Supporting Underrepresented in Medicine (UIM) and non-UIM Trainees Applying into Dermatology: A Qualitative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there have been calls to improve diversity among the dermatology workforce, with emphasis placed on the resident selection process and trainee pipeline. However, there is limited data on the perspectives of dermatology applicants, especially among UIM trainees, and the support that they need and want to successfully apply in dermatology. METHODS: To assess trainee perspectives, we disseminated a survey to medical students, interns (matched into dermatology), and dermatology residents asking how dermatology residency programs can best support trainees through the dermatology application process. We developed a codebook drawing upon grounded theory methodology, and consensus coded all qualitative responses. RESULTS: We received 224 qualitative responses from underrepresented in medicine (UIM) (65, 29.0%) and non-UIM trainees (159, 70.9%). UIM trainees were more likely to mention diversity and inclusion initiatives (46.2% vs 3.8%, P<0.001), transparency in program information (40.0% vs 24.5%, P=0.021), holistic review (30.8% vs 6.3%, P<0.001), UIM student outreach/pipeline programs (23.1% vs 0.6%, P<0.001), and mentorship (21.5% vs 8.2%, P=0.009). CONCLUSION: Improving programmatic efforts to address unique challenges UIM trainees face when applying into dermatology is instrumental to mitigating barriers. We highlight opportunities for dermatology residency programs to create a more fair and equitable dermatology application process and support a more diverse pipeline of future dermatologists. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021;20(7):795-797. doi:10.36849/JDD.6043.

The Sunscreen for Kindergarteners (SKIN) Study trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is the major modifiable risk factor for skin cancers. The majority of lifetime UVR exposure occurs before age 20, underscoring an important window for risk reduction. Incorporation of skills-based sunscreen education into school health curricula may foster the development of consistent and effective use of sunscreen among children and youth. We describe the study protocol for a first-of-its-kind study that examined the feasibility of bringing skills-based sunscreen education into kindergarten classrooms. METHODS: Participants were 96 kindergarten students across four classrooms in a single elementary school. A single-blind open-label trial design was used to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating a song-based, video-guided intervention for independent application of sunscreen into the kindergarten curriculum. Students first completed a 10-day no-intervention baseline period, followed by a 10-day intervention period, and then a 10-day randomized follow-up period where students were randomly assigned to continue with the intervention or to revert to the no-intervention condition. OUTCOMES: Feasibility metrics associated with study process, resources, management, scientific outcomes and safety were gathered. The primary outcome was pre-to-post intervention changes in student engagement in the sunscreen task. The secondary outcome was pre-to-post intervention changes in the proportion of exposed skin to which a student applies sunscreen. Teacher and student perceptions of intervention value and utility were also evaluated. DISCUSSION: This is the study protocol for a clinical trial designed to determine the feasibility of implementing a skills-based sunscreen curriculum in kindergarten classrooms. Next steps include evaluation of the intervention for efficacy and effectiveness. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03752736.

Using Visual Arts Education in Dermatology to Benefit Resident Wellness and Clinical Communication.

Introduction: Art education interventions improve observation skills among dermatology residents, but there is limited data regarding their benefits to wellness and clinical communication. Methods: Residents in the Stanford dermatology residency program participated in an arts-based education session, repeated in the fall of 2018 and 2019, that included a rotation of observational exercises adapted from the Artful Thinking program through Harvard Project Zero. The 2018 session featured exercises on identification and understanding of visual observation, while the 2019 session featured exercises on perspectives and objectivity of visual observation. Participants completed preintervention, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up surveys in fall 2018 and a postintervention survey in fall 2019. Results: Twenty-one residents participated in the 2018 education session and produced an adequate response rate (62%-90%) across surveys. At 3 months, five of 13 residents (39%) reported new use of art for mindfulness and stress reduction, 12 of 13 (92%) could recall an example of use of observation to improve patient communication, and four of 13 (31%) confirmed and described adjustments to their handoff technique. In 2019, 13 out of 18 participants (72%) completed the postintervention survey. Responses reinforced themes from the prior iteration but focused on perspective, objectivity, context, and uncertainty in observations. Respondents also identified additional arenas of communication to benefit from these observational techniques. Discussion: Dermatology residents increased use of art for personal wellness and adjusted clinical communication strategies after a single arts-based education session. Annual repetition with novel exercises maintained engagement and yielded additional participant insights.

Promoting sunscreen use and sun-protective practices in NCAA athletes: Impact of SUNSPORT educational intervention for student-athletes, athletic trainers, and coaches.

BACKGROUND: Student-athletes (SAs) have an increased skin cancer risk on account of significant ultraviolet exposure; however, their sun-protective practices are suboptimal. A novel program, Stanford University Network for Sun Protection, Outreach, Research, and Teamwork (SUNSPORT), was designed to target SAs, coaches, and athletic trainers (ATs). OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact of educational intervention on sun protection beliefs and practices of SAs. METHODS: A survey of sun protection beliefs and practices was administered to National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes before and after intervention. SUNSPORT dermatologists educated SAs, coaches, and ATs regarding skin cancer risk and prevention methods. The main outcome was frequency of sunscreen use by SAs before versus after intervention. RESULTS: A total of 846 National Collegiate Athletic Association athletes were surveyed between September 23, 2012, and September 20, 2015. After intervention, significant increases were observed in sunscreen use 4 or more days per week by SAs (from 26% to 39% [P = .02]), SAs spoken to by their coach about sun safety (from 26% to 57% [P = .0001]), and SA recognition of higher skin cancer risk (from 54% to 67% [P = .04]). LIMITATIONS: Intervention in only 1 West Coast university and no paired data. CONCLUSIONS: Following the SUNSPORT intervention, SAs were significantly more likely to use sunscreen, especially if encouraged by their coach. This study emphasizes that education directed to SAs, ATs, and coaches can improve sun-protective practices in SAs.

Videodermoscopy as a novel tool for dermatologic education.

Dermoscopy is used as an adjunct to clinical examination in the diagnosis of skin lesions, including melanoma. Videodermoscopy, which allows for the concurrent examination of dermoscopic features at high magnification by instructors and trainees, may serve as a useful educational tool during bedside instruction. This article presents images of common cutaneous lesions taken with a standard optical dermatoscope and a videodermatoscope to highlight the potential educational advantages conferred by videodermoscopy.

Chromhidrosis: a rare diagnosis requiring clinicopathologic correlation.

Chromhidrosis is a rare idiopathic disorder characterized by colored secretions most typically from the malar cheeks, axilla, or areolar regions. Histologically, chromhidrosis is notable for glandular structures with decapitation secretion indicating ectopic apocrine glands in the dermis, and the presence of lipofuscin pigments under ultraviolet fluorescence and in cytology smears. This case report describes a 26-year-old man who presented with a 2- to 3-year history of black-colored secretions on the bilateral malar cheeks, present on exertion or with squeezing of the cheeks. A 3-mm punch biopsy of the left cheek demonstrated histopathologic findings characteristic of chromhidrosis under hematoxylin and eosin staining and ultraviolet fluorescence. To our best knowledge, this is the second case report in the literature of an adult male being affected by chromhidrosis, and the first of an adult male with black-colored malar cheek secretions in chromhidrosis.

Pyoderma gangrenosum-like lesions in leukocyte adhesion deficiency I treated with intravenous immunoglobulin.

A 31-year-old Caucasian male with leukocyte adhesion deficiency I and a 20-year history of recurrent, painful cutaneous ulcerations on the extremities presented with fatigue and worsening pain in both legs. He had experienced minimal improvement in his leg ulcers from treatment with systemic steroids, numerous courses of systemic antibiotics, and brief trials of infliximab and mycophenolate mofetil. He was treated with monthly intravenous immunoglobulin infusions. Upon completion of six courses of intravenous immunoglobulin his ulcerations had nearly healed for the first time in a decade.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis.

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis with an increased susceptibility to specific human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes. Classically, this viral infection leads to the development of tinea versicolor-like macules on the trunk, neck, arms, and face during childhood, and over time, these lesions can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. More recently, an EV-like syndrome has been described in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity. We describe two cases of EV-like syndrome in HIV-positive patients, review all previously reported cases of EV in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity, introduce the term "acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis" to describe EV developing in the immunocompromised host and examine the limited treatment options for these patients.