100%

Yes, 100% of the UTMB Dermatology Residency “Class of 2012” received notification that they have passed the rigorous certification examination administered by the American Board of Dermatology this summer. Congratulations to Drs. Nate Davis, Ashley Group, and Neda Nosrati for this outstanding professional accomplishment!

Welcome Visiting Medical Students

There are 4 MS4 visiting students from three different medical schools (Boston University, UT Houston and UT Southwestern) taking dermatology electives during Period 3. Please welcome them to UTMB when you see them and let them know about Galveston!

UTMB Welcome Weekend

The UTMB Welcome Weekend Community Fair was a huge success. Many student organizations and local businesses were present to meet and greet incoming UTMB students. The UTMB Dermatology Interest Group is excited to welcome nearly 40 new blog subscribers who signed up during the event! 

DIG Vice-President Will Tausend (right) explains the perks of being a DIG member to a new recruit.

Indoor Tanning Industry Responds to Critics

Reporter Bridget Huber has written about the conflict between the indoor tanning industry and medicine. To read her article, please go to:

http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/23/13415540-embattled-tanning-industry-fights-back-taking-its-cues-from-big-tobacco?lite

Stay Shady! Looking for Volunteers

The UTMB DIG is looking for volunteers to present our sun protection presentation, "Stay Shady!," to the students at the Crenshaw Middle School.

When: Friday, August 31st, 10:45-11:45am

Where: Crenshaw Middle School 416 Hwy. 87 Crystal Beach 77650

This is always a fun event! Interested in participating? Please email Alex Acosta at kaacosta@utmb.edu

UTMB Academy of Master Teachers Educational Technology Grant

The UTMB Dermatology Department applied for a grant offered by the UTMB Academy of Master Teachers. A proposal was made to replace worn and damaged DVDs used in 4 different UTMB Selectives and Electives about skin diseases, as well as to purchase additional DVDs for the Dermatology Lending Library for students taking these classes. Some of these materials have been in continuous use since 2006, when dermatology film classes were first offered at UTMB. Sadly, the dermatology department learned that their request was declined.

UTMB Dermatopathology Publishes Herpes Paper

Congratulations to Drs. Ryan Matherne and Brent Kelly for their contributions to their recently published case report, “Syringitis: A clue to herpes infection.” The citation is DOJ 2012(8):6, and a link to their paper is http://dermatology.cdlib.org/1808/03_csp/6_12-00005/article.html  Dr. Kelly is the UTMB Dermatopathology Director, and Dr. Matherne completed dermatology residency and dermatopathology fellowship at UTMB. Dr. Matherne currently practices in his home state, Louisiana. Co-authors on this publication were Drs. Michael Sedrak and Michaela Marek, a former UTMB medical student who is a current dermatology resident at UTSA.

Dermatology Resident Scholarly Project about Skin Diseases in Prison Published

Congratulations to Drs. Cameron Coury and Brent Kelly for their recent publication, “Prison Dermatology: Experience in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Dermatology Clinic,” in the Journal of Correctional Health Care (Published online before print August 16, 2012, doi:10.1177/1078345812456365). Dr. Coury is currently practicing dermatology in Richardson, Texas, and Dr. Brent Kelly is Associate Professor in the UTMB Department of Dermatology. Their abstract is currently available at: http://jcx.sagepub.com/content/early/recent

Why did I interview there?

In the face of unenthusiastic applicants at the interview, dermatology departments may wonder why some residency applicants accepted an invitation to interview. Although the linked article is focused on applicants seeking academic positions, it offers valuable insight into interview dynamics during residency interviews as well:  http://chronicle.com/article/Show-Them-You-Really-Want-the/132281/ Applicants will be more likely to create a positive first impression if they attempt to learn more about the program and enjoy the interactive interview process.

Calling All DIG Members!

Volunteers are needed to work the DIG booth at the Welcome Weekend Community Fair on Saturday, August 18th. The community fair will be held from 12:15 to 2:15pm. Volunteers are needed to work anytime during this period to help distribute sunscreen and sun awareness information, obtain interested incoming students' email addresses, and to cultivate interest in Dermatology in the incoming class. If you are interested, please send an email to Will Tausend (wetausen@utmb.edu) and state what times you would like to work from. The new DIG shirts will also be distributed to current members at this time.

New UTMB PGY2 Dermatology Residency Position for July 2013 Filled

Dr. Helen Malone, a PGY4 plastic surgery resident from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) has accepted the new PGY2 Dermatology Residency Position for July 2013. Congratulations, and we all look forward to working with you next year!

UTMB President Denies Additional Large-Scale Layoffs

The Galveston Daily News (GDN) is reporting that UTMB President, Dr. David Callender is denying widespread rumors that there are plans for additional large-scale layoffs at UTMB. Please read http://galvestondailynews.com/story/332222 for additional details. GDN reporter, Laura Elder summarizes the history of UTMB layoffs from 2006 (pre-Ike) to the present in her article. Dr. Callender will host a meeting next week to discuss these employee and community concerns.

Medical Student Publications While in Medical School

The current ultra competitiveness for dermatology residency positions has motivated many medical students with outstanding academic credentials to engage in research while in medical school and attempt to publish their results before submitting their ERAS application. What barriers do medical students encounter in this process? A recent publication by Chakraborti et al, “Identifying barriers to successful research during medical school,” surveyed 422 members of medical student organizations ( http://www.pagepress.org/journals/index.php/med/article/view/med.2012.e2/pdf ) . Their findings were that mentorship, student funding and having someone in charge of student research were important factors for successful publication. Surprisingly, course offerings in research were not a factor. This may explain why medical students working with the UTMB Department of Dermatology often publish dermatology research while in medical school. Our dermatology department has multiple faculty and residents who have a strong interest and a proven track record in scholarly publication. They are all very accessible to medical students and have the experience and funding available to support student projects through publication.

School of Medicine Dean Named at UTMB

Dr. David Callender, UTMB President, announced that Dr. Danny O. Jacobs will be UTMB’s next Executive Vice President and Provost and School of Medicine Dean beginning October 1^st. Dr. Jacobs is currently the Chair of Surgery at Duke.

New Lay Offs at UTMB

The Friday, July 27, 2012 issue of The Galveston Daily News is reporting a new round of lay offs at UTMB. To read the article, go to: http://galvestondailynews.com/story/330398

Calling All Students

DIG is starting off the new school year with six Stay Shady presentation this Thursday, July 26th, from 11am to 3pm for the KIPP 21st Century Program at San Jacinto School. Please email Alex Acosta at kaacosta@utmb.edu to sign up for one or more presentations (each lasting 30 minutes) or get more information! 

It's a fun teaching experience and a great way to get involved with DIG! 

Laws Prohibiting Indoor Tanning for Minors

New York is the latest state to pass legislation prohibiting the use of indoor tanning beds by those 16 and younger, and requiring 17-year-olds to obtain parental consent. California and Vermont have already passed laws prohibiting use by minors.   

The United States Department of Health and Human Services proclaimed in 2002 that ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, is a known carcinogen. Yet, nearly 30 million people tan indoors in the United States annually. Of these, 2.3 million are teens.

Currently, Texas law requires a parent or legal guardian to sign consent form, in person, for children under 18. Prohibits the use of tanning facilities by anyone under the age of 16.5.  Minors are allowed to use the facilities if authorized by a physician.  Physician must specify the number of tanning session allowed; if they do not, minors will be allowed to use facilities for a 12-month period.  Parents/legal guardians must provide written consent (in presence of tanning device operator) and remain at the facility while the minor uses the tanning device.  The tanning facility is responsible for keeping all records pertaining to a minor's use of the facility.

For more information of the Texas law regarding tanning visit:

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/HS/htm/HS.145.htm

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

UTMB DIG Blog Recognized as Top Dermatology Site

http://www.onlinenursingprograms.com/features/dermatologist/

 

Congratulations past and present UTMB DIG members!

Derm Boards

Newly graduated UTMB dermatology residents took their certification examination (“The Boards”) yesterday. We wish them the best of luck on this difficult exam as they await their test results.

Dermatologists Most Satisfied of Physician Specialists

The July 2012 issue of Dermatology Times  (pages 1 and 22) reviewed the 2012 Physician Compensation Report by Medscape. Dermatologists reported 64% overall satisfaction. The next most satisfied group were psychiatrists (56%). The least satisfied specialists were plastic surgeons (41%). However, only 52% of the dermatologists would choose medicine as  a career again.

Changes in Electives and Selectives at UTMB for 2012-2013 Academic Year

Recent changes in administrative policy for electives and Selectives offered by departments at UTMB’s new policy may make it more difficult for MS3s and MS4s to take the courses they desire. UTMB currently credits departments for elective and selective teaching effort based on the number of Periods that have at least one student enrolled in each Selective and elective. Under these new guidelines, departments do not receive more teaching credit for more than one student in each Selective and elective. For example, under these new guidelines, a course with 20 students that is only offered during Period 13 (a  popular time for student’s to take courses over the Winter Break) would result in less departmental teaching credit than a course that taught 1 student every Period of the academic year (13 students taught over 13 Periods.)

DIG is Growing in Austin!

With more students interested in dermatology, we have created a "satellite" Dermatology Interest Group giving UTMB students with clinical rotations in Austin a chance to be more involved in our DIG events. 

DIG at UTMB is a very active organization with events such as fundraisers, walks, and educational presentations almost every month. We are super excited to have UTMB students in Austin help contribute and educate the community about melanoma, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and more! 

Austin students: please feel free to contact current Austin President Jasmeet Kaur, MSIII, and Vice President/Community Outreach Co-chair Sarah Pritchard, MSIV, if you would like join or learn more about DIG! 

Foreign Film Selected for Inclusion in UTMB Dermatology Film Class

The 2011 Spanish film, The Skin I Live In, is the newest required film to be added to UTMB’s popular dermatology film class during the 2012-2013 academic year (selective DERU-4051 and elective DERU-4007). It is the first film with subtitles to be included.

New PGY2 Dermatology Residency Position Available at UTMB for July 2013

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston has recently been approved for a permanent increase in dermatology resident complement from 10 to 12 residents. They are currently seeking to fill one residency position for July 2013. Applicants should electronically submit their cv, medical school transcript, all USMLE Step scores, personal statement, Dean's Letter, and three current additional letters of recommendation to rfwagner@utmb.edu by Friday, July 13, 2012, the application deadline. Only completed applications will be reviewed. Interviews are planned for July and August until the position is filled.

UTMB Increases House Staff Salaries

UTMB 2013 Dermatology Residency Interview Dates Announced

The UTMB Department of Dermatology will interview outside applicants for dermatology residency on January 31 and February 1, 2013.

“Outside the Match” Dermatology Residency Positions

Recent changes in the NRMP “All-In Policy” will have enormous impact on future dermatology matches. In the past, programs obtaining ACGME Dermatology Residency Review Committee permission to permanently increase their complement of dermatology residents and those who received new funding for pre-existing but unfunded residency positions typically offered positions outside of the match to fill these spots. Historically, there were usually several positions available nationwide following the March NRMP match each year. Programs would have 3 months to identify suitable applicants and offer them positions, usually following an interview. With limited exceptions, following September 1, 2012 programs will not be able to offer “outside the match” positions to applicants if their program is participating in the NRMP. This new policy will further complicate the March NRMP for programs, since some dermatology programs may be offering advanced residency positions to begin in July of the match year, and other positions to begin 16 months later. One potential undesirable outcome of this new policy for programs is that “same year” slots may not fill because of the competition for applicants who have already completed their required PGY1 for an advanced dermatology residency position.

PGY4 UTMB Dermatology Resident Publishes Scholarly Project about Laser Treatment for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Dr. Neda Nosrati, a PGY4 UTMB Dermatology Resident, has published her dermatology scholarly project entitled, “Efficacy of Nd:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa” in the peer-reviewed Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications (Volume 2, Number 2, June 2012). Her coauthors on this clinical research study were Drs. Lindsey Hunter and Erica Kelly. A full text PDF of this research is available at http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=20122Congratulations to Dr. Nosrati and her research team for this professional achievement. Dr. Nosrati will be joining a private dermatology practice in Dallas, Texas following completion of dermatology residency at UTMB in June 2012. All UTMB dermatology residents are required to complete a program required, scholarly  project related to dermatology during their three year residency program, and submit it for peer-reviewed publication since 2005.

Requirements for AOA at UTMB

There is little doubt that recognition of excellent academic performance in medical school through AOA membership is an advantage for applicants seeking dermatology residencies. Every US medical school has a chapter of AOA except for five. At UTMB, AOA membership is restricted to the top 16% of each class. According to the 2012 graduation program, UTMB uses weighted criteria for membership: GPA 40%, Step 1 20%, member vote 20%, and CV (20%). Most AOA members are elected as MS4s, but 9 of the 39 Class of 2012 were elected as MS3s.

2012 UTMB Dermatology Teaching and Academic Awards

Medical Students’ Award for Best Resident Dermatology Teaching: Ashley Group, MD 

Medical Student’s Award for Best Faulty Dermatology Teaching: Richard Wagner, MD 

Residents’ Award for Excellent Dermatology Faculty Teaching: Bernard Gibson, MD
Residents’ Award for Excellent Teaching by a Community Dermatologist: Moise Levy, MD 

Dermatology Outstanding Overall Resident Award: Ashley Group, MD 

Best Dermatology Resident Research Faculty Award: Ashley Group, MD 

 

Congratulations to all!

NRMP Summary of 2012 Dermatology Match

22 of the 23 categorical dermatology  PGY1 positions offered by 10 residency programs were filled by US MS4s (153 US MS4 applicants) and 1 non-US IMG. There were 107 dermatology residency programs that offered 340 advanced (PGY2) positions in 2012. There were 508 applicants for these positions (385 US MS4s). 288 (84.7%) of US MS4s successfully matched into dermatology positions, as did 34 US grads, 3 osteopathic students, 3 US IMGs, and 1 non-US IMG.  11 residency slots in 8 programs went unfilled. Dermatology programs needed to rank 5.1 applicants per position offered in order to fill all of their available positions; this is the highest number needed since 2008. 8.2% of US MS4s and 61.9% of independent applicants who only ranked dermatology as their specialty failed to match in 2012. Dermatology had the highest percentage of unmatched applicants who ranked only one specialty (38.8%) in 2012.

JAMA Author Takes Dig at Dermatology Resident Selection Practices

“A Piece of My Mind” is a feature of each issue of JAMA that has wide worldwide readership and high potential impact on public and professional perceptions of medical practice. In the May 23/30, 2012 issue, the author of “Considering Life Before Lifestyle” includes a jab at dermatology. During the author’s interactions with a MS3, the medical student told this him that he “…knew classmates who had hoped to become primary care physicians but who abruptly switched their focus to dermatology when they scored astronomically high on the USMLE Step 1 exam…” The author wrote that this medical student “…sensed that they had not developed a sudden passion for the immunotherapy of psoriasis, but rather an urgency to maximize their lifestyle now that their probability of matching had improved.” Obviously, this author’s perception is incorrect, and high Step 1 scores are not an automatic entry into a dermatology residency. Although important, dermatology is more than psoriasis. Likewise, the relatively few dermatology residency positions offered each year do not explain the national shortage of primary care physicians.

UTMB Dermatology Film Class Receives International Attention

Dr. Richard Wagner, Professor of Dermatology at UTMB, has published an original educational article entitled, “Teaching Skin Diseases to Medical Students through Film,” in the Spanish journal, Journal of Medicine and Movies 2012;8(1):30-34. His article is available online at: http://revistamedicinacine.usal.es/index.php/es/vol8/num1/682

Dr. Michael Wilkerson Now President of Texas Dermatological Society

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Wilkerson, Associate Professor of Dermatology at UTMB. Dr. Wilkerson was previously the president of the Oklahoma Dermatological Society when he lived in Tulsa.

UTMB’s Curriculum Committee Clarifies Selective Writing Requirement

For the upcoming 2012-2013 beginning in Period 1, the UTMB Curriculum Committee is requiring that the written product submitted by Selective students be at least 10 pages in length (not including figures, tables, illustrations and references).

Erik Malgerud Receives 53rd Annual National Student Research Forum Dermatology Poster Award

UTMB poster judges selected Erik Malgerud’s research, “Healing Efficacy of Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Skin Burn Wounds,” (Poster 286, page 85). His co-authors were H. Ito, A. Prasai, C. Finnerty, L. Traber, D. Herndon, D. Traber, and P. Enkhbaatar. Congratulations for winning this prestigious dermatology award!

2012 PGY4 UTMB Dermatology Residents Honored

Our three PGY4 dermatology residents were honored at the annual graduation party last week. Pictured (left to right) are Drs. Ashley Group, Neda Nosrati,  Sharon Raimer (Dermatology Chair) and Nate Davis. Dr. Group will stay on at UTMB as dermatology faculty, while Drs. Nosrati and Davis will join private dermatology practices  in Dallas and in Corpus Christi, respectively. Good luck in your careers!

Galveston AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Raises Over $6,000!

This past Saturday, May 5th, the UTMB DIG held our annual Galveston AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk at the UTMB Alumni Field House track. 40 people participated and raised $6,145 for melanoma research and awareness!  

Special thanks to the AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Co-Chairs, Miranda Uzoma and Donnie Warren, and all of the walk participants for making this such a successful event!

UTMB Dermatology Nurse James Wilson Receives Daisy Award

UTMB UHC Dermatology Clinic Nurse James Wilson (right) receives a 2012 Daisy Award from Cheryl Bryant (Assistant Director of Nursing Services) for the high caliber of nursing services he provides. Congratulations for winning this prestigious award! More information about the Daisy Award may be found at:  http://daisyfoundation.org/

UTMB DIG Bake Sale: A Great Success!

The UTMB DIG Bake Sale had a great turn out and we raised $135! Special thanks to Andre Pitt (MSII, right), Alexandra Acosta (MSII, left), Rebecca Philips (MSIV, middle) and Lindy Ross (MSII) for baking all of the delicious items, and for volunteering their time. Proceeds will go to the UTMB DIG, whose mission is to help raise funds for melanoma research and promote sun protection awareness.