The DIGA Podcast

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...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Asmi Berry, a board certified dermatologist about blending ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern medicine through Integrative dermatology. Dr. Berry walks us through the foundational principles of Ayurveda and how they directly shape skin health. From understanding common skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis through both Western and Ayurvedic lenses, to d...

In this episode, we sit down with DIGA Podcast founder and former host, Dr. Jonny Hatch, a current dermatology resident who recently transitioned from intern year to dermatology training. Dr. Hatch shares his experiences and insights, offering valuable advice for new residents on what to expect and resources he found helpful, from textbooks to online tools, flashcards, and podcasts. Whether you’re...

In this episode, Dr. Sara Perkins, Assistant Residency Director at the Yale Dermatology Program, shares her journey through medicine, her growth as a leader, and what makes Yale’s program exceptional. A Yale Dermatology alumna herself, Dr. Perkins also offers a glimpse into life in New Haven, CT, and provides invaluable advice on the application and interview process. Whether you are a future appl...

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Ted Jacoby, a dermatology resident at UC Davis, originally from the Big Island of Hawai'i. He completed his undergraduate studies and medical school at the University of Hawaii, and despite not having a home dermatology program or any dermatology programs nearby, was successful with the match. More than just sharing his story, he offers encouraging words of...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Yolanda Helfrich, MD. Dr. Helfrich is the current program director of the University of Michigan dermatology residency program. She tells us about her journey as a clinical dermatologist to her current position. Dr. Helfrich also gives us great insight into the University of Michigan program, its curriculum, and what she believes makes a strong applicant. Listen i...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Alexis Carrington, a final-year dermatology resident at George Washington University, who is set to continue her training with a cosmetic fellowship in Houston. Dr. Carrington shares her inspiring journey to dermatology—including her experience attending a Caribbean medical school, overcoming the challenge of not matching on her first attem...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Ryan Ottwell, a PGY-4 at Trinity Health Dermatology Residency, about creating a strong ERAS application. Drawing from his experiences, Dr. Ottwell breaks down key components - from cover letters and letters of recommendation to hobbies - offering tips on how applicants can highlight their unique stories. Having successfully guided several medical students to match,...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Abrar Qureshi, MD, MPH, Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and a distinguished leader in dermatology. Along with his academic leadership, Dr. Qureshi has dedicated much of his career to humanitarian work, particularly serving refugee populations through medical missions in Jordan and Turkey. We explore t...

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Betty Nguyen, a second-year dermatology resident at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery Residency Program. Beyond her work in dermatology, Dr. Nguyen is the co-author of Medical School for Kids , an educational series featuring over 30 books and products designed to introduce children—and the...

In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. Preetha Kamath Agarwal, a dermatologist at the University of Pittsburgh and a new mom. We discuss her journey into dermatology, how she developed a passion for the specialty, and what it was like to navigate pregnancy during medical training. She shares her experience with honesty and insight, offering a thoughtful perspective on balancing family and medici...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Anusha Pasumarthi, MD. Dr. Pasumarthi is currently in her second and final year of a dermatopharmacology fellowship at Icahn School of Medicine. She tells us about the unique journey that she took to both medical school and dermatology. This is an episode you won’t want to miss as Dr. Pasumarthi gives great insight and advice no matter what point you are at in you...

In this episode, we’re joined by dermoscopy expert, Dr. Elizabeth Seiverling, to explore the evolving role of dermoscopy beyond traditional dermatology settings. Dr. Seiverling shares her innovative approach to making skin cancer detection more accessible through primary care integration and outreach in rural communities. We also discuss her work as a pioneer in dermatology e-consults, which empow...

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Valerie Foy, a PGY-2 at St. John's Episcopal Dermatology Residency, about her path to dermatology. Dr. Foy shares about her experiences in medical school including the challenges of not matching her fourth year. With determination and resilience, she made the most of her transitional year, ultimately securing a spot at her dream dermatology program. Throughout o...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Li Li, Ph. D. Dr. Li is a Research Fellow in the Church Lab at Harvard Medical School and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering. Her work focuses on regenerative medicine and gene therapy, with a specific interest in skin aging, wound healing, and inflammatory skin disorders. In her most recent pre-print, Dr. Li introduc...

Join us for this episode as we talk with Dr. Ammar Ahmed, residency director of the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Dermatology Program. We discuss his journey to becoming a dermatologist and academic leader, the key features of the Dell Medical program, and his insights on how medical students can successfully navigate the residency application process. Program website: https://...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Keira Barr, a psychodermatologist based in Washington State. She talks about her journey to psychodermatology and her insights as a previous faculty member at the UC Davis dermatology program. She also discusses specific techniques used in psychodermatology and how they differ from the traditional approach. If you are interested in joining the psychodermatology in...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kelly Kimball, MD. Dr. Kimball is a current PGY-2 at the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital program. Dr. Kimball has made research a strong point in her CV from applying to medical school, summer research programs, and ultimately applying to residency. She has continued this research fervor into residency as well! Come and hear her thoughts on the types of re...