In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes David Osborne, PhD, an industry expert in topical drug formulation, for an in-depth discussion on formulations and compounding in dermatology.Dr Brownstone begins with a board review on the structure and function of the epidermis, covering the 5 layers of the skin and key cellular junctions, with mnemonic tips to aid retention.In the main segment, Drs Brownstone and Osborne explore the fundamentals of topical formulation, including principles of localized drug delivery, ingredient selection, and the role of Fick’s law in product diffusion. Dr Osborne shares insights on formulation challenges, selecting the right solvents and excipients, and key considerations such as ingredient stability, packaging, and accurate measurement of actives.The episode wraps up with practical pearls for dermatologists interested in product development, including which ingredients to avoid. Tune in for a high-yield, practical discussion!

David Osborne, PhD

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Foundations of Formulation: Compounding in Dermatology

In this live-recorded episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, is joined by Danielle Dubin, MD, assistant professor and assistant program director in the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and Leena Ramani, MD, hair transplant fellow and dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, for a dynamic discussion recorded at the Real World Dermatology For Residents Conference at the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. &nbsp;They share key insights on how the APPLIED exam differs from the CORE Exam, offering strategies for tackling second-order, management-focused questions. The group also highlights their favorite study resources, including the Anki deck based on Review of Dermatology by Alikhan and Hocker, Boards University, and their preferred dermatopathology review resource. High-yield topics discussed include which question bank should be used, effective pathology study techniques, and tips for avoiding overstudying.The episode wraps up with words of encouragement, and even a lighthearted chat about their ideal Vegas night out. Whether you’re preparing for the APPLIED exam or simply curious about the exam residents need to take to become board certified in dermatology, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider tips you don’t want to miss.

Danielle Dubin, MD

Recorded Live at the RWDR25 Conference in Las Vegas, NV

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Aamir Hussain, MD, to discuss high-yield strategies for dermatology exam prep.They start with a board review on contact dermatitis, covering key allergens like para-phenylenediamine, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, propylene glycol, and bacitracin. Dr Hussain shares a structured approach to studying allergens, including memorizing the last five years of "Allergen of the Year" and the T.R.U.E. TEST’s 36 most common allergens.They then break down exam timelines and study strategies, using insights from Dr Hussain’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__link.springer.com_article_10.1007_s00403-2D024-2D03421-2D2&amp;d=DwMFaQ&amp;c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&amp;r=Q-ALKHBmC-CM7azZ_hoqZ-Vv2CnCb1GZyNps41UL4Po&amp;m=apacRMMUsvv9z8WuGrg41qNpW4e3bGQJ_lvPqgjhRkzds-KB2U07DcPxyeqDqESP&amp;s=i76c8efSnhcB1fub1aAXOxjR5X-kIYVwd0fyqA2GxcM&amp;e=">recent publication</a>, covering the BASIC exam in PGY-2 to the 4 CORE board exams in PGY-3. They share tips on prioritizing sections and using the best textbooks, atlases, question banks, and digital tools. They also touch on the value of in-person and virtual review courses, and how to maximize free resident resources.Tune in to the episode for high-yield pearls and a structured approach to acing your dermatology exams!

Aamir Hussain, MD, MAPP

From BASIC to Boards: How to Prepare for Every Dermatology Exam

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, is joined by dermatologist and dermatopathologist Michelle Tarbox, MD, to break down a crucial resident skill: dermoscopy.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, is joined by dermatologist and dermatopathologist Michelle Tarbox, MD, to break down a crucial resident skill: dermoscopy.&nbsp;They kick things off with practical board review on the busy dermis and vacuolar interface patterns, covering how to build a differential, what features not to miss (hello, sneaky metastases), and how to work through normal-looking slides that may not be so normal after all.&nbsp;Then they dive into dermoscopy, discussing how to learn it, how to use it in clinic, and why it’s become the dermatologist’s equivalent of a stethoscope. Dr. Tarbox shares real clinical cases—including melanoma masqueraders, foreign body imposters, and heart-shaped seborrheic keratoses—with image-by-image insights on what to look for and why.&nbsp;Whether you're prepping for boards or aiming to sharpen your day-to-day diagnostic skills, this episode is packed with high-yield pearls and a few great analogies, too.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://d18uhdhjoz8by6.cloudfront.net/CM_Dermatoscopic_Images_7596a850d8.pdf">Download the Accompanying Dermatoscopic Images Here</a>

Michelle Tarbox, MD

Dermoscopy Decoded

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Theo Alkousakis, MD, to discuss an important topic not covered in dermatology training: how residents can navigate opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Theo Alkousakis, MD, to discuss an important topic not covered in dermatology training: how residents can navigate opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry.&nbsp;They explore career pathways in industry, from medical affairs to R&amp;D, and why some dermatologists make the transition. They also share practical ways to get involved, including advisory boards, speaker programs, and clinical trials, while offering guidance on building credibility, networking at conferences, and finding mentors, even in programs with industry restrictions. Additionally, they highlight how to align industry opportunities with personal values and clinical practice to make ethical career decisions.&nbsp;Finally, they break down what industry looks for when selecting dermatologists to work with and share strategies for positioning yourself for future opportunities.&nbsp;Tune in to the full episode to learn how to start engaging with industry now—so you're ready to take advantage of opportunities post-residency!

Theo Alkousakis, MD

Navigating Industry: What You Won’t Learn in Residency

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Naiem Issa, MD, for an in-depth discussion on topical therapies in dermatology, covering both traditional treatments and the latest innovations, focusing on tapinarof and roflumilast.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Naiem Issa, MD, for an in-depth discussion on topical therapies in dermatology, covering both traditional treatments and the latest innovations, focusing on tapinarof and roflumilast.&nbsp;The episode begins with a board review of eczematous and papulosquamous diseases, including CARP, asteatotic eczema, nummular dermatitis, and pityriasis rosea, highlighting key diagnostic clues, treatment approaches, and must-know information for residents.&nbsp;They then explore the role of topical therapies in treating psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, emphasizing patient expectations, positioning treatments effectively, and the balance between topicals and systemic options. They provide insights into newer agents like tapinarof and roflumilast, discussing their mechanisms of action, clinical use, and combination strategies for enhanced efficacy.&nbsp;The episode wraps up with practical pearls for residents, including how to navigate access issues, gain hands-on experience with new therapies, and stay updated on emerging therapies. Tune in for a high-yield discussion packed with clinical takeaways!

Naiem Issa, MD

The Next Generation of Topical Treatments: Clinical Pearls for Residents

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes James Del Rosso, DO, to discuss the value of dermatology residents engaging with professional societies and how it can benefit their careers and patients.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes James Del Rosso, DO, to discuss the value of dermatology residents engaging with professional societies and how it can benefit their careers and patients.&nbsp;They begin with a board review on topical and systemic retinoids, highlighting the common applications of the topicals tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene as well as an overview of systemic options like isotretinoin and acitretin.&nbsp;They then discuss how residents can leverage professional societies, such as the American Acne and Rosacea Society and the National Psoriasis Foundation, to access networking opportunities, research grants, educational resources, and more. They explore how involvement in societies can support residents, provide resources for patients, and help dermatologists build connections and advance their careers.&nbsp;Tune in to the full episode to learn how professional societies can support your journey through residency and beyond!

Recorded Live at the RWDR25 Conference in Las Vegas, NV

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