UTMB Department of Dermatology Announces 2020 Graduation Awards

Thomas W. Freese MD Memorial Endowment for Excellence in Dermatology: Caroline Crain

Edgar B. Smith MD Endowed Scholarship Award in Dermatology Research: Michael Ryan

History of Dermatology Award: Corley Pruneda (“1920 Bubonic Plague in Galveston”)

Skin Disease Depicted in Cinema Award: Ronan Allencherril: “For Richer, for Poorer, for Fairer, for Darker: Skin Color in Marriage, Attraction, and Film”

Congratulations to all of the awardees!

UTMB Mohs Team Publishes Article

Congratulations to Dr. J. Croley, a current PGY4 UTMB dermatology resident and the Mohs Fellow for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year. Her article,"Reconstruction of Medium to Large Scalp Defects by Progressive Tightening of Pulley Sutures for Staged Primary Closure" was published in the June 2020 issue of Dermatologic Surgery (46:837-839). Her co-authors were Drs. Helen Malone (former UTMB Mohs fellow and current Mohs faculty at Baylor Houston), J. Hirshburg (former UTMB Mohs fellow and current Mohs faculty at University of Oklahoma) and R. Wagner (UTMB Mohs Fellowship Program Director).

Dermatology Program Directors Consensus Statement

Informative and reassuring information about the 2020-2021 academic year for dermatology applicants from dermatology program directors:

https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fastly.net/production/media/filer_public/54/e7/54e7b3b5-18cf-439b-97a1-12e7b8ff4a2c/dermatology_program_director_statement_on_2020-21_application_cycle.pdf

No Away Dermatology Rotations for UTMB MS4s This Year

Due to the COVID-19 emergency, UTMB will not permit its students to take away dermatology rotations at other institutions during the 2020-2021 academic year. Fortunately for our students, the Department of Dermatology at UTMB offers a wide array of clinical and didactic electives and Selectives, including courses that satisfy UTMB’s Acting Internship and BSHS writing requirements.

Bloomberg Businessweek Publishes Article Critical of Private Equity Dermatology Practices

Those with an interest in dermatology might be interested in reading reporter Heather Perlberg’s article, “First, do no harm Maximize free cash flow: How private equity is ruining American health care” that was published in the May 25, 2020 issue of Bloomberg Businessweek (pages 52-57). An interview with the author is available online at https://www.bloomberg.com/news/audio/2020-05-20/how-private-equity-is-ruining-us-health-care-perlberg-radio

New UTMB Dermatology Publication in JAAD Case Reports

Congratulations to Michael Ryan, immediate past-president of the UTMB DIG, with his first author publication, "Multiple subcutaneous juvenile xanthogranulomas with a blue hue in a neonate: An atypical presentation" that was published in JAAD Case Reports (Volume 6, Issue 6). His coauthors were PGY4 UTMB dermatology resident Adam V. Nguyen, UTMB Associate Professor of Pediatrics Morning Matthew J. Hay, Brent C. Kelly (UTMB Professor Dermatology) and Sharon S. Raimer (former UTMB Dermatology Chair). 

Congratulations Dr. Julie Boisen

Dr. Julie Boisen graduated from UTMB SOM in 2016 and was commissioned as an Officer in the US Navy. She matched into dermatology residency at Baylor-Scott & White in Temple, Texas for July 2021. Congratulations Dr. Boisen! We look forward to seeing you again at upcoming Texas Dermatological Association meetings.

Congratulations Dr. Adam Nguyen!

Dr. Adam Nguyen, a PGY4 UTMB dermatology resident, received the Department of Dermatology nomination for the UTMB 2020 Outstanding Resident of the Year. Nominations for this honor were made by UTMB dermatology residents who provided information about how their nominee met the award criteria determined by the UTMB Graduate Medical Education Committee. All nominees were reviewed by the dermatology faculty for the final selection. Dr. Nguyen distinguished himself as the Chief Dermatology Resident for Medical Student Education during the 2019-2020 academic year. With a record number of rotating students from other institutions, as well as our 4 own internal applicants, he devoted considerable time and effort organizing their lecture and clinic schedules. It was fitting that UTMB MS4s recognized him with their annual award for Excellent Dermatology Teaching by a Dermatology Resident. Thank you Dr. Nguyen for improving the academic and clinical experiences for medical students this year!

UTMB DIG 2020 Annual Dermatology Teaching Awards

Each year graduating MS4 UTMB DIG members recognize the dermatology resident and faculty who have contributed the most to their dermatology education. This is always a difficult decision because of the excellent quality of teaching provided by all dermatology residents and faculty at UTMB. This year the awards for excellent dermatology teaching were given to:

Resident Award: Adam Nguyen, MD

Faculty Award: Kathleen Kroger, MD

Congratulations!

UTMB Dermatology Residents Recognize Excellence in Dermatology Teaching 2019-2020

Each year all of the UTMB dermatology residents meet to decide the annual faculty teaching awards. Two awards are given, one to a UTMB dermatology faculty and the other to a community dermatologist who have contributed the most to resident dermatology education over the past academic year. The decision is always difficult because the UTMB Department of Dermatology has a great depth of excellent teachers in all areas of dermatology. This year the awardees are:

Faculty Dermatology: Kathleen Kroger, MD

Community Dermatology: Rebecca Philips, MD

Congratulations!

More Thoughts About Decreasing Dermatology Residency Interview Costs

Congratulations to UTMB DIG President Michael Ryan and Dr. Richard Wagner, UTMB Dermatology Program Director for their recent article in Cutis,

“More on How to Decrease Dermatology Interview Costs.” This commentary appears in the May 2020 issue (105:263-264), and is available at https://www.mdedge.com/dermatology/article/221778/mixed-topics/more-how-decrease-dermatology-interview-costs

More on How to Decrease Dermatology Interview Costs | MDedge Dermatology To the Editor: Ongoing concern about the high costs of dermatology residency interviews has led to several cost-saving proposals, as presented by Hussain 1 in the Cutis article, “Reducing the Cost of Dermatology Residency Applications: An Applicant’s Perspective.” Additional strategies to reduce applicant costs include eliminating travel costs through video or telephone interviews ... www.mdedge.com

New UTMB Dermatology Publication in SKIN

Congratulations to Drs. Julie Croley (PGY4 UTMB Dermatology Resident) and Dr. Janice Wilson (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Associate Program Director, Dermatopathology Fellowship) for their recent publication, “Generalized lichen nitidus in a middle-aged adult” in Volume 4, Issue 2 of SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine (“Brief Articles” section). SKIN is a peer-reviewed bimonthly publication. For additional information about this publication, please see https://jofskin.org/index.php/skin/article/view/659 Dr. Matthew LaCour, UTMB SOM 2019 was the first author. He will be a dermatology resident at LSU in July 2020.

Welcome UTMB 2020-2021 Dermatology Chief Residents

Welcome UTMB’s new Dermatology Chief Residents for the 2020-2021 Academic Year:

Kristyna Gleghorn, MD: Chief Scheduling Resident

Seena Monjazeb, MD: Chief Conference Resident

Swami Sundaresan, MD: Chief Medical Student Resident

Frank Winsett, MD: Chief Academic Resident

We look forward to working with you!

2020 National Student Research Forum Canceled

The 2020 National Student Research Forum has been canceled due to COVID-19.

UTMB DIG Elects New 2020-2021 Officers

Congratulations to next year's DIG officers!

President:
Elise Weisert MS3

emweiser@utmb.edu

Vice President:
Michael Phan MS2

Stay Shady Chairs:
Ben Garcia MS1
Will Meyer MS1
Committee:
Andrea Francis MS1
Gregory Ugoh MS1

Fundraising Chair:
Claire Culbertson MS1
Committee:
McKenzi Poehl MS1
Leena Munawar MS3

Melanoma Walk Chair:
Kristen Kay MS1
Committee:
Natalya Gallaga MS3
Nikke Tweet MS1

Psoriasis Chair:
Sarah Kesaria MS2
Committee:
Tony Jimenez MS3

Diversity and Tabling Chair:
Bianca Uzoma MS2
Committee:
Brenda Carillo MS1

Research Chair:
Renat Ahatov MS2

Virtual DIG Meeting 3/31/20 @ 5PM: Post Match Q&A and Officer Elections

UTMB DIG will be holding a post match panel with this year's matched fourth year medical students. They will talk about the process of applying to dermatology and answer any questions proposed by the attendees. The meeting will be held virtually through Zoom. Please email Caroline Crain (cbcrain@utmb.edu) in order to be added to the Zoom.

Additionally we will be holding officer elections. If you are interested in a position you will need to email 3-5 sentences about why you would be a good fit for the position to Michael Ryan (mpryan@utmb.edu). If you are interested in multiple positions, you can write multiple blurbs, however, at the end of the selection process each person will only hold one officer position. The list of open officer positions and their necessary qualifications are below:

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

-Open to Current MS2s Only

-Preference given to students who will be applying to dermatology residency.

-Preference given to current officers

Stay Shady Chairs (2):

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

-Preference given to current MS1s

Melanoma Walk Chair (1):

- Coordinate Annual Melanoma Walk

- Open to any year medical student

Psoriasis Chair (1):

- Plan Psoriasis Walk

- Open to any year medical student

Bake Sale Chair (1):

- Plan and Coordinate Fall and Spring DIG Bake Sale

- Open to any year medical student

Diversity Chair (1):

- Promote Diversity and run the booth for Welcome Weekend

- Open to any year medical student

Committee member positions are also available in which you can assist each respective chair in their duties.

Congratulations Dr. Matt LaCour!

Dr. LaCour (UTMB SOM 2019) will be starting dermatology residency this July at LSU in New Orleans!

Meet UTMB’s Newest Dermatology Residents (Results of 2020 NRMP)

Starting 7/1/20

Ayezel Munoz Gonzalez, MD (Universidad Central de Venezuela)

Starting 7/1/21

Caroline Crain (UTMB)

Alissa Redko (McGovern Med School UT Houston)

Kaitlyn Streight (Baylor College of Medicine)

Timothy Tran (Texas Tech U HSC Foster SOM)

Emily Williams (University of Oklahoma)

Congratulations to all! The UTMB DIG is looking forward to working with you!

2020 Melanoma Walk

The 2020 Melanoma Walk on the historic Galveston Seawall that was scheduled for April has been canceled due to COVID-19.

100% Dermatology Match Rate for UTMB Seniors

All four UTMB MS4s matched into dermatology this year:

Caroline Crain                  

Transitional: Presence Resurrection Med Ctr, Chicago, IL

Dermatology: University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX

Maureen Ezekor               

Transitional: HCA Houston Healthcare/U of Houston, Houston, TX

Dermatology: Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC

Corley Pruneda               

Transitional: John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, TX

Dermatology: Texas Tech University Affiliate, Lubbock, TX

Michael Ryan                   

Transitional: Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, CA

Dermatology: Univ of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr, Houston, TX

Update on St. Vincent's

St. Vincent’s clinics have announced that they will not have student volunteers at this time. Students who have already volunteered are asked not to come.

UTMB Cancels Medical Student Clinical Rotations Through April 3, 2020

Effective immediately through April 3, 2020, UTMB SOM is suspending all medical student clinical rotations at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston School of Medicine.

UTMB Match Ceremony Cancelled

Due to COVID-19, UTMB has cancelled any in person match day events and recommends against any large gatherings. Match results will now be sent directly to students from the UTMB Student Affairs Office via email at 11:00 am on Friday.

2020 TDS Spring Meeting Canceled

Due to COVID-19, the Texas Dermatological Society has canceled its 2020 spring meeting.

UTMB Dermatology Matches All NRMP Residency Positions

UTMB has matched for the 1 Physician Only position starting in July 2020 and for 5 Advanced dermatology residency positions starting in July 2021.

2020 UTMB Annual Dermatopathology Board Review Class Canceled

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the 2020 Annual UTMB Dermatopathology Board Review Course has been canceled.

AAD Cancels 2020 Annual Meeting

Due to COVID-19 concerns, the AAD President announced late yesterday that the AAD 2020 meeting scheduled for later this month in Denver will not be held.

UTMB Announces Changes to 2020 Match Ceremony Attendance

Due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, UTMB has implemented new rules for visitors and their access to the UTMB campus. In an email sent to medical students on Friday, the school of medicine announced that “All incoming (visiting) domestic and international travel by learners and/or visitors is suspended until further notice. As such, we will require that anyone entering the match ceremony show their UTMB badge." This means that the official match day events will not be open to non-UTMB friends and family, but UTMB students and employees with proper identification will be able to attend the ceremony.

Volunteers Needed for Dermatopathology Review Course

UTMB will be hosting a dermatopathology review course for Texas dermatology residents on April 4th 2020. The department is in need of volunteers who will act as guides to help direct attendees from the parking areas to where the sessions will be held. Volunteers will need to arrive at 7:50 am and can leave once the attendees have arrived and the conference has started. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and enjoy the complimentary breakfast. Please email Michael Ryan (mpryan@utmb.edu) to be put on the volunteer list and for more information!

March St. Vincent's Dermatology Night Cancelled

There will not be a dermatology night in March as St. Vincent's will be holding their annual benefit fundraising concert on the night of March 5th. The next dermatology night will be the first Thursday of April (4/2/2020) at 5:30pm. UTMB DIG will post a reminder for the April dermatology night in the weeks before.

Dermatology Residency Applications: Does the Personal Statement Matter?

Yes, according to a new study published in the February 2020 issue of Cutis (105:83-85). The authors found that personal statements containing a dermatologic case had a significantly positive impact on matching into a dermatology residency (p=.013), while personal statements that contained name dropping (p=.014) and religious influences (p=.002) significantly decreased chances of a dermatology match.

UTMB Dermatology Getting Ready for Match Day

The NRMP Rank List Deadline is Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 9 pm ET. Match Day is Friday, March 20, 2020. Good luck everyone!

UTMB Has Two NRMP Program Codes for 2020

This year UTMB has two NRMP Program codes:

1714080R0 (1 position, “Physician Only,” start dermatology residency in July 2020)), only applicants who have completed PGY1 by June 30, 2020 are eligible

1714080A0 (5 positions, “Advanced,” start dermatology residency in July 2021)

Please make sure that your program rank order list is sent to the correct program(s)!

Changes in Step 1 Scoring Could Impact Dermatology Residency Application Cycle

The recent decision to change graded Step 1 examination scores to Pass or Fail starting with incoming medical students (Class of 2024) may have a major impact on future dermatology applicants. Some current applicants do not finalize their decision to apply for dermatology residency positions until they receive Step 1 scores high enough to put them in a competitive position for the dermatology match. However, even with a high Step 1 score, deciding to apply for dermatology residency during the MS3 year typically had the disadvantage of relatively less dermatology research presentations/publications, volunteer work, and professional networking with home school dermatology faculty than applicants that were committed to a dermatology career as early as MS1. Now with no Step 1 score to encourage additional dermatology applicants during their third year of medical school, some may wait for Step 2 scores that will probably not be available until the beginning of their MS4. Those waiting to start dermatology research  and other dermatology interest activities during the summer before ERAS applications open may find that their applications are not as competitive as in the past when they had about a year to demonstrate strong interest in dermatology, and may benefit from delaying graduation from medical school and taking a dermatology research year to increase the competitiveness of their dermatology residency application.

Upcoming Scoring Change For USMLE Step 1

Today the Invitational Conference on USMLE Scoring (INCUS) released their decision after a months-long deliberation examining scoring methods for Step 1 of the USMLE. Step 1 will no longer have a three digit score, and will instead show only a pass/fail designation. Scoring for the other USMLE Step exams will not be changing. The exact details on how this transition will occur is not yet available; however this change will not occur any earlier than January 1st 2022. The final decision put out today by the INCUS can be read here: https://www.usmle.org/incus/#decision

UTMB DIG Hosts Dermatology Advising Meeting for Rising 4th Years

On Monday February 10th UTMB DIG met with current third year medical students planning on applying to dermatology residency. Many topics were covered including: planning 4th year classes, scheduling Step 2 CS and CK, applying for away rotations, acquiring letters of recommendation, and coming up with alternative plans in the case of a failure to match. UTMB Dermatology program director Dr. Richard Wagner was present to answer questions and provide advice as well as several current fourth year medical students who were able to speak to the process as well. Participants had a chance to ask any other questions they might have had and were put in contact with upperclassmen who could provide mentoring!

UTMB Dermatology Faculty Elected to Small Departments representative at-large to the Faculty Group Practice (FGP) Clinical Operations Committee

Congratulations Dr. Erica Kelly!

Time to Get Ready for Spring Texas Dermatological Society (TDS)

The spring TDS meeting will be held at the Renaissance Dallas Plano Legacy West on April 17-18, 2020. Applications for poster and podium presentations are being accepted through Friday, March 20^th. Abstracts and poster PDFs are due by Friday, March 27^th. The meeting registration deadline for all first authors is April 8^th. Only first author residents and fellows are eligible for poster and podium awards.

Upcoming Melanoma Walk

The UTMB Dermatology Interest Group is hosting the annual Steps Against Melanoma 5K Walk and Fun Run to help raise melanoma awareness and support melanoma research.

Date: Saturday, April 18th

Time: Registration at 7:30 AM; Walk/Run begins at 8:00 AM

Walk/Run Location: Galveston Seawall (near the Wing’s on Seawall Blvd)

Additional Info: The registration fee is only $10. Participants raising $50 or more will receive a free T-shirt.

To Register and/or Donate: https://support.aimatmelanoma.org/event/steps-against-melanoma-galveston-2020/e265060

***If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using the following link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pk1PMuu9N13FQDtVHCBRoEQB1TTITRczsBM0WY0Ngr8/edit#gid=0

Questions? Contact Caroline Crain (cbcrain@utmb.edu) or Corley Pruneda (ccpruned@utmb.edu).

A Star is Born!

Congratulations to Dr. Kristyna Gleghorn, a current PGY3 dermatology resident at UTMB. She recently published her original research, “And the Award

Goes to: A review of the Academy Awards Winning Best Pictures featuring skin conditions” in the peer-reviewed publication, International Journal of Dermatology as an “Early View” (doi:10.1111/ijd.14795). Her coauthors are former UTMB dermatology resident, Drs. Will Tausend (private practice, Pasadena, Texas), Vail Reese (private practice, San Francisco, California), and Richard Wagner (Professor of Dermatology and Program Director, UTMB, Galveston). Her article heralds the 92^nd Academy Awards on Sunday, February 9, 2020!