UTMB PGY2 Dermatology Resident Publishes Research about Mohs on Social Media

Congratulations to UTMB PGY2 dermatology resident Fareen Momin, MD, and her coauthors UTMB MS3 Alekhya Gurram, PGY3 UTMB dermatology resident Travis Dowdle, and UTMB Dermatology Professor Richard Wagner, MD for their recently published peer-reviewed article about Mohs surgery. The citation for their publication is Momin, F., Gurram, A., Dowdle, T. S., & Wagner, R. F., Jr. (2025). Representations of Mohs surgery on social media. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2025.2571332

Texas Dermatology Society Fall 2025 - Congratulations to all participants!

Please join DIG in congratulating all UTMB faculty, residents, and medical students at the Texas Dermatology Society (TDS) Spring meeting hosted in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico on October 3rd and 4th!

AWARDS

2nd Place Resident Podium Presentation: 

One Small Step for Man, One GIANT Leap for Dermatologists! Marie Vu, Smiti Gandhi, Frank Winsett, Brandon Goodwin, Bernard Gibson.

RESIDENT PODIUM PRESENTATIONS

One Small Step for Man, One GIANT Leap for Dermatologists! Marie Vu, Smiti Gandhi, Frank Winsett, Brandon Goodwin, Bernard Gibson.

RESIDENT POSTERS

Asymmetric Periflexural Exanthem in an Adult. Julien Bourgeois, Amanda Thomas, James Gao.

Androgenic alopecia is not associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular disease

risk factors: A retrospective cohort study. Alyssa Hansen, Katherine Benandi, Diego A. Ramos-Briceño, Francisco J. La Bella- Villanueva, Ayezel Munoz Gonzalez.

Readability of Online Skin Cancer Resources: A Review of Content from Major

Dermatology Societies. Fareen Momin, Alekhya Gurram, Travis S. Dowdle, Renat Ahatov, Juan

Pinto-Cuberos, Richard F. Wagner Jr.

MEDICAL STUDENT PODIUM PRESENTATIONS

Acne Vulgaris and Diet: An Umbrella Review Synthesizing Evidence from Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses. Andrew Spires, Katherine Benandi, Mary Cavanagh, Erica Kelly. 

Burned by Misinformation? Sunscreen Safety Discourse on Instagram is Driven by Misinformation. Shelby Devin, Lynchi Nguyen, Peter Nguyen, Erica Kelly.

Evaluating Virtual and Microscope-Based Dermatopathology Education. Luke Hamilton, Antonio Jimenez, Anthony Linfante.

Cost Analysis of the Dermatologic Care Provided at St. Vincent’s Hope Clinic. Jun Park, Megan Bradley, Andrew Spires, Alyssa Hansen.

Patient Perceptions of Scrub Color and Attire in Dermatology. Alekhya Gurram, Brinda Chellappan.

MEDICAL STUDENT POSTERS

JAK Inhibitors vs Dupilumab in Mycosis Fungoides: A 5-Year Mortality Comparison. Eric Cline,  Bethel Desta, Antonio Jimenez, Michael Wilkerson. 

Clinical and Treatment Patterns in Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Concurrent Excoriation Disorder: A Retrospective Descriptive Cohort Study. Danielle Miller, Kristin Geh, Michael Wilkerson.

Brief Index of Dermatologic Lesions Identified Using High-Frequency Ultrasound. Kassianna Elizondo, Jun Park, Travis Dowdle, Frank Winsett. 

The Horse Collar Hidden in Plain Sight: A Case of Madelung’s Disease. Nikitha Adari, Mary Cavanagh, Brandon Goodwin.

Tympanostomy tube placement and subsequent atopic dermatitis risk in children with

recurrent otitis media: a propensity-matched cohort study. Katherine Benandi, Sofia Piperno, Harold Pine.

Intravascular Pyogenic Granuloma of the Popliteal Fossa: A Rare Clinical Presentation. Jun Park, Diego Ramos, Katherine Woolridge, Brent Kelly, Ayezel Munoz Gonzalez.

Assessing The Success of Dermatology Interest Group Resources for Medical Students. Madelyn Schmidt, Jane Onyemachi, Juan Pinto-Cuberos, Anthony Linfante.

Paradoxical Immune-Mediated Conditions and Malignancies from Biologics in HS: A Systematic

Review. Jun Park, Casey Brusen, Donna Talavari, Kristen Geh, Kathleen Kroger.

Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Mohs Micrographic Surgery in the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review. Smiti Gandhi, Marie T. Vu, Ria Kanotra, Frank Winsett.

Evaluating the Impact of Tonsillectomy on Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: A Retrospective Analysis Across Three Postoperative Intervals. Sofia Piperno, Katherine Benandi, Harold Pine, MD.

Investigating the Association Between Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia and Polycystic

Ovary Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using TriNetX. Bethel Desta, Mary Cavanagh, Brandon Goodwin. 

A Systematic Review of Scabies Misdiagnosis: Clinical Features, Common Pitfalls and Outcomes. Ria Kanotra, Casey Brusen, Joel Joy, Alyssa Hansen.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Microbial Contamination of Everyday Dermatology Tools. Luke Hamilton, Victor Teran, Kaitlyn Streight, Alyssa Hansen, David Garate, Antonio Jimenez, Janice M. Wilson, Brandon P. Goodwin.

A Comparative Analysis of Dermatologic Diagnoses Seen at Student-Run Free Clinics in the United States. Megan Bradley, Jun Park, Andrew Spires, Alyssa Hansen, Juan Pinto-Cuberos, Anthony Linfante. 

A systematic review of hormonal acne in transgender individuals: prevalence, mechanisms, and gender-affirming management strategies Andrew Spires, Katherine Benandi, Sheila Sharifi, Anthony Jimenez, John Trinidad.

Update on the 3 Different Dermatology Residency Tracks Offered at UTMB for the 2026 Dermatology Match

Applicants should be aware that UTMB Dermatology has decided not to offer a Categorical 2+2 Dermatology Residency in the 2026 NRMP, but instead will offer the same training as an Advanced (PGY2) 2+2 Dermatology Position that will be linked to a PGY1 year in the UTMB Department of Internal Medicine. The total number of years training at UTMB will be 5, that includes the PGY1 year in UTMB Internal Medicine and the 4 year 2+2 UTMB Dermatology Residency Investigative Track. It is listed as Dermatology/IM with the Program Code 1714080A2 in the NRMP.

 

UTMB will also offer 6 Advanced Track positions that are 3 year dermatology residencies that begin in July 2027, but the prerequisite PGY1 year may be taken at UTMB or in other programs.

 

In addition, UTMB will offer 1 Advanced Track position for applicants who will have completed their PGY1 position for the 2+2 UTMB Investigative Track Dermatology Residency that will begin in July 2026.

Stay Shady with DIG: September Hats for the Homeless Event

Thank you to all of our DIG volunteers for helping make our first Hats for the Homeless event of the 2025–2026 school year a success! If you are interested in volunteering at future events, join the Hats for the Homeless email list here: https://forms.gle/CJHPjhXiqf7t9h8v7

Pictured from left to right: Presley Limon (MS3), Suzanne Sajid (MS1), Kassianna Elizondo (MS2 & Stay Shady Chair), and Sarah Muir (MS4).

Recommended Reading for Medical Student Researchers

An article published in Dermatology Online Journal describing article processing charges associated with publishing manuscripts is of value to dermatology researchers interested in publishing their work. This manuscript describes the publication models of many dermatology journals, and can be beneficial for residents and medical students when selecting journals to submit their manuscripts. 

Journal link: https://doi.org/10.5070/D331365374

Community Service Guidelines for DIG Members

DIG members interested in planning community service events must first contact the DIG President and Vice President. All new ideas should be submitted through them before proceeding. 

The Department supports DIG-led educational activities; however:

• Clinical activities such as skin checks are not allowed
• Samples (e.g., sunscreen) cannot be provided
• The Department cannot provide residents or faculty for these events

Thank you for helping promote these guidelines! Please contact Madelyn Schmidt (mlschmid@utmb.edu) or Alekhya Gurram (algurram@utmb.edu) with any questions.

All UTMB Completing Dermatology Residents Achieve American Board of Dermatology Certification

The results of the annual applied American Board of Dermatology Applied Examination (July 2025) were released and all of UTMB completing PGY4 dermatology residents passed the board certification examination on their first attempt. Congratulations!

UTMB Student Published in JAAD

Congratulations to Christopher Thang (MS4) for his publication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD)  (Impact Factor: 11.8)! His study investigated cardiovascular safety in non-scarring alopecia patients on low-dose oral minoxidil.

 

Study Link: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(25)02715-X/abstract

 

Reference:

Thang CJ, Levine J, Garate D, et. al. Cardiovascular safety of low-dose oral minoxidil in non-scarring alopecia: a multi-center population-based cohort study using TriNetX. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Article in press.

Veterinary Drug Costs Less than Same Medications for People!

Congratulations to UTMB PGY3 Travis Dowdle, MD for his original recent peer-reviewed publication, “Bridging the cost divide: comparing veterinary and human dermatologic drug pricing in the US.” His UTMB co-authors were MS4 DIG President Madelyn Schmidt and Dermatology Assistant Professor Ayezel Munoz, MD. For further information, please see Dowdle, T. S., Schmidt, M., Remmert, N., & Munoz, A. (2025). Bridging the cost divide: comparing veterinary and human dermatologic drug pricing in the US. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1080/08998280.2025.2534312

UTMB MS3 Publishes in SKIN

Congratulations to UTMB MS3 Alekhya Gurram (DIG Vice President) and her co-authors Dr. Mary Cavanagh (UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Chief Resident for Medical Student Research) and Dr. Lindy Ross (UTMB Assistant Professor of Dermatology) on their recent publication titled “Isotretinoin and Hair Loss: A Clinical Perspective and Literature Review” in SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine. 

 

Citation: Isotretinoin and Hair Loss: A Clinical Perspective and Literature Review. J of Skin. 2025;9(5):2584-2593. doi:10.25251/n5hj2f33 

UTMB Student Publishes on Artificial Intelligence

Congratulations to Christopher Thang (MS4) for his book chapter publication in Dermatologic Clinics, which examines applications of AI in dermatology to enhance clinical decision-making, diagnostic and prognostic processes, and health care operations. 

  

Reference: Thang CJ, Duffy C, Khattab S, Semenov YR. The Current State and Future Prospects for Artificial Intelligence in Dermatology. Dermatologic Clinics. 2025 Jul 22.

 

Link: https://www.derm.theclinics.com/article/S0733-8635(25)00040-3/abstract

Welcome back, Dr. Ross!

This week, UTMB Dermatology welcomed back Dr. Lindy Ross, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, who returned to campus following completion of a one year fellowship in Pediatric Dermatology at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston. We are all looking forward to working and learning from you again!

UTMB Expands Residency Options for 2026 NRMP (8 Residency Positions Offered)

UTMB Dermatology is offering three types of residency categories to applicants for the upcoming 2026 NRMP. They are:

Advanced (Applicants match for a PGY2 position in Dermatology at UTMB after completing a PGY1 ABD approved clinical year of training, either at UTMB or elsewhere). Six of these 3 year residency positions are available.

Categorical (The matched applicant will complete the PGY1 year in UTMB Internal Medicine and then join the new 2+2 UTMB Dermatology 4 year Investigative Research Track for the residency program). One of these positions will be offered.

Physician Only "R" (applicants who will have completed the required ABD  approved clinical PGY1 will join the new 2+2 UTMB Dermatology 4 year Investigative Research Track as a PGY2 in the residency program). One of these positions will be offered.

UTMB PGY3 Dermatology Resident Publishes Mohs Research in Dermatologic Surgery

Congratulations to UTMB PGY3 dermatology resident Travis Dowdle, MD for his first author original research publication, “National Trends in Repair Type Selection After Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Benchmark Analysis Using TriNetX” in Dermatologic Surgery. His coauthors are UTMB MS4 Madelyn Schmidt (UTMB DIG President), Frank Winsett, MD (Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Associate Program Director of UTMB’s Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship) and Richard Wagner, MD (Professor Dermatology, Dermatology Program Director,and Program Director for  UTMB’s Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship Program). Please see Dermatologic Surgery Dermatol Surg. 2025 Sep 3. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000004851. Online ahead of print. PMID: 40899759 for additional information.

 

UTMB Dermatology Participating in ERAS Signaling

UTMB Dermatology is participating in ERAS Signaling for the upcoming 2026 NRMP. It is recommended that applicants with a strong interest in a dermatology residency at UTMB (including internal applicants and visiting rotators) submit a gold signal.

UTMB Students, Resident, and Faculty Publish Research in JAAD

Congratulations to students Katherine Benandi (MS3) and Andrew Spires (MS3) for their original article published in JAAD titled, “Systemic risk profiles of topical ruxolitinib and oral Janus kinase inhibitors in patients with atopic dermatitis: a retrospective cohort study from the TriNetX network” Their co-authors are Dr. Alyssa Hansen (PGY-3) and Dr. Anthony Linfante (assistant professor).

 

Link:                                                                                                                                                                    

authors.elsevier.com

2025-2026 First General DIG Meeting

The Dermatology Interest Group will be having its first general meeting for the 2025-2026 academic year on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 6:00 PM. This meeting is open to any students interested in learning more about dermatology and the general application process! Dr. Wagner, our program director and DIG advisor, will be joining us to answer questions and share insights.

Teams Link to the Meeting:
https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YzkzMWY1OTgtYTdmZS00OTNkLThmODAtYzg0MDRlZGQxODRh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%227bef256d-85db-4526-a72d-31aea2546852%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22291485ba-dfe1-4a1f-87ec-de13d44f4008%22%7d 

Meeting ID: 288 901 995 711 9

Passcode: f6sL6Ak7

Research Project Design Planning

The best dermatology research should have a reliable research design to optimize research success. UTMB medical students with a dermatology research idea are urged to first contact the 2025-2026 Chief Dermatology Resident for Medical Student Research, PGY4 Mary Cavanagh, MD with their research idea so that she can contact faculty with appropriate topic interest and expertise to collaborate with students to develop an appropriate study design to answer their research question(s).

Worthwhile Read

An editorial in the July 2025 issue of JAMA Dermatology, “How to Publish a Research Paper in a High-Impact Dermatology Journal—A Primer for Trainees” is recommended reading for those interested in publishing their dermatology research”. Please see  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40434792/

Update on Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (JCAD) Authorship Requirements

JCAD is now allowing authors with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees to serve as first authors on submissions as long as one of the co-authors has a doctoral degree. All clinical research studies must include a board-certified dermatologist. However, the journal still is not accepting case reports unless they are invited.

UTMB Dermatology Publishes Recommendations for Antibiotic Therapy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Congratulations to UTMB dermatology residents and their supervising faculty, Associate Professor Dr. Janice Wilson for their recent original research publication, “Recommendations for Emperic Antibiotic Therapy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa” in the June 2025 issue of Cutis (115:194-196). Current UTMB dermatology resident co-authors are Drs. Fareen Momin (PGY2) and Renat Ahatov (PGY4). Dr. Elise Weisert who completed dermatology residency training last month at UTMB and now practices dermatology in Sugarland, Texas. The first author, Dr. Paige Hoyer Williams, was a former UTMB dermatology resident who now practices dermatology and Mohs surgery in Victoria, Texas following completion of a Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship in Houston with Dr. Leonard Goldberg.

UTMB Dermatology Announces Change in 2026 Dermatology Residency Applicant Interview Schedule

The UTMB Department of Dermatology has announced a change in their residency interview schedule for 2026. The interviews with our faculty and residents will still be conducted in February, but will be limited to 2 days (Thursday or Friday afternoon, February 19 or 20). UTMB applicants will be interviewed on the same days as external applicants. Invited applicants will receive notification in December 2025.

UTMB Dermatology Faculty and Resident Awards for 2025

 Faculty Awards

 

Dermatology Resident Award for Excellent Faculty Dermatology Teaching: Ayezel Munoz, MD

 

Dermatology Resident Award for Excellent Faculty Dermatology Teaching by a Community Dermatologist: Rebecca Philips, MD

 

 Resident Award

 

Dermatology Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Research: Antonio Jimenez, MD

National Psoriasis Foundation Soirée 2025

On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, UTMB DIG volunteers helped with set up/cleanup and participated in this year's National Psoriasis Foundation’s (NPF) “Starlight Soiree” event at the Omni Houston Hotel. Volunteers arrived around 3 PM to assist in setting up goodie bags. Once the event began, volunteers aided with check-in and played an integral role in the fundraising drive and auction for the NPF gala. Attendees were inspired by a talk from an individual living with psoriatic disease. Following the main presentation, volunteers assisted with check-out.

Special thanks to Carol Osterhaus, the regional development manager for the NPF’s South Central branch, for collaborating closely with our Psoriasis Walk Chair Andrew Spires in planning this event. Ms. Osterhaus has expressed interest in continuing to work with UTMB DIG on future events. Additionally, special thanks are extended to the volunteers from UTMB and other schools who contributed to the success of the event!

 

Volunteers (Left to Right): Andrew Spires MS3, Michelle Cajero MPH, Sebastian Certuche MS4, Lynchi Nguyen MS3, Isabelle Bergman MD-PhD Candidate, Matthew De La Garza MS2, Shawn Lim MS3

Not pictured: Dr. Elise Weisert (PGY-4) and Dr. Renat Ahatov (PGY-3)

6th Annual Pediatrics360 Virtual Conference

Expand your expertise in pediatric dermatology from home on Saturday, June 14! 

Pediatrics360: Pediatric Dermatology Best Practices and Innovations Conference is a one-day virtual CME conference, designed by leading pediatric and dermatology experts, and covers a comprehensive range of dermatologic diseases and conditions relevant to pediatric practice. By attending, you'll gain: 

• Live & On-Demand Access – Earn up to 6 hours of CME credits
• Expert-Led Sessions – Learn from world-renowned faculty
• Interactive Q&A & Engagement – Connect with faculty and peers
• Practical, Real-World Insights – Enhance patient care with innovative approaches

Register for Free | View Agenda

If you have any questions, please reach out to registration@dermsquared.com

UTMB MS3 Publishes in Pediatric Dermatology

Congratulations to Alekhya Gurram (MS3) and her co-authors Dr. Fareen Momin (incoming PGY2 resident) and Dr. Richard Wagner (UTMB Professor Dermatology and UTMB Dermatology Program Director) on their recent publication titled “Representations of Alopecia in Children’s Literature” in Pediatric Dermatology. 

Citation: Gurram A, Momin F, Tahashilder MI, Wagner RF. Representations of Alopecia in Children’s Literature. Pediatric Dermatology. Published online June 2025. https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.15999

UTMB MS4 DIG Members Select Dermatology Resident and Faculty for Excellent Teaching

Congratulations to Drs. Antonio "Tony" Jimenez (UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Chief Resident for Medical Student Education) and Dr. Janice Wilson (Associate Professor of Dermatology, Associate Program Director for Dermatology and Dermatopathology) for their selection by the MS4 DIG members for their excellent medical student teaching during the 20204-2025 academic year!

UTMB at 57th Annual Meeting of the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS)

 

UTMB Dermatology Welcomes PGY2 Dermatology Residents for 2025-2026 Academic Year

 

UTMB Dermatology Welcomes Fellows for 2025-2026 Academic Year

 

UTMB Expands PGY2 Dermatology Residency Program to 7 Starting July 1, 2025

The UTMB DIG has learned that this July the UTMB Dermatology Residency Program will expand to 7 first year (PGY2) residents, in keeping with the departmental plan to develop a 2+2 Physician Scientist Research Track. This means that UTMB Dermatology Residency will become one of the large (19 or more residents) dermatology programs in the United States, and eventually grow to reach 22. Dr. Daphne Eckembrecher will be joining the incoming PGY2 residency group this July. Welcome to Galveston! We look forward to working with you!

19th Annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk in Galveston

Galveston’s 19th Annual Steps Against Melanoma Walk took place on April 27th and created a meaningful, positive experience for melanoma survivors, their families, and all who support this cause. The event was coordinated by our Melanoma Walk Chair, Lynchi Nguyen, in partnership with the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Interest Group and AIM At Melanoma.

We were honored to have Dr. Anthony Linfante and Shelby Devin as our inspiring opening speakers. We’re also incredibly grateful for the dedication of our committee members, volunteers, and all of our walk participants. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we have already raised over $4,700 for melanoma research! Donations will continue to be accepted until the end of the year, so please feel free to share the link with your friends and family via our website.

See you next spring for the 20th Melanoma Walk!

UTMB Publishes Review about Hidradenitis Suppurative and Irritable Bowl Diseases

Congratulations to the multiple authors (Zachrieh Alhaj, BS, BA; Zaid Almubaid, BSA; Gengi Kleto, BS; Nabeel Ahmad, BS; Vivian Rojas, MD; Juan Pinto-Cuberos, MD; and Ayezel Munoz Gonzalez, MD) of “The Correlation between Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Irritable Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review” that was published in the May 2025 issue of Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology  (JCAD), a peer-reviewed journal (J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2025;18(5):20–25.) It is available online at https://jcadonline.com/correlation-hidradenitis-suppurativa-irritable-bowel-diseases/  Dr. Pinto-Cuberos is currently the PGY4 Dermatology Chief Resident for Medical Student Research at UTMB and 2025-2026 UTMB  Mohs Fellow and Dr. Ayezel Munoz Gonzalez is an Assistant Professor of UTMB Dermatology. 

UTMB PGY4 Dermatology Resident is the Prestigious 2025 Roberto Logroño Professionalism in Healthcare Trainee Recipient

The UTMB DIG congratulations Dr. Antonio “Tony” Jimenez for this well-deserved recognition. The selection committee wrote, “Your record of service and advocacy were an inspiration to the selection committee members.”

UTMB Dermatology Announces Residency Interview Dates for 2026

Friday, February 13 afternoon for internal applicants.

Thursday, February 19 afternoon for external applicants.

Friday, February 20 afternoon for external applicants.

 

Invitations to interview will be sent after Thanksgiving 2025.

Applications Open for New 2+2 UTMB Dermatology Residency Research Track with July 2025 Start Date

UTMB Dermatology announces our inaugural 2+2 Physician Scientist Research Track dermatology residency (physician only position) to begin July 2025. The PGY2 (first year) of the residency will be 100% time in clinical dermatology rotations as required by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD). PGY3, PGY4, and PGY5 (4 year commitment) clinical requirements will meet the remaining additional 125% clinical training and also integrate academic study and laboratory investigation. If all ABD prerequisites are met, PGY4 residents in this program will be eligible to sit for the Applied Exam given by the ABD. The successful applicant will have a background in bench research and will have successfully completed a PGY1 year as required by the American Board of Dermatology for dermatology residency. Interested applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest in this position, as well as their CV and 3 letters of recommendation to Dr. Michael Wilkerson, Chair, Department of Dermatology,  c/o Ms. Michelle Karn (mikarn@utmb.edu) no later than Wednesday, May 7 at 5 pm cst. Competitive applicants will be invited to interview for this position.

UTMB Department of Dermatology Announces MS4 Graduation Awards

History of Dermatology: Kathleen Karam ("Perceptions of Tanning in Popular Culture”)

 

Skin Diseases Depicted in Film:  Rebekah Brown (“Vampirism and Skin Disease”)

 

Edgar B. Smith MD Endowed Scholarship for Excellence in Dermatology Research: David Garate

 

Thomas W. Freese Memorial Endowment for Excellence in Dermatology: Michael Adkison

 

Congratulations to all!

DIG 2025-26 Election Results

 DIG 2025-26 Election Results

President

Madelyn Schmidt

Vice President

Alekhya Gurram

Secretary 

Casey Brusen 

Research

Chair: Shawn Lim

Committee: Fatima Naqvi, Smiti Gandhi, Gengi Kleto

Dermatology-Rheumatology Pharmacy at St. Vincent’s clinic 

Lead: Katherine Benandi

Intern: Jun Park

Stay Shady 

Chair: Kassianna Elizondo 

Committee: Inchara Raj, Sarah Muir, Blanche Behohon

Education 

Chair: Dani Miller

Committee: Nicole Kuol, Zainab Yousaf, Presley Limon

Melanoma Walk

Chair: Lynchi Nguyen 

Committee: Joel Joy, Matthew De La Garza, Gaby Villa

Psoriasis Walk

Chair: Ria Kanotra

Committee: Andrew Spires, Shelby Devin, Nikitha Adari, Sarah Ahmed

UTMB DERMATOLOGY RESEARCH GUIDELINES

1. All research with our department should be reviewed by Dr. Mary Cavanagh. This means that she is the first person any medical student must contact before starting research that involves our residents or faculty. An exception will be made when faculty or residents have a project with specific medical students.
2. Priority will be given to MS3s/rising MS4s and those who are part of the UTMB DIG. Of course, MS1s and MS2s will be given opportunity as well. Please identify by name and MS year when sending emails.
3. Medical students should contact Dr. Cavanagh with a defined research idea and at least 3 references on which their research will be based on.
4. If the research project uses the TriNetX database, it must only include one medical student.
5. Unless it is an urgent matter, students must contact Dr. Cavanagh via email, and only on non-holiday Friday afternoons.
6. If a project is intended for a poster/presentation at a conference, it must be started at least 2 months before the submission deadline.
7. Progress on research must be reported every 2 weeks to faculty, residents involved and Dr. Cavanagh. 
8. Once the research project is approved, all parties will be notified and it will be a Department of Dermatology project, failure to meet quality standards and/or deadlines may result in dismissal of the student from the project.
9. If multiple medical students are involved, they must decide on specific tasks for each student for the project and report it to the faculty, residents involved, and Dr. Cavanagh. 

2025 UTMB National Student Research Forum

Congratulations to the UTMB students, residents, and faculty who presented research at the 2025 UTMB National Student Research Forum!

 

Poster Presentations

AI-Assisted Teledermatology for Underserved Populations: A Review of Diagnostic Accuracy, Patient Outcomes, and Implementation Challenges. Katherine Benandi, Andrew Spires, Gabriela Villa, Kristin Wolf.

Between Fear and Facts: Topical Steroid Withdrawal Discourse on Social Media. Presley Limon, Shawn Lim, Renat Ahatov, Anthony Linfante.

 Shining a Light on UV Filter Regulation: A Narrative Review on the U.S. vs. South Korea. Shawn Lim, Jun Park, Janice Wilson.

Periorbital Granulomatous Reactions to Dermal Fillers: A Review of Management Strategies. Daniel Cho, Luke Hamilton, Victoria Cuello, Evan Pistone, Antonio Jimenez, Anthony Linfante.

Representations of Alopecia and Trichotillomania in Children’s Literature. Alekhya Gurram, Fareen Momin, Md Ibrahim Tahashilder, Richard Wagner.

Dermatomyositis and Hematological Malignancies: A Case-Based Systematic Review on Demographics, Clinical Features, and Outcomes. Casey Brusen, Jun Park, Jairy Medina, Claire Chaljub, Alyssa Hansen, Juan Pinto-Cuberos, Kathleen Kroger.

A Systematic Review on Skin of Color Representation in Diabetic Foot Ulceration Literature. Lynchi Nguyen, Alice Lee, Sarah Kesaria,  Janice Wilson, Daniel Jupiter.

Exploring the Psychosocial Impact of Giant Congenital Melanocytic Nevi in Children. Pooja Enagala, Luke Hamilton, Elise Weisert, Lindy Ross.

Understanding and Addressing the Need for Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Education: A Systematic Review of Analyses and Current Initiatives at Student and Volunteer-Led Free Clinics. Smiti Gandhi, Roxana Zaman, Madelyn Schmidt, Peter Nugyen, Juan Pinto Cuberos, Ayezel Munoz, Gonzalez.

 

Oral Presentations 

Evaluating the Image-Based Diagnostic Accuracy of ChatGPT in Dermatology: A Comparative Analysis Between AI Models. Madelyn Schmidt, Janice Wilson.