Cutaneous Miscellaneous: The Dermatology Residents Podcast

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, is joined by Vinh Chung, MD, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, for a thoughtful conversation on burnout, physician well-being, and becoming the kind of doctor you want to be. They explore why burnout often emerges early in training, driven by workload, time pressure, and administrative demands, and how it can manifest as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished fulfillment. Dr Chung reframes burnout as something that can develop through neglect rather than inevitability, emphasizing the importance of supportive teams, shared purpose, and meaningful work. The discussion also touches on moral injury, the role of autonomy in professional satisfaction, and the value of aligning career decisions with personal values rather than prestige or compensation alone. Tune in to the episode to reflect on who you want to become as a physician, how to evaluate culture and leadership when choosing your next step, and how long-term perspective, humility, and human connection can help sustain fulfillment in dermatology.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Erik Domingues, MD, for a conversation on why practice culture matters and how residents and early-career dermatologists can start thinking about it long before they run their own clinic. The episode opens with a boards review on vitiligo, covering common triggers, genetic associations, major clinical subtypes, important mimickers, notable associated conditions, and core medical and surgical treatments every resident should know. In the main part of the episode, the discussion focuses on how practice culture develops and its direct impact on patient care, staff morale, and clinical efficiency. Dr Domingues shares perspective on communication, leadership behaviors, team dynamics, and the habits that contribute to a positive clinical environment, offering concepts residents can begin applying even during training. Tune in to the episode for insights that can help residents recognize healthy practice environments, understand their own role in shaping team culture, and prepare for the responsibilities that come with building a supportive, patient-centered practice.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Shannon Trotter, DO, for a discussion on photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment many residents may receive limited exposure to during training. Dr Trotter shares how PDT fits into both preparing for board exams and clinical use, highlighting its versatility and importance in dermatology. They open with a board review of PDT fundamentals, including the activation of aminolevulinic acid (blue light) and methyl aminolevulinate (red light), and why understanding protoporphyrin IX and its absorption spectrum matters. They also cover key uses along with adverse effects such as phototoxicity and pigment alteration. In the main segment, they explore actinic keratosis as a chronic disease, the importance of field therapy, and how to set expectations. Dr Trotter also shares practical pearls for optimizing outcomes and tailoring PDT in clinic. Tune in to hear how Dr Trotter integrates PDT into daily practice and empowers residents to expand beyond traditional training to confidently incorporate this helpful therapy.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Meenal Kheterpal, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine, for a comprehensive look at locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) and the role of Hedgehog inhibitors (HHIs), a must-know topic for dermatology residents. Dr Brownstone opens with a board review of basal cell carcinoma, including risk factors, clinical variants, treatment selection, and when to consider Mohs surgery. He breaks down the Hedgehog signaling pathway, explaining how vismodegib and sonidegib work and their common side effects. In the main segment, Dr Kheterpal discusses how to identify and define laBCC in clinical practice, select appropriate candidates for HHI therapy, and integrate these agents into neoadjuvant treatment strategies. She shares practical pearls on counseling patients, managing adverse effects like muscle cramps, alopecia, and dysgeusia, and addressing teratogenicity concerns in reproductive-age patients. The episode also highlights tips for communicating treatment expectations confidently and applying clinical judgment beyond textbook definitions. Tune in to the full episode for board-focused insights and real-world takeaways for your future clinics.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, speaks with Natasha Mesinkovska, MD, about diagnosing and managing alopecia areata (AA) with a focus on JAK inhibitors. Dr Mesinkovska shares diagnostic pearls, including full-body exam essentials, dermoscopy tips, recognition of key comorbidities, and the impact of AA on mental health. They also touch on less common subtypes such as diffuse AA and the ophiasis pattern, as well as the role of the SALT score.The conversation then turns to treatment, with insights into the 3 FDA-approved JAK inhibitors for AA: baricitinib, ritlecitinib, and deuruxolitinib. They discuss mechanisms of action, dosing, boxed warnings, and counseling strategies, while offering guidance on treatment selection and building confidence without head-to-head trial data. The episode closes with a discussion of GLP-1–associated skin considerations that may become increasingly relevant for board exams, along with key points on body contouring procedures that are seeing greater demand as GLP-1 use rises. Tune in to the full episode to sharpen your diagnostic skills, gain confidence in prescribing JAK inhibitors, and stay ahead on emerging board topics in alopecia areata and beyond.