American Board of Dermatology 2013 Board Certification Test Passing Rate

The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) reported to the Association of Professors in Dermatology (APD) at their 2013 annual fall meeting in Chicago that of the 446 applicants taking the one day examination during July, 435 passed (97.5%). However, the pass rate was higher for first time test takers (99.8%).

2013 NRMP Dermatology Analysis

Attendees at the annual fall Association of Professors of dermatology (APD) look forward to annual presentations by Dr. Alexa Kimball, the Senior Vice President of Mass General Physicians Organization and Vice Chair of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School. In the 2013 match, matching senior US medical students received a median of 10 interviews, while those who failed to match received 5. Independent dermatology applicants (those who were not US MS4s) received fewer interviews than US MS4s, and those matching were offered a median of 6, while those that did not match were only offered 1 interview. Only 50% of independent applicants matched last year, which may indicate that it is becoming more difficult for independent dermatology applicants to obtain a dermatology residency position. Last year, dermatology programs only needed to rank three applicants to fill each position that they offered in the NRMP.

New Approach to Dermatology Residency Interview at Loma Linda University

A presentation at the September 2013 Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group meeting in Chicago detailed a novel approach to dermatology interviews for residency positions at Loma Linda University (Leong T, Pugliese S, Torres A. A Unique Interview Requirement) over the past 7 years. Those invited to interview are required to present a brief PowerPoint presentation about themselves to those interviewing resident applicants. The authors thought that this interview requirement provided additional information about applicants related to success in residency, including skill in public speaking and social interactions.

Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) Officer Positions

The Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) is a student run, non-profit corporation committed to providing volunteering, networking, and research opportunities to students interested in dermatology. I am a previous Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) board member who will now be assisting the president this year. Due to transitioning issues, DIGA started the 2013-2014 academic year slower than in previous years. We are currently seeking medical students interested in a dermatology career to serve as a DIGA officer in the positions of: Vice President, Public Relations/Fundraising, Midwestern Regional Director, and Western Regional Director. A brief summary of each positions' roles is provided below. If you are interested in applying to one of these positions, please complete and send DIGA's Officer Application with a copy of your CV to 4griffijlg@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed and candidates selected on a rolling application basis.

To receive the application, please send an email to utmbdig@gmail.com

Brief Statement of Duties:

Vice President - This person will learn how to perform the duties of the President through assisting the President and Webmaster in the management of the organization and selection of next year's officers. Requirement: 1st to 3rd year medical student. 

Public Relations/Fundraising: The position's primary responsibility is continuing and starting new fundraising initiatives. He/she will also assist the Secretary in the management of DIGA's facebook page/twitter account and creation of semi-annual newsletters/emails to Dermatology Interest Groups (DIGs). These newsletters will include DIGA's activities, affiliated DIGs initiatives, and relevant/interesting updates in the field of dermatology. 

Regional Directors: Officers for each respective region of the country are responsible for collecting DIGs contact information. In addition, he/she will assist the Interview Database Director in contacting regional dermatology residencies to inquire about the program's participation in the Residency Interview Database this year. Participating programs will complete a brief (less than 1 minute) online survey as to the date of their interviews, pre-interview dinner requirements, etc.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me via email.

Best,
Jim

James L. Griffith, MD
DIGA Board Member
Email: 4griffijlg@gmail.com

UTMB Medical Student Presents Research At Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group

Sheila Jalalat, UTMB MS4 and DIG President presented podium and poster educational research at the September 2013 meeting of the Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group in Chicago. Her presentation was titled, “University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Dermatology Procedural and Surgical Skills Workshop.” Her coauthors on the presentation were Drs. Julie Martin and Richard Wagner. Dr. Martin is currently in private dermatology practice in Austin, Texas and Dr. Wagner is the Edgar B. Smith Professor of Dermatology and UTMB Dermatology Program Director.

Notes from DIG Meeting with Dr. Wagner on 9/17/13

UTMB DIG would like to thank Dr. Wagner for his very informative Q&A session on Dermatology residency and other related topics such as research, fellowships and electives. Below is a summary of the items Dr. Wagner discussed with the Dermatology Interest Group on 917/13.

1. Residency/Applicant Information:
a.   Dermatology is an extremely competitive field. Applicants who match into dermatology often have many publications, research experiences, volunteer activities, superior USMLE Step 1 scores, and belong to the AOA Medical Honor Society.  Many schools have USMLE Step1 cutoff to decrease the application pool. Of note, the dermatology department at UTMB interviews all of their fourth year medical student applicants. Overall, UTMB interviews around 30 applicants per year. In addition, UTMB is one of the few schools that offer the opportunity to do an Acting Internship in Dermatology as well as other courses such as Dermatology in the Cinema.

2. Research
a.   Research is highly encouraged for dermatology applicants and there are many opportunities to get involved in research at UTMB, both within and outside of the dermatology department. The key is to develop a project that matches your interests. There are diverse interests represented in the UTMB dermatology department that you can pursue, such as topics in general adult and pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, dermatologic surgery and cosmetic dermatology.
b.   It is never too early to start a research project – you can even start during your first year. Working on case reports and reviews is a great way to start learning to research articles and work on writing skills. The UTMB School of Medicine allows you to participate in a summer research elective between 1st and 2nd year. This is a good way to gain a research mentor, compete for various research awards, and perhaps even have the opportunity to get published. You can also participate in the Honors Research Program in Dermatology. The official deadline for the Honors Proposal is 12/31 of the third year, but extensions may be possible with permission from Dr. Simon Lewis. This research is typically completed and presented by April of the fourth year.

3. Step 2:
a.   Some students with lower step1 scores can take advantage of the opportunity of doing very well on step2 and in a sense “make up” for their former standardized test score.
b.   Step 2 scores are not required in order to apply for or to receive interviews from residency programs, but some programs are required to have your step 2 scores in order to rank you.

4. Don’t get in the first time?
a.   If you don't match the first year and dermatology is really your passion, don’t give up. It is very possible to match into Dermatology the second or third time around. There are a number of Dermatology research fellowships in the country that you can pursue after your intern year. The important thing is to be productive throughout the fellowship with multiple publications and the opportunity to become an expert on a particular topic of interest will add to your application. There are also alternative routes to becoming a dermatologist. For example, a pathologist who has completed a dermatopathology fellowship or a pediatrician may be attractive applicants to certain programs.

5   5. Dermatology Fellowships:

     a.   There are a number of fellowships that you can pursue after a dermatology residency, such as Pediatric Dermatology, Dermatopathology, Procedural Dermatology and Immunodermatology.

California Medical Student Co-authors Goeckerman Regimen DVD

Rishu Gupta has published a 12 minute DVD (“The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis”) about the Goeckerman Regimen that was co-authored by Drs. John Koo and Wilson Liao from the University of California San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center. This DVD was mailed to dermatology program directors for teaching the Goeckerman Regimen to dermatology residents.

UTMB Now Charging Visiting Medical Students for Electives

The UTMB DIG has learned that UTMB is now charging visiting U.S. medical students a $50 "course fee" for elective rotations in addition to several other administrative charges ($5 for pager rental and $5 for a UTMB identification badge).

UTMB's Chief Financial Officer Resigns

According to last week's Galveston Daily News (Elder, L. UTMB's CFO Elger resigns: Officials mum about mundane aspects of departure. Galveston Daily News, Friday, September 20, 2013, pages A1, A4). Mr. William Elger started working for UTMB in 2009.

Front Page Story About MD Anderson Faculty in Houston Chronicle

The Thursday, September 19, 2013 edition of the Houston Chronicle  has a front page story by reporters Eric Berger and Todd Ackerman (M.D. Anderson chief under fire from faculty, Houston Chronicle, 9/19/13, pages A1, A14). Results from a new faculty survey that were presented at the 9/18/13 faculty senate meeting indicated that faculty thought current administrative demands for more clinical revenue were compromising  patient safety. In addition, 70% of the faculty responding to the survey indicated they were considering leaving the institution. University of Texas System Chancellor, Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, attended the faculty meeting. The updated article is available at: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/M-D-Anderson-president-comes-under-fire-at-4825992.php

REMINDER: Tomorrow is the First DIG Meeting of the Year with Program Director Dr. Wagner!

Join us for a Q&A Session with Dr. Richard Wagner, the UTMB Department of Dermatology Residency Program Director. This session is a great way to get information on topics such as residency applications, matching, research and more!

Where: Dermatology conference room, 4.112 McCullough Building

When: Tuesday, September 17th at 5PM

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

Common Courtesy Sometimes Lacking by Medical Students

Dr. Alan Rockoff, a dermatologist, related his experience with a dermatology elective student in his September 2013 column (Under My Skin: Inconsideration. Skin & Allergy News, September 2013, page 9). A medical student who was going to specialize in family medicine requested a dermatology elective with Dr. Rockoff. The elective was arranged, but when Dr. Rockoff contacted the student the day before the elective was to start, the student responded that he had found another elective. Dr. Rockoff thought that the student’s behavior was inconsiderate and let the student know. The student apologized.

All of the communications between Dr. Rockoff and this student appear to have been conducted through email. Good communication requires that there is closure on each email. Students should always try to remember to close each loop so that each person understands what is going on. It would have only taken a minute for this student to email Dr. Rockoff when he changed plans for his final elective. That would have been the courteous and professional response.

American Medical News Stops Publication

Subscribers were surprised to receive their last issue of American Medical News (215,000 subscribers) on September 9, 2013. After 55 years of publication and a reduction of publication frequency to biweekly in 2009, this medical newspaper was not able to continue due to finances.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Drs. Mara Dacso, Julie Martin, and Leslie Scroggins for passing the certification examination given by the American Board of Dermatology on their first attempt! Dr. Dacso is currently a dermatopathology fellow and Drs. Martin and Scroggins are now in private dermatology practices.

First DIG Meeting of the Year with Program Director Dr. Wagner!

Join us for a Q&A Session with Dr. Richard Wagner, the UTMB Department of Dermatology Residency Program Director. This session is a great way to get information on topics such as residency applications, matching, research and more!

Where: Dermatology conference room, 4.112 McCullough Building

When: Tuesday, September 17th at 5PM

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

2013 American Board of Dermatology Certification Examination Results Coming Soon?

In 2012 the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) released the results of their Certification Examination results during the last week of August. July 2013 test takers are eager to find out if they were successful on this difficult examination! Hopefully they will hear from the ABD soon.

UTMB Discontinues Liver and Lung Transplants

UTMB announced this week that is was discontinuing its programs in liver and lung transplantation. However, UTMB will continue with its kidney and heart organ transplant programs.

Would you like a M.S. with that M.D.?

UTMB medical students are fortunate because of the opportunity they have for a Master's degree in Clinical Science that they may acquire during medical school. Up to 6 of our students each year may enroll in a year long specialized program in 36 hours of graduate studies and thesis work that leads to the M.S. degree. Typically our students take this program after their third or fourth year of medical school. Following completion of their Master's they complete the remainder of their M.D. program. Dr. Karl Anderson is the director of this program, and may be contacted for additional information.

Sometimes it Comes Down to the Interview

Does interview performance matter for dermatology residencies? Most interviewers would probably answer in the affirmative. How can applicants improve their chances of making a good impression at the interview? Reporter Mildred Culp shared her thoughts and advice from other experts on the topic recently ("Job hunters cut risk by not oversharing," Houston Chronicle, August 18, 2013, EE1.) Some applicants provide TMI (too much information) at interviews, and this response may lead to a negative impression or interviewer boredom.

Is Faculty Morale at MD Anderson Continuing to Deteriorate?

Reporters Eric Berger and Todd Ackerman (Houston Chronicle, "Survey finds M.D. Anderson morale low," page B3, August 23, 2013) reported that 56% of faculty senate members (126 respondents) at MD Anderson (MDA) responding to a  recent survey were likely to leave the institution within the next 5 years. Last year a survey of the entire MDA faculty indicated a 50% expected staffing turnover. According to the latest report, only 6% of responding faculty thought that MDA was "heading in the right direction." Results of the most recent MDA faculty senate survey will be discussed at an upcoming MDA senate meeting on September 18, 2013.

Could Your Voice Inflection Decrease Your Chance for a Dermatology Residency Match?

Houston Chronicle reporter Kyrie O'Connor published an interesting "Lifestyle" commentary in the Friday, August 23, 2013 newspaper ("Advice to young women: Lose the "sexy baby" voice," pages E1, E10). The author identifies "uptalking" (making statements sound like questions) and "vocal fry" (growling at the end of sentences or using a high pitch) as voice intonations that may unwittingly sabotage interviews or other social encounters. This article is available at:
 http://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/kyrie/article/Advice-to-young-women-Lose-sexy-baby-voice-4753550.php

Dermatology Residency Review Committee Sets New Procedural Standards for Dermatology Residents

The Dermatology Residency Review Committee (RRC) released new requirements this week for dermatology residents starting their dermatology residency on or before July 1, 2013. This new requirement represents a major shift from the Dermatology RRC, since they never before required specific numbers of procedures during dermatology residency. These new requirements may be found in the link below.

http://www.acgme.org/acgmeweb/Portals/0/PFAssets/ProgramResources/080_Minimum_Numbers.pdf.

Dr. Dayna Diven is the New Texas Dermatological Society President

Congratulations to Dr. Dayna Diven, UTMB SOM and Dermatology Residency Program graduate. Dr. Diven was also on the UTMB Department of Dermatology faculty in the past. She currently is dermatology faculty at the UT-Southwestern Dermatology Residency Program in Austin, Texas.

Interviewing Tips from the Houston Chronicle

Houston and Texas are currently leading the nation in job creation, and The Houston Chronicle has offered helpful interview tips for prospective employees. There is some valuable insight in the article that may be applicable to applicants for dermatology residency. This article may be found at: http://www.chron.com/jobs/article/5-things-that-will-make-your-interviewer-hate-you-4700988.php?cmpid=businesshcat

News about UTMB Pediatric Dermatology Rotation in Corpus Christi

Starting in the 2013-2014 academic year, UTMB Dermatology will no longer be sending dermatology faculty or residents for a quarterly clinic at Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi.

Meredith Revell, PA Joins UTMB Dermatology Department

The UTMB DIG welcomes Meredith Revell, PA, the first Physician Assistant employed by the UTMB Department of Dermatology. Ms. Revell is interested in pediatric dermatology, and it is anticipated that she will be able to increase dermatology clinic access for pediatric dermatology patients requiring management of common chronic skin diseases. She will practice in the dermatology clinic located in the University Hospital Clinics in Galveston.

Good Luck Nurse James Wilson!

Dermatology Nurse James Wilson’s last day in the UTMB Dermatology Clinic was on Friday, July 19, 2013. His service to the dermatology clinic was honored today by clinic staff. Nurse Wilson started working the dermatology clinic in 2009, and grew to be a greatly valued team member, especially on the Mohs service where he excelled in skin cancer nursing and wound care. He will be greatly missed by UTMB dermatology residents, medical students, medical staff, and most of all, our skin cancer patients for his exceptional caring and specialized clinical expertise. In 2012 Nurse Wilson received a prestigious Daisy Award in recognition of his nursing skills and professionalism. He plans to continue his nursing career at UTMB in the pediatric allergy clinic.

 

Thank you Dr. S. Robare-Stout for organizing this tribute!

DIG@UTMB 10th Year Anniversary

Today marks the 10th year anniversary since the creation of the blog. We gathered some of the past blog editors experiences with DIG and the DIG@UTMB Blog.

 “I wanted a way to communicate easily with the members and anyone who was interested in the DIG. The reason why I chose to blog rather than use a website was the ease of use as well as the fact that a blog is always "live." A website is a static affair. The blog combines the timeliness of a newspaper with the visual appeal of a message board. I am happy to see it flourishing and hope it continues to help many in their quest to become dermatologists.” –Creator, Dr. Tasneem Poonawalla

“Being in DIG was a great experience.  It helped solidify my decision to pursue dermatology and taught me skills that I still use today.  It is a very well rounded organization- with emphasis in education, residency application, and community service.”  -Dr. Leslie Scroggins

"I was lucky enough to be part of the DIG Blog during its earlier years when I think it really started to make an impact. At that time, people were only starting to explore the use web-based tools to more effectively communicate. The blog really started to take off the year I was a co-editor - more and more students, residents and staff, not only from UTMB, but also from all around the country, began to sign up to receive posts regarding current events in Dermatology, politics, research, and community outreach. The blog was also a really great way to keep alumni connected to the UTMB Dermatology Department which, now that I have graduated, is something that I appreciate even more!" -Dr. Mara Dasco

“The UTMB DIG was a great way to network with UTMB Dermatology faculty and residents, get the word out about upcoming news and events in the dermatology community, and help organize various events, like the melanoma fundraiser walk, Stay Shady sun protection and skin cancer awareness presentation, and the DIG suture workshop for students.” –Dr. Lindsey Hunter

“My introduction to the UTMB DIG was a Q&A panel with the UTMB Derm residents during my first week of med school. Before that meeting, I didn't know much about Dermatology, and I can remember being incredibly excited to explore the field after hearing the residents talk about their experiences. I learned more about Dermatology, the UTMB Derm department, and opportunities to participate in DIG through the DIG@UTMB blog, and later enjoyed being an editor for the blog. Throughout medical school I had a lot of fun organizing and participating in events such as our "Stay Shady!" sun protection presentations at local schools and health fairs. Additionally, I enjoyed getting to know the other medical students in the group, and appreciated advice from my UTMB DIG friends when it was time to apply for residency.” –Dr. Rebecca Philips

“Being involved with DIG early on let me know more about the field. I have always been impressed with the support from the faculty and residents with this organization. As co-editor of the blog for the past year, I have become particularly interested in the impact of the blog as a web-based tool for readers-I’m glad to be part of it!” -Sheila Jalalat, President

Thank you for sharing all of your experiences! We hope that DIG continues to be an organization and resource for those pursing dermatology!

Texas Has New Indoor Tanning Restriction

Beginning September 1, 2013, those under 18 years of age will not be permitted to use indoor tanning beds in Texas.  According to News-Medical.net

( http://www.news-medical.net/news/20130618/Texas-passes-legislation-to-prohibit-minors-under-18-from-indoor-tanning.aspx ), Texas joins California, Vermont, Oregon and Nevada in this public health effort to decrease the incidence of skin cancer.

Another Teaching Award for Dr. Brent Kelly

UTMB Dermatology Associate Professor and Dermatopathology Service Director received the 2013 Annual Faculty Teaching award from Pathology Department residents for the "Best Lecture Series" at the Pathology Banquet. Congratulations to Dr. Kelly for this professional recognition of his excellent teaching skills! He has previously received multiple dermatology teaching awards from the dermatology residents and medical students.

Annual UTMB Dermatology Department Award for Excellent Resident Research

The UTMB Department of Dermatology faculty have awarded its annual departmental award for excellent resident research in dermatology to Dr. Mara Dacso. Following completion of dermatology residency at UTMB this month, Dr. Dacso will begin dermatopathology fellowship at the Ackerman Academy in New York.

UTMB Melanoma Walk

On Saturday June 8, 2013, the UTMB DIG hosted the AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk at the UTMB alumni track. The AIM mission is to increase support for melanoma research; to promote prevention and education among the general public and medical professionals; and to provide comprehensive and easily accessible melanoma resources for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Participants from the community showed their support by spending their Saturday morning walking or running 3.2 miles around the track (with sunscreen protection, of course). The 2013 AIM walk at UTMB was a very successful event. Thank you organizers and participants!

Picture (left to right): 2013 UTMB AIM for a Cure Melanoma Walk Participants Adrian Subrt, Andre Pitt, Ford Pierson and Lindy Ross

UTMB DIG Recognizes Dr. Richard Wagner

UTMB Dermatology Interest Group recently recognized Dr. Richard Wagner, the UTMB DIG Faculty Advisor and Residency Program Director, for the support and guidance he has provided for the DIG members and other students interested in pursuing dermatology. As faculty sponsor and mentor for many projects and publications throughout the years, students have had the opportunity to get involved in research and other educational experiences including the Research Honors Program. Thank you, Dr. Wagner! 

Dermatologists Still the Happiest Physicians

Editor Dr. Joel Schlessinger (Chief Cosmetic Surgery Editor) reviewed data published by Medscape in the May 2013 issue of Practical Dermatology (Volume 10, Number 5, Page 9). He reported that 59% of dermatologists are satisfied with their specialty, and that 74% would select dermatology again if given a choice. According to the Medscape report, the mean dermatology salary was $306,000 in 2012; this was the 8^th highest paid specialty. Dr. Schlessinger noted that physicians in more highly compensated specialties, such as orthopedics (first ranked for compensation) and plastic surgery (ranked 7^th in compensation, just ahead of dermatology) expressed lower overall satisfaction than dermatologists.

UTMB Dermatology Residents Present 2013 Faculty Teaching Awards

Each year the UTMB dermatology residents select a UTMB dermatology faculty and a community dermatologist and recognize their excellent teaching. This year the award winners are:

 

UTMB Dermatology Faculty: Dr. Cris Berlingeri

 

Community Dermatologist: Dr. Ramon Sanchez

 

Congratulations on this recognition for your teaching excellence by the UTMB dermatology residents!

UTMB DIG Honors Resident and Faculty for Excellent Teaching

Each year the UTMB MS4 DIG members select a UTMB PGY4 dermatology resident and a faculty for their annual Excellence in Teaching Awards. It is always difficult to make a selection for these awards because of all the excellent teaching done by the dermatology residents and faculty at UTMB.   For the 2012-2013 academic year, the award winners are:

 

Resident Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Mara Dacso

 

Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Brent Kelly

 

Congratulations for these well-deserved recognitions by UTMB Medical Students!

UTMB SOM Alum Publishes in New England Journal of Medicine

PGY4 dermatology resident, Dr. Jennifer Vickers has published her electronic case report (“Images in Clinical Medicine” section of the New England Journal of Medicine (June 7, 2013, e31) about a child with scombroid poisoning from eating canned mackerel. Her co-author is the Department of Dermatology Chair at New York Medical College, Dr. Bijan Safai, where Dr. Vickers is completing dermatology residency.

Reminder Tomorrow: AIM For A Cure Melanoma Walk

Come help the UTMB DIG raise melanoma awareness and support melanoma research by participating in our annual AIM For A Cure Melanoma Walk.

Date: Saturday, June 8, 2013 

Time: Registration at 7:00 AM; Walk begins at 7:30 AM

Walk Location: UTMB Alumni Field House, 215 Holiday Dr., Galveston, TX 77555

Additional Info: There is NO fee to register. Each participant is encouraged to raise at least $50. 

To Register and/or Donate: Click on the following link: http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/galveston-2013.html

DIG Sensitive Skin Hand Sanitizer and Bake Sale-Success!

DIG@UTMB had its annual Sensitive Skin Hand Sanitizer and Bake Sale last Thursday was a great success. Though UTMB DIG has been doing the annual bake sale for years, we decided to incorporate selling hand-made sensitive skin hand sanitizers and it turned out great. We raised about $130!

A special appreciation goes out to the DIG officers for baking the desserts for the sale and for volunteering to work the sale.

Proceeds will go to the UTMB DIG, whose mission is to help raise funds for melanoma research and promote sun protection awareness. 

Pictured above: Left-Will Tausend (DIG Vice President, MSIII) and Right-Sheila Jalalat (DIG President, MSIII). 

Not Pictured: Alex Acosta(MSIII), Lindy Ross(MSIII), Trisha Patel(MSIII), and Mac Dung(MSI)