The DIGA Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Iya Agha for an “Ask a Resident Anything” segment guided by listener questions. Dr. Agha shares how she navigated the challenges of medical school, clinical rotations, audition electives, and interviews on her path to dermatology. She offers practical advice on building a strong application, balancing research with clinical responsibilities, and finding mentor...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Joel Sunshine, Assistant Professor and Program Director of the Johns Hopkins Dermatology Residency. Dr. Sunshine is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist whose work spans clinical care, education, and translational research. He shares his journey into dermatology, what residents can expect from the Hopkins program, and his advice for medical s...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans. She practices medical and cosmetic dermatology, holds a certificate in integrative dermatology, and brings more than 16 years of experience delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care. Dr. Turegano shares practical skincare a...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alexandra Flamm, MD, Associate Professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Program Director of the NYU Dermatology Residency. She is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist with expertise in eczema, contact dermatitis, and patch testing. Before joining NYU, Dr. Flamm completed her derm...

In this episode, we reconnect with Dr. Peter Lio, MD. Dr. Lio completed his medical and dermatology training at Harvard Medical School and currently serves as a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He also runs a private practice in the Chicago area, where he leads the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center. In this second pa...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Peter Lio, MD. Dr. Lio trained in medicine and dermatology at Harvard Medical School, later serving on faculty, and now practices in the Chicago area as founder of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center. He is also a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Beyond his clinical roles, he h...

Dr. Teekz Yenpasook has overcame lymphoma, founded health clinics and mentored underrepresented students in dermatology and medicine. If you are interested in his story, please check out his previous podcast with DIGA where he dives deeper into his journey into dermatology. Now a dermatology resident at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Teekz shares insights on skin of color dermatology, LGBTQ+ hea...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andrea Rustad, a current PGY-3 dermatology resident at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Rustad shares her journey, highlighting pivotal experiences in volunteering and research that shaped her path. She discusses how she has bridged her passion for artistic endeavors with her evolving purpose and growing interest in pediatric dermatology, offering insight...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Alexa Bonk, who recently matched into an Army dermatology residency through the military match. Dr. Bonk walks us through this lesser-known application pathway, highlighting key differences from the civilian match process, such as required service commitments, away rotations, and interview logistics. She also shares her journey to military...

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Joseph Holland, MD, MSHA, who recently matched at the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Training Program. Dr. Holland, a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, shares his path to dermatology, strategies for navigating the residency application process, and key lessons learned along the way. Outside of medicine, he is well known for his eng...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pooja Rambhia, a board-certified dermatologist with specialized training in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery. Dr. Rambhia attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, where she completed an NIH research fellowship, followed by dermatology residency at Northwell and a cosmetic-laser fellowship at Union Dermatology in New York City, where sh...

In this episode, we chat with Dr. Francisca Kartono, DO, the current President of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD). Born and raised in both Indonesia and Belgium, Dr. Kartono brings a unique perspective to the field. She shares her path to dermatology, what led her to get involved with the AOCD, and what her experience as president has been like so far. Tune in to hear more a...

In this special episode for Psoriasis Awareness Month, we sit down with Dayna Pham to talk about her journey living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. She shares the long road to diagnosis, the emotional and physical toll of the disease, and how these experiences ultimately led her to become a dedicated volunteer and advocate with the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). This conversation goe...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Woolhiser, a PGY-1 and incoming dermatology resident at Larkin Palm Springs. Dr. Woolhiser shares her inspiring journey from childhood dream to successful match, offering honest and encouraging insights into the path to dermatology. We discuss strategies for students at every stage, from finding and securing research opportunities to discovering your nich...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Daniella Reimann, a PGY-4 dermatology resident at Brown University. Dr. Reimann shares her journey through residency, reflecting on everything from the decision not to couples match to the unexpected challenges that come with dermatology training. She offers an honest look at the highs and lows of residency, how her perspective on the field...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Marcia Hogeling, Program Director of the UCLA Dermatology Residency. With fellowship training in pediatric dermatology and years of experience mentoring students, Dr. Hogeling shares what the UCLA program values in applicants and how students can stand out during the application process. She also discusses what makes UCLA’s training environ...

Dr. Erica Ginsburg discovered her passion for dermatology while working as a licensed practical nurse in the field during her undergraduate years. Now a dermatology resident in Florida, she joins us to share her journey to matching into dermatology, along with practical tips on studying, research, and volunteering. Dr. Ginsburg also reflects on the most rewarding aspects of dermatology, the surpri...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jennifer Gwilym, DO. Dr. Gwilym is a family practitioner by training who has furthered her foundation in dermatology. She now specializes in skin cancer screening and skin disease. Dr. Gwilym gives us the rundown on how her passion for dermatology blossomed and how she has been able to incorporate both her general medical knowledge and her dermatology knowledge to...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Nabeel Ahmed, a newly matched dermatology resident at Penn State. He is the first student from his brand-new medical school to pursue dermatology and is part of its second graduating class. Dr. Ahmed brings a unique perspective to the match process. A former high school teacher and Fulbright scholar, he shares how his diverse background sha...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Sheilagh Maguiness, a double board-certified pediatric dermatologist and Division Director of Pediatric Dermatology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Maguiness is a nationally recognized leader in the diagnosis and treatment of complex skin conditions in children, with special expertise in vascular birthmarks and anomalies. She shares about her journey to Pediat...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we speak with Dr. Lisa Shen, a pediatric dermatologist at Boston Medical Center, residency program director for the Boston University Department of Dermatology, and co-founder of the Coping Clinic, a multidisciplinary initiative integrating dermatology and behavioral health for children with chronic skin conditions. Dr. Shen reflects on the mentors who shaped h...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we are honored to speak with Dr. JaBreia James, Chief Resident at Harvard Dermatology. Dr. James shares her journey from medical school at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta to training at one of the most competitive dermatology residency programs in the country. She discusses the pivotal moments that sparked her interest in dermatology, her experience n...

In this week’s episode, Dr. Luna Samman, DO, shares her inspiring journey of reapplying to dermatology residency after not matching on her first attempt. She opens up about the challenges she faced, the unexpected silver linings, and the key lessons she learned along the way. Dr. Samman also offers practical advice for students who didn’t match this cycle, including: “What are the first steps to t...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Olnita Martini, DO, and Dr. Danielle Duffle, DO. Dr. Martini and Dr. Duffle are recent graduates of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine and newly matched dermatology residents. The two began a social media page called Derm and Dermer to spread knowledge about medical school and dermatology and make people laugh along the way. Tune in to hear how...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sino Mehrmal, DO, a Mohs surgery fellow and board-certified dermatologist whose path to dermatology began in nursing. With a background shaped by his deep commitment to continual education and patient care, Dr. Mehrmal brings a unique perspective to the field of dermatology. We discuss his non-traditional path to dermatology, the value of mentorship, and what it...