Ranks Lists are in... Let's help next year's applicants!

Calling all seniors!

Let's help next year's students with their interviews and offer our advice from along the interview trail.

What questions did you get on your dermatology interviews?

We will compile a list to prepare our medical students for the upcoming application season.

Where did you interview? Help guide our future students about places to consider for their away rotations.

Thank you for your help with this project and best of luck to you all!

Please e-mail responses to Lindsey Hunter at lihunter@utmb.edu.

Passing Rates for the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) Certification Examination ("The Boards")

Does everyone pass the ABD Certification Examination on their first attempt? Sadly, no. Data published by the ABD this month indicates that for first time test takers who are taking the test during the same year they completed residency training, 4.5% failed the test in 2009. A higher percentages of this reference group failed in 2008 (4.9%) and 2007 (9.3%). For those repeating the exam and those who did not take the test right after completing dermatology residency, the failure rates were higher for all three years reported. This may be the reason why dermatology residents are studying all of the time during residency!

Rare Summa Cum Laude Dermatology Research Honors Awarded

Congratulations are in order for UTMB MS4 Audra Clos, who was awarded Summa Cum Laude Dermatology Research Graduation Honors for her UTMB Honors Research Program Thesis, "Characterization and therapeutic removal of amyloid deposits in cutaneous amyloidosis." This is only the fourth time that this honor has been awarded by the dermatology department, and the first such award since 2005. Nineteen UTMB medical students have completed the Dermatology Research Program since 2001, when this program was initiated.

DIG Success at Odyssey Academy Science Night

DIG members Michaela Marek and Kenne Ogunmakin enjoyed volunteering at Odyssey Academy's Science Night. The Odyssey students were excited to learn about sun-safe behaviors and make UV bead bracelets.

Thanks to our volunteers and to Odyssey for hosting us!

Want to set up your own Stay Shady! event? Contact our Community Service Officer Rebecca at rcphilip@utmb.edu.

What if I Don't Match into a Dermatology Residency?

Sadly, the national trend is that more and more qualified dermatology applicants are not matching. It is simply a matter of the math. Currently there are many more qualified applicants than available dermatology positions, and this gap seems to be increasing each year as more US medical schools open and established US medical schools continue to increase class size. Less than enthusiastic feedback from the Dean of Student Affairs early in the application cycle may be the earliest warning sign, based on previous medical student matching statistics from your school. Receiving few interview offers during the first dermatology application cycle may also signal difficulty matching.

Reapplication in a subsequent application cycle may be a consideration. Those considering reapplication should critically review their application. Reapplicants with a Step 1 score below the national dermatology average (240 but seemingly trending up) and not AOA may still find it challenging to get a residency position because of the initial applicant screening process at many dermatology programs and a limited numbers of interview spots. Clinical performance during the PGY-1 year is critically important for reapplicants, as is the type of program and the quality of the institution where the internship is taken. For reapplicants, dermatology program directors will usually want an evaluative letter from the PGY-1 Program Director or the Department Chair. Completing and publishing research started during medical school in peer-reviewed dermatology journals may also help some reapplicants match because it is recognized as difficult to accomplish during the internship year and shows strong continued motivation for a dermatology career.

Alison Wiesenthal Gets Grant for Health Fair!

Congratulations to our DIG Co-president, Alison Wiesenthal, for receiving a grant from the Dermatology Education Foundation & Aveeno.

This grant will support our activities at the Galveston County Health Fair on March 6th.

Please feel free to contact Lindsey (lihunter@utmb.edu) or Alison (acwiesen@utmb.edu) to volunteer at this event.

Great work, Alison!

DIG Meeting Recap 2-18-10

Tonight we had a great meeting. We discussed our upcoming community service projects including Miles for Melanoma (April 17th), Galveston County Health Fair (March 6th), and the Skin Cancer Screening (May 15th).

Thank you to Dr. Brent Kelly for his great lecture introducing us to dermatopathology.

We enjoyed having residents Dr. Mika Yamazaki, Dr. Neda Nosrati, and Dr. David Raimer, as well as our youngest DIG member, Austin Kelly. Thanks to all for joining us!

To get involved with DIG and our community service events, feel free to e-mail DIG co-President Alison Wiesenthal at acwiesen@utmb.edu.

Learn More about Experimental Cutaneous Amyloidosis

MS4 Audra Clos will present her UTMB Research Honors Thesis entitled, "Characterization and therapeutic removal of amyloid deposits in cutaneous amyloidosis" on Monday, February 22, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. on the tenth floor of the Blocker Medical Research Building (MRB) in Room 10.141. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially UTMB DIG members interested in laboratory research for their UTMB Research Honors Project. Refreshments will be served.

DIG Meeting Today! Feb. 18 5pm

Calling all DIG members!

Please join us today, Thursday February 18th at 5PM in the Dermatology Department conference room (4.112 McCullough Building) for our DIG meeting.

We are excited to have Dr. Brent Kelly present an introduction to dermatopathology and inflammatory reaction patterns.

Other items on the agenda include planning for upcoming events such as Miles for Melanoma, Stay Shady! presentations and the Galveston County Health Fair.

If you would like to attend the meeting but are not currently in Galveston, e-mail Alison Wiesenthal at acwiesen@utmb.edu, and I will set up a video or teleconference.

We hope to see you there!

Interview Faux Pas

The dermatology trail for most dermatology applicants is now over, ranking lists are being submitted to the NRMP, and Match Day is coming soon (March 18th). The UTMB DIG has compiled a list of interview faux pas from several dermatology programs that may be useful for future UTMB DIG applicants.

-Remember, residents and faculty at the program where you are interviewing may overhear you when you are speaking loudly on your cell phone outside of their offices. If they hear you say, "I can't wait to leave (name city or state)" it may not help create a positive first impression.

-Not all interviewers may want to look at the clinical pictures you took while on another dermatology rotation.

-Do not curse at the interview.

-Rehearsed responses may indicate insincerity if detected.

-Not interviewing with everyone on the interview list may signal lack of enthusiasm for that program (this is especially true for internal candidates and away programs that invite rotators to interview while still there).

-Not being in town the night before the interview when distance is an issue. Things can go wrong with same day travel arrangements, especially during the winter. If it is a risk you don't need to take (no interview at another program in a different city the day before where air travel will be necessary), it is safer to arrive in town the night before.

-Writing to programs after the interview that they are "at the top of my list," "in the top three," etc. This lets the program know that they are not your top choice.

UTMB DIG Co-President Coauthors Case Report!

Congratulations to Alison Wiesenthal, our UTMB DIG Co-President and coauthor of the recently published case report, "A firm plaque on the back of a newborn." The case report was published in the February issue of the Dermatology Online Journal.

Abstract:
We report a case of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn (SCFN), a rare disorder in term or post-term neonates. Although it is often associated with hematological abnormalities such as anemia and hypercalcemia, SCFN in this patient presented with hyperbilirubinemia. The course of SCFN is generally benign and self-limiting, though may be associated with complications secondary to hypercalcemia.

To read more, click on the following link:
http://dermatology.cdlib.org/1602/unknowns/unknown1/wiesenthal.html

11th Annual UTMB Dermatopathology Review

The annual UTMB Dermatopathology Review Course is scheduled for April 10th and 11th this year. For more information please visit the following website: http://www.utmb.edu/dermatology/dermatopathology/Dermatopathology%20Review%20Course.html

Academic Qualifications of Outside Dermatology Applicants Interviewed at UTMB

The UTMB DIG was interested about the academic credentials of non-UTMB MS4 applicants interviewed for the dermatology 2010 NRMP. Twenty-six applicants visited Galveston for their February interviews this year. They came from 15 different medical schools in 11 states, one as far away as California. Their mean step 1 score was 249 (n=26) and ranged from 222-267. Their mean step 2 score was 259 (n=13) and ranged from 210 to 275. All were elected to AOA. One applicant was board certified in pediatrics. One applicant was currently in a dermatology research fellowship. One applicant had done an "away" dermatology rotation at UTMB. All had research/publications. Several had Master's Degrees in other academic disciplines before going to medical school.

This information may be helpful to UTMB DIG members in evaluating their competitiveness for outside interviews at similar dermatology programs.

Grand Opening of University Dermatology At Bay Colony

Although UTMB dermatology residents and faculty have been busy seeing patients at our new Bay Colony Clinic (2785 Gulf Feeway South, Suite 165, League City, Texas; telephone 281-534-3376) for several weeks, Tuesday, March 2, 2010 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm will be its grand opening!

2010 Houston Dermatological Society Skin Cancer Screening May 15th

Calling all DIG Members!

Volunteer at the annual Houston Dermatological Society Skin Cancer Screening May 15th.

Help out at either of the two locations:

1) Screenings running from 10 am to 1 pm
University Dermatology at Bay Colony
2785 Gulf Freeway South, Suite 165
(next to 24 Hour Fitness at I-45 and FM 646).(281) 534-3376. Fax (281) 337-7035

2) Screenings running from 10 am to 12 pm
Stewart Road Family Health
6710 Stewart Road, Galveston, TX
(409) 744-4030

E-mail DIG co-President Alison Wiesenthal at acwiesen@utmb.edu to volunteer. Thank you!

Congratulations, Dr. Jennifer Vickers!

The UTMB DIG has learned that one of the current UTMB PGY-1 Department of Internal Medicine Residents has accepted a PGY-2 Dermatology Residency position at New York Medical College for July 2010. She will join another formed UTMB medical student, Dr. Laura Speck, who is also in dermatology residency at New York Medical College.

DermHub: Student-created Dermatology Website

DermHub (www.dermhub.com) is a medical student-initiated patient education portal and social networking community that centers around the skin. The site provides brief, concise descriptions of common dermatologic conditions in the hope that patients will better understand their diagnoses. DermHub also appeals to human interest by sharing individuals’ stories and providing dermatologists’ insights. In order to engage a wide array of readers, we reach out to individuals with normal skin by educating them about their largest organ, advocating skin care and sun protection, and explaining the ingredients found in products they may commonly use. DermHub is currently working on a sign-up feature that will allow for a more personalized reader experience.
DermHub is entirely student-run; we receive no outside funding or company endorsements. We are looking for dermatologists who are interested in contributing content (either individually authored or conducted in an interview format), serving on an Advisory Board, editing and reviewing posts, and/or recruiting interested medical students to participate in this educational endeavor. If you are interested in any of the above, or if you would like more information, please contact silvinapugliese@gmail.com.

DIG Meeting Thursday Feb. 18 5pm

Calling all DIG members!

Please join us Thursday February 18th at 5PM in the Dermatology Department conference room (4.112 McCullough Building) for our DIG meeting.

We are excited to have Dr. Brent Kelly present an introduction to dermatopathology and inflammatory reaction patterns.

Other items on the agenda include planning for upcoming events such as Miles for Melanoma, Stay Shady! presentations and the Galveston County Health Fair.

If you would like to attend the meeting but are not currently in Galveston, e-mail Alison Wiesenthal at acwiesen@utmb.edu, and I will set up a video or teleconference.

We hope to see you there!

Beach Run During Galveston's Mardi Gras Next Weekend

This year the Galveston YMCA will host a Beach Run during Mardi Gras on Saturday morning, February 6th. Additional information is available on their hotline number (409-763-4607), and their website is: https://webmail.utmb.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=9e2f562d583c41ba8edf4db2fe9c6995&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.mardigrasbeachrun.com%2fdefault.asp

Join in on all the fun for a very good cause. And please remember the sunscreen!

Dr. Cameron Coury Completes UTMB Dermatology Residency

Congratulations to Cameron Coury, MD, who completes her dermatology residency at UTMB today. Dr. Coury was one of the combined 5-year dermatology/pediatrics residents, but following the closure of this combined residency program at UTMB in 2008 after Hurricane Ike, Dr. Coury continued residency training as a full-time dermatology resident at UTMB. She is joining a private dermatology practice in Richardson, Texas (Dermatology Specialists, office telephone 972-699-0000).

Dr. Mika Yamazaki made this flower arrangement.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Heavy rainfall in Galveston this morning caused temporary street flooding around the UTMB campus this morning.

Volunteer for Science Night at Odyssey Academy

Join DIG at Odyssey Academy's Annual Science night:

When: February 17, 2010 5pm-7pm
Where: Odyssey Academy
2412 61st Street
What: Teach kids how to stay safe in the sun
Make UV Bead bracelets with the kids

Interested in participating? E-mail Alison Wiesenthal at acwiesen@utmb.edu.

False Health and Safety Claims about Indoor Tanning

The American Academy of Dermatology has issued a statement about the recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action on indoor tanning health and safety claims. It is available at: http://www.aad.org/media/background/news/Releases/American_Academy_of_Dermatology_Lauds_US_Federal_T/

Dermatology Times Offers Advice to Applicants

The January 2010 issue of Dermatology Times (Volume 31, Number 1) by John Jesitus, Senior Staff Correspondent, offers expert advice to dermatology applicants on page 26. To match into dermatology and to be happy with this career choice, you should be in the top 10% of your medical school class (unless there is a research background), become a mentor to students once you graduate, have a strong self-image so that negative peer comments about dermatology being less worthwhile than other specialties won't bother you, select dermatology because of your passion about the specialty (not because of perceived lifestyle benefits that may change with increasing governmental regulation), application to every dermatology program, and knowledge that most daily dermatology practice involves the management of only 5 or 6 specific diagnoses.

DIG Presents Stay Shady! at Odyssey

DIG presented "Stay Shady!" this week at Odyssey Elementary School. The first and second graders were enthusiastic about sun safety and asked many wonderful questions! Thank you to Odyssey Academy for being a great audience.

Interested in presenting Stay Shady! at another school? Contact our Community Service Rep Rebecca Philips at rcphilip@utmb.edu or Co-Pres Alison Wiesenthal at acwiesen@utmb.edu.

Former Dermatology Residents Visit Department Before Sunday Marathon

Drs. Julie Brantley (The Woodlands, TX) and Josh Dimmick (Springfield, MO) visited the UTMB Department of Dermatology on Friday, prior to their races in the Houston Marathon this weekend. They shared their experiences in their first seven months of private dermatology practice with our faculty and residents. It was great getting their feedback about our dermatology residency program now that they are practicing dermatologists. Good luck to you both in the upcoming marathon! We will all be cheering for you!

"Skin Diseases Depicted in the Cinema" is Ready for the Next Hurricane!

Our dermatology senior BSHS selective (DERU-4051) and elective (DERU-4007) have been improved so that in the event of another hurricane in Galveston, these courses will not be disrupted. Instead of using the dermatology conference room in the McCullough building on the UTMB campus in Galveston, the course will be relocated in the new dermatology conference room located at the dermatology clinic in the Bay Colony Town Center, League City, TX. In the event of another Galveston hurricane, students will be welcome to join Dr. Wagner in League City or teleconference with the class from any location. Dr. Wagner plans on contacting enrolled students via email with class details in the event of another hurricane. In the aftermath of another hurricane, enrollment restrictions are typically dropped and Dr. Wagner will permit over enrollment to accommodate students needing BSHS graduation or elective credit. This registration process is usually accomplished through email following a hurricane.

Skype Videoconferencing Comes To UTMB

Starting next week, UTMB dermatology residents plan on using our new Skype Videoconferencing System to link the two main dermatology conference rooms at UTMB in Galveston and the UTMB Bay Colony Clinic in League City. This will restore the option of traditional morning and noon academic conferences that were disrupted by Hurricane Ike in 2008, without additional resident and faculty travel, in addition to "Academic Friday" when the entire department meets in Galveston for grand rounds, lectures and journal club. The first joint videoconference scheduled is the dermatopathology textbook review.

UTMB Dermatology Resident "Cosmetic Boot Camp" This Friday Afternoon (1/15/09)

Dr. Erica Kelly, UTMB's faculty cosmetic dermatologist, will host another dermatology resident "cosmetic boot camp" this Friday afternoon following Dermatology Grand Rounds, academic Friday activities, and dermatology journal club. All ten of the UTMB dermatology residents will have enough product to treat two patients requesting fillers and two patients requesting treatment with neurotoxin under her expert supervision. UTMB dermatology residents typically feel very competent and experienced to perform these cosmetic and other outpatient surgical procedures once in practice due to the strong training UTMB dermatology residency provides in these subspecialty areas.

Reminder for National Student Research Forum Abstracts (due 1/22/10)

Submit your abstracts today for the 51st Annual National Student Research Forum!

Location: Galveston, TX

Date: April 22-23, 2010
Abstract Deadline: January 22, 2010!

The primary purpose of the National Student Research Forum is to provide a national scientific assembly, planned and managed by students for the presentation of research by medical students, graduate students, interns, and residents in the biomedical sciences. The Forum provides an opportunity for young biomedical scientists to receive critical analysis and recognition of their research efforts from established scientists.

For more information, go to https://webmail.utmb.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx or Contact Elisabeth Sanders at https://webmail.utmb.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx.

Visiting Medical Student Takes UTMB Dermatology Film Course

Dr. Wagner's elective film course, DERU-4007, "Skin Diseases Depicted in Film" seems to be getting more popular with medical students. Our first visiting student from Texas Tech's El Paso campus enrolled for this 4 week class during Period 7, that started on Monday, January 11th.

Doing Your Best at the Dermatology Residency Interview

Congratulations, you have received some dermatology interviews! That means that on paper you could be a good potential fit for the requesting program. While most undergraduate programs and some graduate schools, such as law schools, do not usually interview applicants but instead go with test scores and the GPA, as a rule medical schools and their postgraduate medical education programs (residency and fellowship) want to meet you personally before placing you on their match list. How do some applicants make a great first impression at their interviews while others are not as successful?

There is no doubt that interviewing for a dermatology residency can be stressful. Try to prepare as much as you can for the interview. Robin Ryan’s updated book, 60 Seconds & You’re Hired (2008), although not completely geared to the needs of dermatology residency applicants, offers valuable advice about improving interview skills. If you have time on the “trail“ this next month, it could be a worthwhile read!

UTMB Dermatology and Dermatopathology Alumni

Ashley Allison, MD
UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship: 2007-2008
Current Location: Dermpath Diagnostics, Birmingham, Alabama
Website: dermpathdiagnostics.com

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Stacy Russell Beaty, MD
Assistant Professor of Dermatology at St. Louis University: 2005-2007
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2005
Current Location: Northeast Tarrant Dermatology, Hurst, Texas: 2007-Present
Website: http://www.northeasttarrantderm.com/

Additional Information: Married to Drew Beaty, MD (allergist) with 3 children

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Alma Berlingeri-Ramos, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Texas Medical Branch
UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship: 2008-2009
Current Location: UTMB Department of Dermatology, Galveston, Texas
Website: http://www.utmb.edu/dermatology/faculty/index.html

Additional Information: Areas of special interest: Dermatopathology, Cutaneous Manifestations of Systemic Disease

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Julie Brantley, MD
UTMB School of Medicine: 2004
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2009
Current Location: Sadler Clinic, The Woodlands, Texas
Website: sadler.com

Additional Information: She has a personal interest in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Interests include traveling, exercising, spending time with husband and their bloodhound.

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David F. Butler, MD
Chair, Department of Dermatology
Professor of Dermatology
UTMB School of Medicine: 1980
Dermatology Residency: Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., Chief Resident
Current Location: Texas A&M Medical Center/Scott & White Clinic, Temple, Texas
Website: sw.org/dermatology

Additional Information: Interests and hobbies include golf, swimming, walking

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Conner Chan, MD
PGY-3 Dermatology Resident
UTMB School of Medicine: 2008
Current Location: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Website: lsuhsc.edu/dermatology/residency

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Catherine Chen-Tsai, MD
UTMB School of Medicine: 2002
Dermatology Residency: Roger Williams Medical Center - Boston University Medical School, Chief Resident, Boston, Massachusetts
Current Location: Chandler, Arizona
Website: evderm.com

Additional Information: She's married with 2 boys and a dog. She enjoys playing the guitar, singing, painting, traveling, and reading.

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Cameron Coury, MD
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2010
Current Location: Richardson, Texas, Dermatology Specialists
Website: dermspecialist-tx.com

Additional Information: Special interests include: pediatric dermatology, general medical and surgical dermatology, skin cancer management and surveillance and cosmetic dermatology.

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Josh Dimmick, MD
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2009
Current Location: Ferrell Duncan Clinic, Department of Dermatology, Springfield, Missouri
Website: ferrellduncan.com

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Dayna Diven, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1990
Current Location: Austin, Texas
Website: http://www.utmb.edu/dermatology/faculty/index.html
Publications: Dr. Diven's Publications

Additional Information: Areas of special interest include: Lasers in Dermatology and Teledermatology

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Marcia Driscoll, M.D.
Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1997
Current Location: Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Website: medschool.umaryland.edu

Additional Information: Dr. Driscoll is married to Dr. Brian Driscoll, an ENT/Facial Plastic Surgeon, partner in a private practice and part-time staff clinician at the NIH. They have 3 children.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Craig Eichler, MD
Chief, Division of Dermatology
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1993
Current location: Physicians Regional Medical Group, Naples, Florida
Website: physiciansregionalmedicalgroup.com

Additional Information: Special interests include: Skin cancer, dermatologic surgery, psoriasis, acne

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Emily Fridlington, MD
PGY-4 Dermatology Resident
UTMB School of Medicine: 2005
Current Location: University of Iowa Dermatology, Iowa City, Iowa
Website: uihealthcare.com/depts/med/dermatology

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Adrienne Glaich, MD
UTMB School of Medicine: 2003
Dermatology Residency: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Current Location: Jon K. Stern, M.D. & Associates, Houston, Texas
Website: jonksternmd.com

Additional Information: Dr. Adrienne Glaich was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She is a board-eligible Dermatologist with interests in general dermatology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Glaich is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Houston Dermatologic Society, Texas Medical Association and the Harris County Medical Society. She has authored over 20 publications in peer-reviewed medical journals. Dr. Glaich specializes in the treatment of skin cancer with a concentration in aesthetic dermatology through the use of chemical peels, Botox, cosmetic fillers and laser.

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Brent Kelly, MD
Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology, University of Texas Medical Branch
Co-Director, Dermatopathology Labarotory
UTMB Internal Medicine Residency: 2002
UTMB Internal Medicine Chief Residency: 2002 – 2003
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2006
UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship: 2006-2007
Current Location: UTMB Department of Dermatology, Galveston, Texas
Website: http://www.utmb.edu/dermatology/faculty/index.html
Publications: Dr. B. Kelly's Publications

Additional Information: Areas of special interest include: Medical Dermatology, Dermatopathology, Transplant Dermatology. Married to Erica Kelly, MD (dermatologist). Musician- guitarist, instructor, and writer; digital audio home recording. Family - raising three children. Outdoors - hiking, adventure vacations, soccer coaching.

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Erica Kelly, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Texas Medical Branch
Director of Cosmetic Dermatology
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2002
Current Location: UTMB Department of Dermatology, Galveston, Texas
Website: http://www.utmb.edu/dermatology/faculty/index.html
Publications: Dr. E. Kelly's Publications

Additional Information: Areas of special interest include: General Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology. Married to Brent Kelly, MD (dermatologist). Aerobics, Spinning, Weight training, Travel, Hiking, Digital Photography, Theater/Musicals

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Rebecca Kelso, MD
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2007
Current Location: Kelso Dermatology, San Antonio, Texas
Website: kelsodermatology.com

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Norma Magee, MD
UTMB School of Medicine: 2004
Dermatology Residency: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Current Location: West Lake Dermatology, Austin, Texas
Website: http://www.westlakedermatology.com/staff_magee.php

Additional Information: Dr. Magee enjoys both medical and cosmetic dermatology and has a special interest in treating skin cancer. She is a current member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, and the Dermatology Foundation.

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Amy McClung, MD
Dermatology Residency: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
UTMB School of Medicine: 2005
Current Location: Evans Dermatology Partners, Austin, Texas
Website: evans-dermatology.com

Additional Information: She is active in several medical organizations, including the AAD and the Texas Dermatology Sociey. She is an avid runner and has completed nine marathons. She is an active volunteer for Marathon Kids. She and her husband, Christopher, have recently moved to the Tarrytown section of Austin and have a young son.

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Catherine McNeese, MD
UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship: 2007-2008
Current Location: ReitPath Pathology, Austin, Texas
Website: Dr. Cathernine McNeese

Additional Information: Dr. McNeese is a member of several professional organizations including College of American Pathologists, American Medical Association, American Society for Clinical Pathologists and Texas Medical Association.

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Anthony Perri, III, MD
UTMB Dermatology: 2008
Current Location: Sadler Clinic, Conroe, Texas
Website: http://www.perridermatology.com/

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Matt Petitt, DO
PGY-3 Dermatology Resident
UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship: 2006-2007
Current Location: UTMB, Galveston, Texas
Website: UTMB Dermatology

Additional Information: He enjoys spending time with his two kids

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Jennifer Pike, MD
PGY-4 Dermatology Resident
UTMB School of Medicine: 2006
Current Location: Texas A&M Medical Center/Scott & White Clinic, Temple, Texas
Website: sw.org/Dermatology/Residents

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Jennifer Ray, MD
Dermatology Residency: Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
UTMB School of Medicine: 2005
Current Location: Skin Care Doctors PA, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Website: skincaredrs.com

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Allison Readinger, MD
Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist
UTMB School of Medicine: 2002
Dermatology Residency: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
Dermatopathology Fellowship: University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Current Location: Texas Dermatology Associates, P.A., Dallas, Texas
Website: texasderm.com

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Cecilia Rosales, MD
Assistant Professor of Dermatopathology
Dermatology Residency: University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine, Buenos Aires, Argentina UTMB Dermatopathology Fellowship: 2008-2009
Current Location: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
Website: bcm.edu/pathimmuno

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Monica Scheel, MD
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1999
Current Location: solo practice in Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Website: drmonicascheel.com

Additional information: She practiced with a dermatology group in Texas for three years prior to moving to Hawaii in 2002. She is a faculty member for the University of Minnesota Medical School and assists in teaching a course on integrative medicine to 4th year medical students. Dr. Scheel’s community service includes free skin cancer screenings in her office, at the Waimea Senior Fair and the Makalei Golf Course. She also lectures in the schools, to women’s groups and cosmetic practitioners about skin wellness and skin cancer prevention. Dr. Scheel is also a triathlete. She recently did the Ironman World Championship race in Kona Hawaii!

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Laura Speck, MD
PGY-4 Dermatology Resident
UTMB School of Medicine: 2007
Current Location: New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
Website: nymc.edu/depthome/academic/dermatology

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Brent Spencer, MD
Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon
UTMB School of Medicine: 2004
Dermatology Residency: Texas A&M Medical Center/Scott & White Clinic, Temple, Texas
Combined Mohs Surgery and Procedural Dermatology Fellowship: Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Current Location: Dermatology & Skin Surgery Institute of North Texas, Frisco, Texas
Website: dermntx.com

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Karen Sra, MD
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 2008
Current Location: Dermatological Association of Texas, Houston, Texas
Website: dermtexas.com

Additional Information: Dr. Sra has published over 15 scientific manuscripts in medical journals and books in the last few years. She has received numerous academic awards including 2 scholarships from the National Institutes of Health. When Dr. Sra is not working, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and running.

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Cloyce Stetson, MD
Associate Professor & Chairman of Dermatology
UTMB School of Medicine: 1994
Dermatology Residency: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX
Dermatopathology Fellowship: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 2000-2001
Current Location: Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, Department of Dermatology
Website: ttuhsc.edu/som/dermatology
Publications: ttuhsc.edu/som/dermatology/publications

Additional Information:
1998-2004: Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), Lubbock, TX
2001-Present: Assistant Professor of Pathology, TTUHSC, Lubbock, TX
1999-2001: Secretary/Treasurer, Southwestern Dermatological Society
2004-Present: Associate Professor of Dermatology, TTUHSC
2003-2005: Interim Chairman, Department of Dermatology, TTUHSC
2005-Present: Chairman of Dermatology, TTUHSC
Interests: Pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, Mohs micrographic surgery, general dermatology

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Kevin St.Clair, MD
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1991
Current Location: Ozark Dermatology Clinic, Fayetteville, Arkansas

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Jamison Strahan, MD
General Dermatology and Procedural Dermatology Fellow
UTMB School of Medicine: 2005
Dermatology Residency: University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
Current Location: Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, California
Website: lomalindahealth.org

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R. Stan Taylor, MD
Professor of Dermatology
UTMB School of Medicine: 1985
Dermatology Residency: University of Michigan Medical Center
Immunodermatology Fellowship: University of Michigan Medical Center, 1988 - 1990
Dermatology Surgery Fellowship: Oregon Health Sciences University, 1990 - 1991
Current Location: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
Website: utsouthwestern.edu/dermatology
Publications: utsouthwestern.edu/dermatology/research

Additional Information: Dr. Taylor, Director of the Skin Surgery and Oncology Clinic at UT Southwestern. He also serves as the Director of the UT Southwestern Melanoma Center, a multidisciplinary clinic which addresses the needs of patients with melanoma and those patients at risk for developing melanoma. His research interests include the use of digital technologies in the surgical treatment of skin cancers, genetic causes of skin cancer and the non-surgical means of treating skin cancer.

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Thomas Taylor, MD
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1964
Current Location: Wichita Falls, Texas

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Eduardo Tschen, MD, MBA
Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1980
Current Location: Academic Dermatology Associates, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Website: http://www.abqdermtrials.com/

Additional information: Involved exclusively in clinical research and has conducted over 2500 clinical trials

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Mandy Warthan, MD
Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist
UTMB School of Medicine: 2001
Dermatology Residency: Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia
Dermatopathology Fellowship: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas
Current Location: Warthan Dermatology Center, McKinney, Texas
Website: mckinneydermcenter.com

Additional Information: Dr. Warthan grew up in Nacogdoches, Texas - in a medical family; both her father and sister are also dermatologists. She has published extensively in academic journals and has been quoted in the New York Times. Dr. Warthan is highly trained in the latest developments in aesthetic dermatology, as well as the prevention and treatment of skin cancer and other diseases. She is committed to volunteering her time to others by participating in Melanoma Monday through the American Academy of Dermatology. She also actively participates in the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, the Ronald McDonald House, and Young Texans Against Cancer.

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Molly Warthan, MD
UTMB School of Medicine: 2004
Dermatology Residency: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia.
Current Location: The Dermatology Center, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Website: thedermatologycenter.com

Additional Informaion: She is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery as well as the American Medical Association.

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Karen Wiss, MD
Director of Pediatric Dermatology
Director of Dermatology Residency Program
Professor of Medicine (Dermatology) and Pediatrics
UTMB Dermatology Residency: 1989
Current Location: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Dermatology, Worcester, Massuachusetts
Website:http: umassmed.edu/derm

Additional information: Special interests include: Pediatric dermatology, epidermolysis bullosa, genodermatoses, midline developmental defects, childhood exanthems, medical education, pediatric laser, and journalology.

Along the Interview Trail

Calling all seniors!

Dr. Wagner has suggested we can help next year's students with their interviews and offer invaluable advice from "home." Let us know what questions you are getting on your dermatology interviews. We will compile a list to prepare our medical students for the upcoming application season.

Where are you interviewing? Help guide our future students about places to consider for their away rotations.

Thank you for your help with this project and best of luck to you all on your own interviews. Please e-mail responses to Alison Wiesenthal at acwiesen@utmb.edu.

DIGA Leadership Opportunities for 2010-2011

Applications for next year's Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) officers are now being accepted. The application process will be open until midnight on Jan. 15th, 2010. The application and instructions can be found on our website under "Public Announcement" at: http://www.derminterest.org/

Available DIGA Positions:

-President

-Vice President

-Webmaster

-Treasurer

-Secretary

-Community Service Director

DIGA leadership is a wonderful opportunity. Serving as National Community Service Director this year, I interacted with DIG groups across the country helping promote Stay Shady! and other community service projects.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Alison Wiesenthal
DIGA National Community Service Director
UTMB DIG Co-President
acwiesen@utmb.edu

Automatic Interviews Extended to Visiting Dermatology Elective Students

The UTMB Dermatology Residency Program has historically extended informal interviews to all UTMB MS4 medical students applying and to other applicants on campus, typically those in different residency or fellowship programs. Starting Period 6, 2009 (ended Friday, 12/11) these interview offers are also being given to visiting dermatology elective students from other institutions. Similar to the interviews given to UTMB MS4s, these dermatology interviews are informal and must be completed during the 4 week rotation. If possible, visiting students should schedule times to meet all of the UTMB dermatology residents and faculty, especially if they have not interacted with them in any of the UTMB clinics, lectures or conferences. As is the case for UTMB MS4s, dermatology residents and faculty may waive the informal interview request because of familiarity with the applicant during the rotation. These informal interviews are not the same as the formal February interviews that UTMB offers students from outside institutions (UTMB MS4s are excluded from these formal interviews as well). In the future, visiting students, similar to UTMB MS4s, may not receive any email interview communications through ERAS about their pending dermatology applications to UTMB, although UTMB may invite some of these visiting students back to campus for a formal interview, especially if the rotation was in the early part of the academic year.

UTMB Dermatology Resident Melanoma Research Published In Leading Journal

Second year dermatology resident, Dr. Matt Petitt, published his original research entitled, "Lymphatic invasion detected by D2-40/S-100 dual immunohistochemistry does not predict sentinel lymph node status in melanoma" in the November 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (pages 819-828). His coauthors on this study were Drs. Ashley Allison, Sharon Raimer and Brent Kelly from the UTMB Department of Dermatology, along with Tally Shimoni (UTMB School of Medicine) and Tatsuo Uchida (Office of Biostatistics). This project satisfied Dr. Petitt's UTMB dermatology residency program graduation requirement. It was a great experience hearing Dr. Petitt explain his study at the weekly Friday dermatology journal club meeting today, with Drs. Brent Kelly and Sharon Raimer in attendance, along will other dermatology faculty, residents and medical students.

New Enrollment Record for UTMB Dermatology Film Courses

Period 13 begins on Monday, December 14th and has set a new record enrollment for dermatology: Twenty-seven medical students are now enrolled in this popular UTMB class that offers a teleconferencing option to students who are not currently in Galveston (15 students in DERU-4051 and 12 students in DERU-4007, the elective version that is open for MS3 and visiting medical students).

Planning Ahead for 2010 Dermatology Applications

Matching into a dermatology residency program continues to be very difficult because there are so few positions available nationally and lots of applicants. What are the trends in dermatology applications, and what can be done to improve an application for next year?

Step 1: The average dermatology applicant score for those who match into a dermatology residency is above 240. Some residency programs use the Step 1 score as a cutoff to decrease the overwhelming number of applications to review.

Step 2: Currently, most dermatology programs do not expect to have Step 2 scores, but some do. Step 2 scores are usually higher than Step 1. Applicants should consider taking Step 2 in June, at the end of their core MS3 rotations in order to be considered at every program.

AOA: Half of dermatology matches are AOA members. It is a big advantage to be in AOA for dermatology applicants, because some programs use AOA membership as a screen for applicants.

School: Yes, it matters. Some schools never interview applicants from XYZ. Some programs have regional or state preferences. Students from medical schools without dermatology residency programs seem to be a a disadvantage in this process.

Multiple applicants from the same school: Yes, programs will compare students from the same school during the application process. Higher Step 1 scores and AOA membership are advantages, as are a PhD. An outstanding away rotation may also result in an invitation to interview.

Advanced degrees: A PhD will help at a handful of programs that do bench research, but there are not many of these (although they tend to be the larger programs). Other graduate higher education (MS, MA, MBA, MPH, JD, etc may also interest some programs especially if there are academic publications).

Away rotations: Statistics seem to indicate this can help some applicants. However, at many programs, an interview is not automatic. Some away rotations require an application far in advance of the elective date, so planning is required. Applicants who are not AOA or have below average Step 1 scores for dermatology applicants have the opportunity to make a positive impression during aways, especially at smaller programs with fewer visiting students.

Research: Almost every applicant has dermatology research now. High quality research takes time (IRB, data collection, data analysis, manuscript preparation, etc), and usually cannot be completed in the first half of the MS4 academic year (June to November 1), when most applications are due. The earlier substantive research is started, the better is the chance it will be completed by the application deadline. UTMB sponsors the Dermatology Honors Research Program, in which the participating medical student acts as the PI on an original investigation. It can be started as early as the MS1 year and may be completed before the ERAS application is due. Number of publications count, because it is rare for MS4 applicants to have more than 5 peer-reviewed publications (but those in their 2nd year of post-internship dermatology fellowship frequently do).

Awards: Always adds to an application. UTMB students sponsors many campus activities that may lead to student award, such as the MSSRP (Medical Student Summer Research Program between the first and second year of medical school) and the annual Forum on Aging. In addition, UTMB sponsors The National Student Research Forum each year, that awards for medical students and residents for dermatology in the categories of poster and presentation. Getting a dermatology award as an MS3 or earlier will get on your ERAS application. Included in this is the American Academy of Dermatology Diversity Medical Student Mentorship Awardees (about a quarter of them have been successful in obtaining dermatology residencies, including some UTMB students).

Letters: The sooner dermatology faculty at your school know about your dermatology career interest and become involved in your academic program, the better. Programs will look for letters from the dermatology chair at your school and your research project faculty. Your research mentor's letter is very important because this faculty has great insight into student academic potential and productivity, areas of interest to many dermatology residency programs.

Essay: Not too short or longer than one page. Try to make it interesting. Avoid spelling or grammatical errors. If you have any ties to the geographical location of the program, this is a chance to make it known.

Delayed graduation to do research: This can improve application quality if the additional research year has been productive with national presentations, publications and a strong faculty letter of recommendation.

Previous residency: Limits residency positions available for a dermatology match, but can be very desirable to programs if special clinical skills are involved (dermatopathology, plastic surgery, ent, internal medicine, pediatrics, rheumatology, allergy, infectious diseases, psychiatry) and a strong academic publication record was established during the prior residency. It also helps if there if a dermatology job is waiting for you at your previous residency institution or if a sponsoring institution is willing to provide funding.

Switching residencies: Often viewed skeptically by programs, because they may be next. Essay should have a very good reason for not completing the residency that was started, and letters from former chair and program director should support new professional goal.

Internship (PGY1): For those not matching into dermatology while a MS4, the quality of the PGY1 year will be considered by many programs. A strong preliminary internal medicine internship at a University Hospital with strong support letters from the Chair and Program Director should help generate interest.

Clinical Dermatology Fellowships: The best ones for applicants have a strong track record of taking their former fellows for dermatology residency positions after one or more years of fellowship work with them or those that have a strong historical record of fellow placements into dermatology residency programs. These fellowships usually involve clinical trails. During the fellowship, pre-dermatology fellows need to be presenting and publishing lots of research. Sometimes it is necessary to do several fellowships at different institutions before finally matching into dermatology.

ERAS: Saves lots of time but difficult to update programs about additional accomplishments after the ERAS application is submitted. Since many programs have a November 1 deadline and many try to offer interviews by late November or early December, non-ERAS supplemental information sent by applicants after the program deadline may have little impact on the decision process. However, once invited for an interview, supplementation of your application is generally considered.

Interview: Be yourself. Your application is under serious consideration. Don't get flustered. Don't be late. This is the one chance to make a great first impression. Read about the program and faculty research ahead of the interview. Try to have fun learning about a new program and a new city. Make the pre-interview dinner if there is one, because face time counts in this process.

Good luck with the application process!

American Academy of Dermatology Diversity Medical Student Mentorship

This is a very good program that has benefited past UTMB medical students. The application deadline is January 31, 2010. For additional information, please see http://www.aad.org/education/students/students.html