Cutaneous Miscellaneous: The Dermatology Residents Podcast

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, is joined by Danny Zakria, MD, to recap highlights from the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Denver, with a focus on how residents and early-career dermatologists can make the most of the experience. They begin with a board review of UV light and sunscreen fundamentals, covering key distinctions between UVA and UVB, mechanisms of photoprotection, and counseling points that resonate with patients, including framing sunscreen use around photoaging prevention. In the main part of the episode, they discuss how to approach AAD strategically, from navigating the exhibit hall and planning sessions to identifying high-yield scientific content. They highlight emerging data across dermatology, including updates in acne, alopecia areata, dermatomyositis, and psoriasis, while also sharing practical tips for networking, evaluating products, and engaging with industry and peers. Tune in to the episode to hear practical guidance on navigating AAD, key clinical updates from this year’s meeting, and how to turn the conference experience into a meaningful step in your dermatology career.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Peter Lio, MD, to examine the role of over-the-counter (OTC) skin care in everyday practice. They discuss evolving perceptions of “drugstore” products, explore what “sensitive skin” may actually represent clinically, and review emerging data on polymer-based cleansing technologies designed to support barrier integrity. The conversation also highlights formulation science, including research evaluating moisturizers that combine hyaluronic acid, natural moisturizing factors, and essential lipids, as well as data suggesting improved quality of life when lightweight adjunctive moisturizers are paired with acne regimens. They also examine clinical findings from a study assessing structured OTC regimens before and after procedures and their impact on tolerability and irritation. Tune in to the episode for an evidence-informed framework for recommending OTC products with confidence and elevating everyday patient care as a resident or early-career dermatologist.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Erik Domingues, MD, for a conversation on why practice culture matters and how residents and early-career dermatologists can start thinking about it long before they run their own clinic. The episode opens with a boards review on vitiligo, covering common triggers, genetic associations, major clinical subtypes, important mimickers, notable associated conditions, and core medical and surgical treatments every resident should know. In the main part of the episode, the discussion focuses on how practice culture develops and its direct impact on patient care, staff morale, and clinical efficiency. Dr Domingues shares perspective on communication, leadership behaviors, team dynamics, and the habits that contribute to a positive clinical environment, offering concepts residents can begin applying even during training. Tune in to the episode for insights that can help residents recognize healthy practice environments, understand their own role in shaping team culture, and prepare for the responsibilities that come with building a supportive, patient-centered practice.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Meenal Kheterpal, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine, for a comprehensive look at locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (laBCC) and the role of Hedgehog inhibitors (HHIs), a must-know topic for dermatology residents. Dr Brownstone opens with a board review of basal cell carcinoma, including risk factors, clinical variants, treatment selection, and when to consider Mohs surgery. He breaks down the Hedgehog signaling pathway, explaining how vismodegib and sonidegib work and their common side effects. In the main segment, Dr Kheterpal discusses how to identify and define laBCC in clinical practice, select appropriate candidates for HHI therapy, and integrate these agents into neoadjuvant treatment strategies. She shares practical pearls on counseling patients, managing adverse effects like muscle cramps, alopecia, and dysgeusia, and addressing teratogenicity concerns in reproductive-age patients. The episode also highlights tips for communicating treatment expectations confidently and applying clinical judgment beyond textbook definitions. Tune in to the full episode for board-focused insights and real-world takeaways for your future clinics.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes pediatric dermatologist Lisa Swanson, MD, for a deeper look at advanced systemic therapy in pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD). They begin with a board review of transient skin diseases of the newborn. They cover key conditions including erythema toxicum neonatorum, transient neonatal pustular melanosis, congenital milia, neonatal cephalic pustulosis, eosinophilic pustulosis folliculitis, and the miliaria variants, highlighting cytologic findings, distinguishing features, and treatment considerations. In the main segment, they explore AD biologics in a “102-level” discussion for residents. Dr Swanson reviews patient identification, differences between pediatric and adult treatment decisions, counseling strategies for families, and the impact of AD on growth and quality of life. She also discusses the mechanisms and use of dupilumab, lebrikizumab, tralokinumab, and nemolizumab, offering practical advice on selecting, switching, and discontinuing biologics, as well as insights into building confidence with advanced therapies. Tune in to the full episode for both a high-yield board review and real-world guidance on incorporating systemic therapies into pediatric dermatology, equipping residents with tools for managing complex cases.

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!

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 paraphenylenediamine, methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, propylene glycol, and bacitracin. Dr Hussain shares a structured approach to studying allergens, including memorizing the last 5 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 recent publication. from 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, as well as 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!

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. They explore career pathways in industry, from medical affairs to R&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. Finally, they break down what industry looks for when selecting dermatologists to work with and share strategies for positioning yourself for future opportunities. 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!

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. 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. 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. Tune in to the full episode to learn how professional societies can support your journey through residency and beyond!

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Brad Glick, DO, to cover to an essential topic for residents and early-career dermatologists: practical approaches for incorporating the latest therapies and technologies into clinical practice. They begin with a board review on psoriatic arthritis. Dr Glick highlights the importance of early evaluation and preventive therapies, shares practical tips on critical questions to ask in clinic, and emphasizes utilizing screening tools to aid in diagnosis. The conversation then shifts to integrating new therapies and technologies into clinical practice. Dr Glick shares insights on adapting to advancements, from targeted biologics to precision tools like the Mind.Px patch, which uses molecular profiling to help dermatologists select the most effective psoriasis treatments for a given patient. Tune in to the full episode for an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of dermatologic care, from board review essentials to real-world strategies for residents looking to adopt breakthrough therapies and tools.

In episode 30 of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes April Armstrong, MD, Professor and Chief of Dermatology at UCLA, for a detailed discussion on oral therapies for psoriasis and their continued relevance in today's treatment landscape. They begin with a board review of 2 classic therapies, methotrexate and cyclosporine, breaking down their mechanisms of action, dosing protocols, key adverse effects, and important monitoring guidelines. They then explore methotrexate’s continued use, particularly for uninsured patients, and cyclosporine’s role as a short-term “bridging” therapy for patients in crisis. They review acitretin, discussing its risks, chemopreventive benefits, and lab monitoring requirements; apremilast, highlighting its safety and lack of required lab monitoring; and deucravacitinib, a TYK-2 inhibitor noted for its unique mechanism, long-term efficacy, and suitability for challenging psoriasis types. Tune in to hear expert guidance on navigating these oral therapies, practical tips for residents, and updates on how each therapy fits into modern psoriasis care!

In episode 28 of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, our host, Nicholas Brownstone, MD, gets to know Anthony Rossi, MD, dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and founder of his own skin care line Dr. Rossi DERM MD®. They start with a board review on Mohs surgery, covering critical indications and the appropriate use criteria from the American College of Mohs Surgery. They also discuss patient characteristics that favor Mohs surgery and when to consider antibiotic prophylaxis. They then discuss starting a skin care line post-residency. Dr Rossi shares insights on creating a dermatologist-approved line, weighing the pros and cons of starting from scratch versus private labeling. He provides strategies for differentiating in a saturated market, observing trends, and developing a business model that focuses on repeat customers. Tune in to the full episode for Dr Rossi ‘s valuable pearls and pitfalls for dermatologists interested in launching their own skin care lines and how to blend business acumen with dermatologic expertise!

In episode 26 of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, our host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, chats with Harrison Nguyen, MD, MBA, MPH, FAAD, FACMS, Managing Director of Houston Skin and Ahuva Cices, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in front of a live audience during the Real World Dermatology For Residents Conference at the Sahara Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Dr Brownstone asks for advice on preparing for the APPLIED exam. Dr Nguyen discusses his perspective on preparing for the exam while Dr Cices offers her favorite resources. The group also discusses how to prepare for the Kodachromes and the dermatopathology portion of the exam. Dr Brownstone asks Dr Nguyen specifically about infectious disease and pharmacology on the APPLIED exam and how to handle the JAAD CME articles. Dr Nguyen and Dr Cices then discuss their exam preparation schedules. The episode continues with many more high-yield pearls on preparing for the APPLIED exam along words of encouragement from the special guests. The episode ends with the panel discussing their favorite things about a trip to Las Vegas! Listen now for high-yield tips on how to ace the APPLIED exam!