The DIGA Podcast

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...

Join us as we talk with Dr. Roland Beverly, a dermatologist and project director for Health Volunteers Overseas. In this episode, Dr. Beverly shares insights from his extensive experience volunteering abroad, discusses his dermatology career, and highlights the importance of global health outreach. Discover the rewarding challenges of providing dermatologic care in underserved areas and learn more...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Steven Daveluy, MD. Dr. Daveluy is the program director of the Wayne State University Dermatology Residency Program. He gives us an inside look on the Wayne State program, its various features, the life of a Wayne State resident, and his personal thoughts on what makes a successful applicant. We hope you enjoy! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with oth...

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Sophia Anagnostis as she shares her journey to dermatology, from her gap year as a medical assistant to her successful match at the HCA Florida Largo Dermatology Residency. Dr. Anagnostis is a voice of hope, encouraging everyone to believe in themselves and never close a door on their dreams. We hope you enjoy! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Roxana Daneshjou, MD/PhD, a physician-scientist who combines her expertise in dermatology and artificial intelligence.  Dr. Daneshjou shares her journey, which began with studying Bioengineering at Rice University, followed by earning her MD and PhD in Genetics at Stanford School of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency at Stanford as part of the rese...

Today we spoke with Dr. Alyssa Becker, MD. She is a 2024 graduate from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) who will be starting dermatology residency at the University of Connecticut in 2025 after completing her prelim year at the University of Hawaii Internal Medicine Program. She talks about creating connections while being miles away from other academic institutio...

In this episode, we talk with PGY-3 Dr. John Tsatalis a current resident at the University of Miami dermatology program. Dr. Tsatalis gives a rundown on timeless dermatology history, tells us about his path into dermatology, various aspects of the University of Miami program, and his general day-to-day as a part of one of the largest dermatology programs in the country! We hope you enjoy!   If you...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Alia Ahmed, a UK-based dermatologist specializing in psychodermatology, a field that explores the connection between the mind and skin. Dr. Ahmed shares insights into common psychodermatology conditions, approaches to patient management, and her unique perspectives on the role mental health plays in skin health. We also touch on the differences between dermatol...

At the age of 26, skin cancer was the last thing on Leah Adams’ mind—until a routine skin check changed everything. Diagnosed with stage IA melanoma, Leah had to confront the fears, surgeries, and uncertainties that followed. In this episode, she shares how her experience transformed her perspective on skin health and inspired her to become a melanoma advocate. Leah’s story is a powerful reminder...