Topical: The Dermatology Podcast

Hi listeners, we paused from releasing new content so that we can listen instead of speak, learn to fill our knowledge gaps, and reflect on our roles as individuals and physicians in the current state of systemic racism and danger to black and brown lives.  We don't have the answer yet, but we are working on content to broaden this discussion of diversity and anti-racism in medicine and dermatolog...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Abigail Waldman, dermatologic surgeon, patient educator and social media guru (@abby.waldmanmd).  She shares with us all the exciting aspects of her career (hint: it's not just surgery), all the while balancing a rich academic and personal life.   Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD             @AMostaghimi  ...

Ever wondered what patch testing entails?  Do you also have a favorite allergen?  If so, you'll love our special guest, Dr. Ari Goldminz, who shares with us his journey to becoming a contact dermatitis expert.  (Bonus: a great detective story involving Dr. Goldminz's favorite contact allergen)   Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD             @AM...

"In the face of a storm, be like a palm tree."  This saying not only conjures the image of sunnier days, but reminds us that flexibility and resilience are key to weathering the monumental changes happening in the world right now.  This global pandemic has affected everyone, and medical trainees are no exception.  In this episode, we address the impact of COVID-19 on medical students and residency...

** Dear Listeners, the world has become a totally different place since we recorded this episode on March 9th.  Many of our listeners celebrated their match results at home rather than in crowded auditoriums.  Zoom has become the way we greet our students, teachers and colleagues.  We are proud to see our friends and colleagues on the frontlines, working tirelessly to take care of patients amidst...

In this episode, we welcome a special guest, Dr. Avery Lachance, on the show to share with us her passion for health advocacy in dermatology.  If you thought dermatologists' voices can't be heard on the Hill, think again! Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD             @AMostaghimi Follow us on: iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/topica...

This episode brings a special guest, Dr. Jennifer Lin, who wears many hats and has expertise in melanoma, multicultural dermatology, and laser & cosmetic surgery.  A true devotee to learning, she has taken a path in dermatology filled with bold choices that is sure to inspire.  

Don't have time to go through old episodes looking for answers to interview trail-related questions?  We put together some of the most commonly asked questions from our listeners in this episode.  (Spoiler: we talk dress code, thank-you letters, top-5 schools, imposter syndrome and more!)

Becoming a parent is a tremendous experience, and doing it during residency comes with a unique set of challenges.  We invite Dr. Alexandra Charrow, dermatologist and cool-mom-extraordinare, on the show to talk about what it's like having a child during residency.  (No surprise spoiler alert: Arash became a father during residency too, and he's a pretty amazing parent) Talk to us: Email: topicalpo...

Dr. Rob Stavert, a true Renaissance dermatologist, joins us on the show.  We discuss healthcare delivery, teledermatology, and the challenges and rewards of working with underserved populations.    Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD             @AMostaghimi Follow us on: iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/topical-the-dermatology-podcas...

If you've ever felt bewildered by the alphabet soup of NIH grants, then tune in to this BONUS episode of Topical, where Dr. Megan Noe returns to give us a crash course in basic NIH grants.  Now, that's easy as 1, 2, 3! Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD             @AMostaghimi Follow us on: iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/topical-t...

Ever wonder what a "postdoc" entails and how that could help your academic career?  Tune in to this episode of Topical, where Dr. Megan Noe, NIH-funded researcher and dermatologist-extraordinaire, comes on the show to share her experience with her postdoctoral fellowship and clinical research.  Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD             @AMo...

Applying to dermatology residency from a medical school without a dermatology department or residency program can be challenging.  We invite Dr. Janelle Nassim, our first guest star of the season, on the show to share her tips on how to successfully navigate these special circumstances.     Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD             @AMostag...

Dear listeners, we have missed you so much!  As a kickoff to Season 2, we have some exciting announcements and perhaps most important, different theme music (new beats, who dis?) Tune in this season every other Thursday for new episodes.  We cannot wait to share the exciting world of dermatology with you!   Talk to us: Email: topicalpod@gmail.com Twitter: @TopicalPod             @KristinaLiuMD    ...

What's that saying...all good things must come to an end?  Don't despair listeners, this good thing is only coming to a break.  We wrap up our season by sharing tips on how you can prepare for dermatology residency (spoiler: not by reading a textbook), and give you our HEARTFELT thanks for being a part of the TopicalPod family.  We have had a blast this season and look forward to sharing the next...

Match day is around the corner!  But what should you do if you don't match?  The goal of this episode is not to make you worry about the future, but to provide you with strategies and help you plan for that scenario, if it were to happen.   Follow us on: iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/topical-the-dermatology-podcast/id1375358222 Stitcher:  http://stitcher.com/s?fid=183355&refid=stpr...

And we're baaaaack, Topical listeners!  Happy 2019 to you all, and we hope you've taken some time for yourselves during the busy interview season.  The hard work is (mostly) behind you, but new pressing issues are on your mind.  How do you handle post-interview communications?  What about the couples match?  Or the R word (RANK list)?  Fear not, in this episode, we discuss how to navigate these co...

Happy Holidays dear listeners!  This is our final episode of 2018, and we tackle a difficult topic: what to do if you haven't received many interviews.  Bonus: we answer some fan mail and give you a preview of what's coming up in 2019!   Follow us on: iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/topical-the-dermatology-podcast/id1375358222 Stitcher:  http://stitcher.com/s?fid=183355&refid=stpr Goo...

Full disclosure: we love Harvard dermatology.  So while this episode may not be free from bias, we (do our best) to speak candidly about what Harvard dermatology is really like: our strengths, challenges and nuances.  (Spoiler : the winters are cold but the people are quite warm)   Follow us on: iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/topical-the-dermatology-podcast/id1375358222 Stitcher:  ht...

Happy Thanksgiving Topical listeners!  We are thankful for you today and everyday for making this podcast possible (otherwise we would just be talking to ourselves).  We take your feedback seriously, and since several of you have asked about 2+2 programs, we bring on a special guest, Dr. Allen Ho, to talk about his experience in the 2+2 program and his career path as a physician scientist.     Fol...

We had a prior episode discussing social media as a cautionary tale, but have you ever wondered whether it's possible to use social media as a tool for career advancement?   Dr. Allison Larson joins us (for the third time!) to discuss how to use social media to make connections, create collaborations and expand your reach.   Bonus content: we delve deep into her other area of expertise, gender con...

Dr. Allison Larson is back on our show, and this time she's wearing her Associate Program Director hat!  How do you find a program that is a good fit for you, and vice versa?  What kinds of applicants are programs looking for anyway?  Did you know that BU asks for supplemental questions in addition to the ERAS?  For answers to all these questions and more, tune in!   Follow us on: iTunes:  https:/...

Our 30th episode brings a special guest, Dr. Allison Larson, who wears many hats including Vice Chair of Education, Associate Program Director of Dermatology and Assistant Dean of Medical Education at Boston University.  Her path in dermatology has been filled with bold and serendipitous choices that are sure to inspire.  (Spoiler: she may be the only dermatologist you know teaching arrhythmias an...

We enjoyed talking with Dr. Misha Rosenbach so much that we are back for a second episode!  Tune in as we discuss how to maximize the mentor-mentee relationship and optimize academic productivity at every level of training.   Follow us on: iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/topical-the-dermatology-podcast/id1375358222 Stitcher:  http://stitcher.com/s?fid=183355&refid=stpr Google Play:  h...

We take our show on the road and invite a very special guest, Dr. Misha Rosenbach from the University of Pennsylvania, to share his unique perspective on the residency application and selection process. And if you're ever wondered about how to become a dermatology triple-threat like him (aka rockstar clinician, researcher and educator), you will not want to miss this episode. Bonus content: we dis...