Family planning influences and perceptions among dermatology residents from ACGME-accredited training programs: a survey-based study.

As an increasing number of women pursue careers in dermatology, the structure and culture of training must reflect the evolving needs of dermatology residents. To examine perceived barriers to and perceptions of family planning amongst dermatology residents capable of becoming pregnant, evidence-based principles were employed to develop a 40-question survey for dermatology residents in ACGME-accredited training programs. A pilot study was conducted with the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Training Program residents before full-scale national electronic survey distribution from April to June 2023. Information was collected regarding factors influencing attitudes towards becoming pregnant during residency, as well as information regarding residency program family leave, fertility preservation, and lactation policies. Ultimately, 95 dermatology residents capable of becoming pregnant completed the survey. The majority (77.9%) of respondents reported intentionally delaying having children because of their careers, and 73.7% believed there is a negative stigma attached to being pregnant or having children during dermatology residency. Of respondents who had not yet attempted to become pregnant, 75.3% were concerned about the possibility of future infertility. Of the 60% of respondents considering fertility preservation options, 84.6% noted concerns about these procedures being cost-prohibitive on a resident salary. Only 2% of respondents reported that cryopreservation was fully covered through their residency benefits, while 20% reported partial coverage. Reported program parental leave policies varied considerably with 54.9%, 25.4%, 1.4%, and 18.3% of residents reporting 4-6 weeks, 7-8 weeks, 9-10 weeks, and 11 + weeks of available leave, respectively. Notably, 53.5% of respondents reported that vacation or sick days must be used for parental leave. Respondents reported lactation policies and on-site childcare at 49.5% and 8.4% of residency programs, respectively. The trends noted in the survey responses signal concerning aspects of family planning and fertility for dermatology residents capable of becoming pregnant. Residency family planning policies, benefits, and resources should evolve and homogenize across programs to fully support trainees.

Perceptions of Community Service in Dermatology Residency Training Programs: A Survey-Based Study of Program Directors, Residents, and Recent Dermatology Residency Graduates.

Integrating community service (CS) into the dermatology residency program curriculum creates a rewarding training environment that promotes an interest in health disparities, increases skin health equity, and augments the cultural sensitivity of its trainees. To better understand the importance of CS activities in dermatology residency programs, program directors, residents, and recent dermatology residency graduates were surveyed about their perceptions and participation in CS-defined as participation in activities to increase dermatologic access, education, and resources in under-served communities.

The Importance of Service Learning in Dermatology Residency: An Actionable Approach to Improve Resident Education and Skin Health Equity.

Accessing specialty care such as dermatology is a challenge for patients residing in marginalized communities. In 2019, there were nearly 30 million individuals without health insurance in the United States; furthermore, those from minority backgrounds are less likely to be insured than their White counterparts. Service learning is an educational approach that combines learning objectives with community service to provide a comprehensive scholastic experience, meet societal needs, and fulfill Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requirements. A commitment to service learning in dermatology residency programs will improve skin health equity as well as dermatology residency education relating to cultural competency and socioeconomic determinants of health.

Fatal Disseminated Mucormycosis in a Hematological Immunocompromised Patient with Extensive Voriconazole Exposure: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Disseminated mucormycosis is a rare, opportunistic, and aggressive infection typically presenting in immunocompromised patients. Herein, we report a 55-year-old male with a past medical history of Philadelphia-negative B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia who presented with a 2-month history of non-painful necrotic ulcers on the nose, knuckles, elbow, foot, and scrotum following 3 months of voriconazole (VRC) exposure in the setting of an unrelated fungal pneumonia. Our case reinforces the virulent and often fatal nature of the disease amongst immunocompromised patients, along with extensive VRC exposure as a possible supplementary risk factor. Disseminated cutaneous mucormycosis should be regarded as a differential diagnosis in all immunocompromised patients, especially those with hematologic malignancies or a history of VRC use, who present with cutaneous ulcerations and eschars.

Linear IgA Bullous Dermatosis Preceding the Diagnosis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Ulcerative Colitis: A Case Report.

Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disorder seen in the pediatric and adult populations that is often linked to a medication, infection, or underlying gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, or autoimmune disease. In this study, we describe the case of a 23-year-old white man whose presentation and diagnosis of LABD ultimately led to the discovery of underlying primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis (UC). His dermatitis resolved with topical steroids and dapsone, and he is undergoing systemic treatment for his UC and PSC. This exceptional case further validates the association between LABD with UC, strengthens that with PSC, and underscores the importance of alerting clinicians to consider conducting a systemic workup in addition to thorough medication history on making the diagnosis of LABD.