Do Dermatology Interviewers for Residency Applicants Need Online Training?

This suggestion for dermatology interviewers was made by Sbicca et al, in their September 2012 article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (67:429-35). As a follow-up study of their 2009 research, the authors again surveyed 2011 applicants to the Stanford dermatology residency program. The current study demonstrated that 2011 dermatology applicants were asked by programs to reveal ranking information, other interviews, and information about marriage and children. The authors’ concluded their article, writing “Perhaps with increased knowledge of applicant rights, applicants would be more inclined to report unethical behavior and interviewers would feel less comfortable breaking NRMP policy.”

Stay Shady! Looking for volunteers

The UTMB DIG is looking for volunteers to present our sun protection presentation, "Stay Shady!," to the students at Early Childhood University Elementary School 

When: Tuesday, October 23, at 2pm
Where: Early Childhood University Elementary School 7100 Stewart Rd. Galveston, TX 77551

This is fun teaching experience and a great way to get involved with DIG (especially for first and second year students)! Interested in participating? Please email Alex Acosta at kaacosta@utmb.edu

Reminder: DIG Meeting Tomorrow!

Join us for a Q&A Session with Dr. Richard Wagner, the UTMB Department of Dermatology Residency Program Director. 

Where: Dermatology conference room, 4.112 McCullough Building

When: Monday, October 1st at 5PM

Have any questions? Email Sheila Jalalat at szjalala@utmb.edu

The "Most Qualified" Dermatology Applicant

Who is the "most qualified" applicant for a competitive dermatology residency position? That depends on a variety of factors. Certainly getting an interview through the usual screening process means that based on the paper credentials presented, the applicant  meets the academic requirements for the program. Does this mean that the applicant with the best Step 1 score from the highest ranked medical school is an automatic match? Not necessarily. According to Bob Weinstein ("First impressions, body language just a few key interview lessons," Houston Chronicle, September 30, 2012, EE1), "Candidates who sell themselves the best in the interview process get the job." All dermatology residency programs are not the same, and candidates should expect programs to be evaluating applicants for their best fit with regard to candidate career aspirations and available program resources. 

First DIG Meeting of the year!

Join us for a Q&A Session with Dr. Richard Wagner, the UTMB Department of Dermatology Residency Program Director. 

Where: Dermatology conference room, 4.112 McCullough Building

When: Monday, October 1st at 5PM

Have any questions? Email Sheila Jalalat at szjalala@utmb.edu

Facebook and Twitter for Dermatology Applicants

Is it possible that Dermatology Program Directors, other faculty, or residents follow applicants on Facebook and on Twitter? While we are unaware that this is a current practice, applicants should be cautious about what they and their friends post (including pictures). This type of background research is certainly being done in other fields when businesses are interviewing potential new employees. It is not uncommon for businesses to google an applicant to learn more background information about them.

Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group Continues to Offer National Exposure to Dermatology Applicants

This year’s Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group (DTEG) meeting in Chicago on September 14, 2012 featured many medical students presenting their educational research. The DTEG meets twice each academic year, first in September at the annual meeting of the Association of Professors of Dermatology (APD) meeting and again at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Educational abstracts must be submitted prior to each meeting, and those selected for presentation are distributed to attendees. Since this meeting is well attended by dermatology program directors and chairs, it is an excellent opportunity for medical students interested in a dermatology career to meet interact with leaders in the specialty.

Melanoma Moulage for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)?

Educational research at the September 2012 meeting of the Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group  by Reddy S, Powers J, Jacob R, Wilson L, Belazarian L, Dominguez E, George P, Robinson-Bostom L, Avashia N, Wise E, Wang J, Geller A, and Garg A. entitled “The Skin Cancer Objective Structured Clinical Examination (SCOSCE): a multi-institutional collaboration to develop and validate a clinical skills assessment for suspicious pigmented lesions” discussed their experience with the use of a realistic melanoma moulage that was placed on the back of gowned  simulated patients requiring examination of the posterior chest  for respiratory complaints. This created a realistic clinical situation because many asymptomatic primary melanomas present on the posterior chest and removal of the gown during pulmonary examinations would permit the examiner with an opportunity to identify early melanoma and provide early intervention.

No Need to Attend Class!

Original dermatology educational research presented by Daniel Eisen from the University of California Davis at the September 2012 meeting of the Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group in Chicago yielded surprising results. Dr. Eisen and his co-authors Clayton Schupp, Lynda Ledo, and April Armstrong presented their abstract, “Does Class Attendance Matter? Study on Impact of Medical Student Class Attendance and Learning Preferences on Academic Performance in Dermatology” and reported that medical students attending an introductory dermatology course did no better on their final exam than students who did not attend class. Students who preferred watching the lectures online received significantly higher exam scores than those attending class.

Dermatology Residency News for Applicants from the 2012 Association of Dermatology Professors Meeting

Dr. Alexa Kimball’s annual review of the dermatology match, given to the Association of Dermatology Professors at their recent meeting in Chicago, contained valuable information for applicants. There were 10 less residency positions offered in the last match than the prior year. It is unknown if this downward trend will continue, although information from the Dermatology Academic Administrators Group Meeting indicated that at least one residency program may need to downsize in the future due to cutbacks in funding. Dr. Kimball also indicated that 70 to 80 percent of dermatology residency programs are now employing cutoff scores to screen applicants. Applicants with less than a 225 on Step 1 are unlikely to receive interviews at these programs. A Step 1 score of at least 245 was the “safe score” for dermatology interviews last year. On the average, programs interviewed about 33 applicants, and typically ranked 27. If an applicant interviewed at 5 different dermatology programs, there was a high likelihood for matching. However 10-15% of applicants with 5 interviews did not match into a dermatology residency.

"Stay Shady!" goes to Crenshaw Elementary School

On Friday, August 24, UTMB DIG member Alexandra Acosta (MS3) taught approximately 70 children, ages 5 to 10, about the importance of sun safety at Crystal Beach's Crenshaw Elementary School.  This fun, interactive presentation is aimed at making kids aware that the sun can damage their skin and inform them how to protect themselves.

Thank you to the students of Crenshaw for being such a great audience!

If you are interested in becoming involved in "Stay Shady!" events, please email Alexandra Acosta, kaacosta@utmb.edu.

National Lidocaine Shortage

Yes, there appears to be a national shortage of lidocaine according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, along with many other frequently prescribed medicines (see http://www.ashp.org/DrugShortages/Current/bulletin.aspx?id=859 ). Lidocaine is widely used by dermatologists and other health care providers such as dentists to provide local anesthesia during a variety of otherwise painful  procedures. While we are unaware of procedures being canceled due to the unavailability of lidocaine, it will be possible that this will occur in the future if none is available. According to the FDA website, the FDA monitors drug shortages but cannot require manufacturers to report the reason or duration (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm050792.htm ). 

Important Upcoming Examination Dates (and their registration deadlines)

Annual Dermatology In-Training: 2/21/13 (application deadline 11/15/12)

Dermatology Certification Examination (Tampa, Florida): July 15-18 and July 22-25, 2013 (application deadline 3/1/13)

Dermatopathology Certification Examination (Tampa, Florida): September 9, 2013 (application deadline 5/15/13)

Source: Dermatology World, September 2012, page 48.

Deadline approaching: Fundamentals of Pediatric Dermatology Conference

Residents AND medical students are welcome to attend the Fundamentals of Pediatric Dermatology Conference, where they can receive a state-of-the-art review and update of common and important pediatric dermatologic conditions, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. Presentations will include didactics, clinical photographs, and question and answer sessions. 

Registration is FREE for residents and students if completed by September 11, 2012. On-site registration will be $50 for residents and students. This conference will be especially helpful for dermatology and pediatric residents as well as students interested in either dermatology or pediatrics!

 

To register, call 832.822.3718, or send an email to laheras@texaschildrens.org. Provide your name, degree, medical specialty, facility, address, phone, and e-mail.

 

What: Fundamentals of Pediatric Dermatology Conference, Fall 2012 Meeting

Where: Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, Hermann Pavilion Conference Center, 6411 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030

When: September 15, 2012

Time: 7:30AM-3:30PM

Parking will be validated for those who use the parking garage located at Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza, 6400 Fannin.

Dermatology Applicant Publishes Handbook about Dermatogeriatrics

Congratulations to Jillian W. Wong, who has published an impressive, 148 page handbook, plus illustrations of common skin diseases in the elderly (Handbooks in Health Care Company). Ms. Wong collaborated on this text with Drs. Jashin Wu and  John Koo, a Professor of Dermatology at UCSF. The new book, funded by a $21,000 grant, was sent to dermatology program directors along with a letter of recommendation from Dr. Koo.  

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 Oppe Elementary School.

When: Thursday, September 20th, 10:30-11:00am

Where: Oppe Elementary 2915 81st Street  Galveston, TX 77554

This is fun teaching experience and a great way to get involved with DIG! Interested in participating? Please email Alex Acosta at kaacosta@utmb.edu

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.