOM in 2016 and following completion of her PGY1 Preliminary Medicine year in California, took a clinical dermatology fellowship position with Dr. Stephen Tyring (Houston Skin Associates) for the past two years.

Another Successful Year for MS4 UTMB Dermatology Applicants!

Congratulations to all of the UTMB MS4s who successfully matched into dermatology residency programs in the 2019 NRMP:

Andrew Armenta: UTMB

Chris Dallo: University of Kansas, Kansas City

Ryan Lawrence: Tulane

Priscilla Ly: UT Austin (Dell)

Tyler Marion, MBA: University of Florida, Gainesville

Keith Wagner, MS: UTMB

Thank you UTMB dermatology residents and faculty for your support, outstanding education, and professional growth opportunities!

Dermatology Chief Residents for 2019-2020 Academic Year Named

Current UTMB PGY3 Dermatology Residents who will serve as PGY4 Chief Dermatology Resident are:

Chief Scheduling Resident: Skylar White, MD

Chief Resident for Medical Student Education: Adam Nguyen, MD

Chief Academic Resident: Arathi Rana, MD

Chief Resident for Academic Conferences: Julie Croley, MD

Congratulations on your new administrative appointments in the UTMB Department of Dermatology. And thank-you to our current PGY4 dermatology residents who have done a wonderful job this year!

19 Year Retrospective on UTMB Dermatology Research Honors Program

The upcoming completion of the  2018-2019 academic year marks the 19^th year of the UTMB Department of Dermatology’s participation in the UTMB Honors Research Program. Thus far 32 UTMB medical students have completed the program, earning Latin graduation research honors in dermatology. 30 participating students applied for dermatology residency, and the success rate for successful matching into a dermatology residency is 29/30 (96.7%). One completing student decided to go into family medicine instead of dermatology, one applicant applied twice to dermatology and then decided to go into a different specialty, and one completing medical student will apply next year.

UTMB Medical Students Publish 2 Compelling Comments in SKIN

Volume 3, Number 2 (2019) of SKIIN: Journal of Cutaneous Medicine published two Compelling Comments in the current issue:

Dallo C, Falck B. Adrenal insufficiency and its Presidential Touch. https://www.jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/355/pdf

Benavidez JE. Nobel Niels. https://www.jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/366/pdf

Congratulations!

UTMB Medical Students Publish Article About Newborn Geometric Facial Erosions in SKIN

Congratulations to UTMB medical students Shelby Stribling and Matthew LaCour for their Brief Article, “Geometric Facial Erosions on a Newborn” that was published in Volume 3, Number 2 (2019) of SKIN: Journal of Cutaneous Medicine. UTMB Dermatology Faculty coauthors were Drs. Lindy Ross, Sharon Raimer, and Brent Kelly. This article is available at: https://www.jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/388/pdf  

UTMB Medical Student Co-authors Short Communication in SKIN about Vitiligo Treatment with UTMB Dermatology Residents and Faculty

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 Keith Wagner for his recent publication in SKIN: Journal of Cutaneous Medicine (Volume 3, Number 2, 2019), “Successful Treatment of Vitiligo with Crisaborole 2% Ointment.” His coauthors are former UTMB dermatology resident, Dr. William Tausend (currently in private dermatology practice in Pasadena, Texas), and Drs. Paige Hoyer (UTMB PGY2 dermatology resident starting in July 2019), Morgan Arnold (UTMB PGY2 resident starting in July 2019), Lindy Ross (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology), Brandon Goodwin ( UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology), and Janice Wilson (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology).

This article is available at https://www.jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/381/pdf

NRMP Notifies UTMB Dermatology that all 4 Residency Positions Have Filled

Congratulations to UTMB Dermatology for filling all 4 of their residency positions in the 2019 NRMP. Applicants matching with UTMB Dermatology will be notified on Friday, April 15^th ( “match day”).

In addition, all 134 NRMP positions offered at UTMB have been filled.

UTMB Medical Students Give Presentations at Gross and Microscopic and Late-Breaking Research Sessions

In addition to the 11 UTMB Poster Exhibits, DIG members also gave oral presentations in two other categories during the 2019 American Academy of Dermatology Meeting.

Michael Ryan (MS3) presented his case in the Gross and Microscopic Symposium:

Ryan M, Nguyen A, Wolf K, Goodwin B, Group A. Acroangiodermatits Presenting in a Patient with a Chronic Venous Thrombus

Sunny Patel (MS2) presented his research in the Late-Breaking Research Session:

Ayaz T, Patel S, Abdullah M, Loya A, Wilkerson M. Disparities in Melanoma Skin Cancer Outcomes: Survival in Patients of Hispanic Origin 

Thank you Dr. Anna Sarno Ryan

UTMB dermatology residents and students were treated to a guest lecture by UTMB Dermatology Clinical Instructor, Dr. Ryan on Friday, March 8, 2019 on the topic of acne management and other acneiform eruptions seen in clinical practice. The lecture was very informative and provided many practical clinical pearls. Thank you Dr. Ryan for sharing your clinical experience with us!

AIM at Melanoma Walk in Galveston Next Month

UTMB DIG members and friends should consider participating the annual AIM at Melanoma Walk that is scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2019 on the Seawall at 7 am (for walk registration please see https://support.aimatmelanoma.org/event/walk-2019-galveston/e219038  ). Special thanks to UTMB MS3 Caitlin Pekowski for coordinating this event with AIM at Melanoma National Director of Walks & Events, Cindy LeBlanc.

Outside Applicants Interviewed at UTMB in 2019

All 30 invitees accepted interviews this year for UTMBs 4 dermatology residency positions available through the NRMP. This group included all 9 clinical rotators and 21 applicants selected from over 400 ERAS applications. These 30 applicants had

Step 1: mean= 251 (range 207-273)

Step 2: mean=  260 (range -235-282)

AOA:  15 members

Unfortunately (as in the past several years), there was no opportunity for wait-listed applicants to interview because all of the interview slots remained filled.

Good luck to everyone interviewing at UTMB in the upcoming NRMP match!

2019 Spring Texas Dermatological Society Abstracts (Houston)

Applications for poster and podium presentations must be submitted by Friday, April 19, 2019. The abstract deadline is Friday, April 26, 2019. Only current TDS resident members are eligible for award, and to be considered they must be the first author of the poster. The first author is required to submit the abstract  For the first time, all posters must be printed by the TDS. TDS now requires: “For printing purposes, you must send a high-resolution PDF (24" x 36") to alyssa.martinez@texmed.org no later than April 26th.” There is a $20 printing fee for each poster that is charged at the time of conference registration.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Alyssa Martinez (alyssa.martinez@texmed.org)

Houston Dermatological Society Spring Meeting in Houston on May 17-18, 2019

The spring TDS meeting will be held at the Houston Marriott Marquis. Early registration for the meeting ends on April 23^rd, and registration closes on May 8^th. Requests for abstracts (posters and podium) to follow. Room reservations must be made by April 25 to receive the TDS discount rate ($199). Please call 877-622-3056 for reservations.

11 UTMB Collaborative Medical Student/Resident/Faculty Presentations at the 2019 American Academy of Dermatology Meeting

Congratulations to all of the UTMB medical students, residents, and faculty who collaborated together with poster presentations at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology Meeting in Washington, DC  March 1-5. 2019. The presentations were:

Croley J, Tannis R, Hammel J, Wagner R. Z-plasty for Correction of Standing Cutaneous Deformity, Poster 9979

Ezekor M, Wilkerson M, Croley. Low-dose Methotrexate-induced Acute Pneumonitis in a Patient with Bullous Pemphigoid, Poster 10463

Gleghorn K, Wagner K, Quian Y, Totman K, Goodwin B. A case of Pediatric CD30+ Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, Poster 10154

Jimenez A, Jay J, Prasai A, El Ayadi A, Wilkerson M, Herndon D, Finnerty C. Rose Bengal Dye Reduces Collagen-1, -3, -5 Expression in Post –burn Hypertrophic Scar Fibroblasts in Vitro, Poster 8279

Kaltwasser K, Lawrence R, Goodwin B, Raimer S. Giant Rheumatoid Nodule, Poster 10585

Lawrence R, Wolf K, Kaltwasser K, Kelly E, Wilson J, Goodwin B. Metastatic melignannt melanoma masquerading as an inflamed epidermal inclusion cyst, Poster 8686

Marion T, Monjazeb S. Goodwin B, Ross L, Gibson B. Microsphaeropsis arundinis and Phialophorea verrucosa coinfection in a liver transplant patient, Poster 10712

Rana A, Lawrence R, Group A. The Role of Medical Maggot Debridement Therapy on Recalcitrant, Chronic Wounds, Poster 10634

Ryan M, De Jong A, Wagner RF. Medical School Ranking and Dermatologoy Match Results: An analysis of the 2018 Match, Poster 8597

Wagner KD, Codrea V, Kelly B. A Case of Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma on a Toe with Prior History of Trauma and Surgery, Poster 9984

Weisert E, Ross L. Readability of Online Patient Education Materials Designed for Patients with Acne Vulgaris, Poster 10673 

UTMB MS3 Presents 2 Posters at 2019 AAD Meeting

Congratulations to UTMB MS3 Mai-Ahn Vu for her two posters with UTHSC-Houston Department of Dermatology co-authors:

Quoc-Bao Nguyen, Mai-Anh Vu, Daniel Grabell, Adelaide Hebert. Insect Repellents: An Updated Review for the Clinician, Poster 8326

Quoc-Bao Nguyen, Mai-Anh Vu, Leon Chen, Adelaide Hebert. Current and Emerging Medical Therapies for Cutaneous Manifestations of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Poster 10427

It’s Good to be working with MGH Dermatology Faculty

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) supports selected medical students working with their dermatology faculty with meeting travel and educational expenses for the annual American Academy of Dermatology and the Society of Investigative Dermatology ($750). For further information, please see https://www.massgeneral.org/dermatology/education/internship.aspx?id=93

UTMB MS4 Presents at Association for Psychoneurocutaneous Medicine of North America

Congratulations to UTMB MS4 Keith Wagner, our UTMB DIG President, for his presentation, “Trypophobia: Implications for Dermatology,” at the 29^th Annual Meeting of the Association for Psychoneurocutaneous Medicine of North America (APMNA) that was held in Washington DC on February 28, 2018. His coauthors on this presentation were UTMB PGY3 dermatology resident, Dr. Julie Croley, UTMB dermatology faculty, Dr. Janice Wilson, and Japanese psychologist, Dr. Yuki Yamada from Kyushu University. Keith’s presentation at APMNA was sponsored by Dr. Jason Reichenberg from the dermatology department at Dell Medical School, Austin, Texas.

Another Successful Stay Shady

The Dermatology Interest Group hosted their second Stay Shady event on Thursday, February 21st at Satori School in Galveston.

Medical students (L to R) Eunice Ko (MS2), Keyon Mohebzad (MS3), Hillary Nguyen (MS3), and Lily Valad (MS3) presented an educational presentation on sun safety and helped Satori School students make UV-sensitive bead bracelets to help remind them to stay vigilant in the coming summer months.

Special thanks to Ms. Claire Wilkins at Satori School for coordinating the event and to DIG fundraising participants for providing the materials for the bead bracelets.

UTMB Mohs Fellow Coauthors Two Publications

Congratulation to the current UTMB Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellow, Dr. Josh Hammel for his two recent articles:

“Factors Associated With Patient-Initiated Communication After Mohs Micrographic Surgery” was published in Dermatol Surg. 2019 Feb;45(2):234-243. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001750. This study was based on research conducted at the University of Iowa where he completed dermatology residency in June 2018.

“Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Rejuvenation of Photoaged Facial Skin: A Randomized Clinical Trial” was published in JAMA Dermatol. 2018 Dec 1;154(12):1447-1452. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.3977 about research Dr. Hammel conducted while he was a Clinical Research Fellow at Northwestern University prior to dermatology residency.

UTMB DIG Appreciates Dermatology Residents

The UTMB DIG brought donuts to start off UTMB’s Resident Appreciation Day this morning. We greatly appreciate all of the teaching, mentoring, research opportunities, role modeling,  and professional development that you provide! Thank you for everything you do to help us learn more about dermatology.

The Countdown Begins!

All applicant and programs match lists were due yesterday at the NRMP, and now everyone is waiting for Match Day on Friday, March 15, 2019. Good luck everyone!

Appearance in ERAS Application Photo and Chance for Successful Dermatology Matching

MS3s planning to apply for dermatology residency in the upcoming 2019-2020 upcoming academic year may want to read https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5qc988jz The authors from one dermatology residency program found that applicants who smiled, wore glasses, and wore blazers in their ERAS application photo were more likely to successfully match. They also found that female applicants photographed with longer hair had greater chances to match.  

MS4 Reminder: NRMP “Match List” Due Tomorrow (February 20, 2019 at 9:00 pm EST)

Don’t forget to submit your certified match list by 9 pm EST tomorrow (see http://www.nrmp.org/match-calendars/ for additional information).

Good luck everyone!

Master of Science in Dermatology offered by the University of Miami

A MS degree in Skin Biology and Dermatological Sciences (with or without thesis) is available at the University of Miami (a highly respected research institution for dermatology) and can be completed in 12 to 16 months (see http://dermatology.med.miami.edu/master-of-science-in-skin-biology for additional information).

Stay Shady THIS THURSDAY (2/18/19) @ Satori School

Reminder that UTMB DIG members will be presenting Stay Shady this week:

Satori School in Galveston (2503 Sealy Ave, Galveston, TX 77550)

Thurs, Feb 21, 2019

2:15 PM

Please contact Eunice Ko (heko@utmb.edu) with any further questions or if you would like to participate.

Saturday, May 4, 2019 is Skin Cancer Screening Day In Galveston

UTMB DIG members interested in volunteering to help room patients into examination rooms are welcome! More details to follow.

UTMB PGY3 Dermatology Resident First Author on JAAD Publication

Congratulations to Dr. Julie Croley, a UTMB PGY3 dermatology resident, and her co-authors, Aaron Joseph (Associate Program Director, Mohs fellowship) and Richard Wagner (Program Director, Mohs fellowship) for their recent publication in the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD), “A Discrepancy in the Mohs Micrographic Surgery Appropriate Use Criteria,” J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Dec 23. pii: S0190-9622(18)33113-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.11.064. [Epub ahead of print] This article is available online at https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019096221833113X?via%3Dihub

2019 UTMB Dermatopathology Review Course

The UTMB Department of Dermatology will conduct its dermatopathology review course on Saturday, April 27, 2019 under the direction of Dr. Brent Kelly, Professor Dermatology. More details to follow. This course is a good review for dermatology and pathology residents and fellows with upcoming certification examinations. Faculty are also welcome to attend. 

Dr. Janice Wilson Publishes on Dermoscopy Education for Dermatology Residents

Congratulations to Dr. Janice Wilson, UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology, for her recent publication, “Telementoring and Smart-Phone-Based Answering Systems to Optimize Dermatology Resident Dermoscopy Education” in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2019 Jan 28. pii: S0190-9622(19)30152-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.01.045. [Epub ahead of print]

AIM Melanoma Walk

Hey Fellow DIG Members,


This year's AIM at Melanoma Walk will take place at 7 AM on Saturday April 13th! Volunteer sign up for the day of will go out closer to the event, but we are looking for some help with the planning process. If you are interested in helping please contact Caitlin Pekowski (cnpekows@utmb.edu).



If you would like to donate/sign-up for the walk please visit the website https://support.aimatmelanoma.org/event/walk-2019-galveston/e219038! Also please share this link with anyone you think might be interested in the event.



Hope to hear from some of you!

Measles Case Reported in Galveston County

A case of measles has been reported in Galveston County, although few details are available ( see https://www.chron.com/houston/article/Three-cases-of-measles-confirmed-in-Harris-County-13587566.php ). Since measles often has a characteristic rash, it may come to the attention of dermatologists for diagnostic expertise. Look for Koplik's spots in the mouth 2-3 days after the illness starts, and an erythematous rash that begins on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body 3-5 days from initial symptoms.

St. Vincent's Student Clinic Dermatology Night 2/7/19

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

When: Thursday, February 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

2019 National Student Research Forum

UTMB medical students interested in a dermatology career should consider submitting an abstract to the 2019 National Student Research Forum, scheduled for April 17-19. Abstracts for poster or oral podium presentation may be submitted through the website ( https://www.utmb.edu/nsrf/ ) by the March 1 due date. Registration payment ($150) is due by March 17.