Dermatology

Is skin really the largest organ? The truth might surprise you.

Conditions
August 26, 2024

While driving to work one morning, I heard a radio commercial for a men’s fragrance product. In that commercial, the male actor boldly stated that “the skin is the largest organ.” Additionally, I had heard or read this same statement several times earlier that same week.

Dictionaries define dictum (synonyms: saying, proverb, maxim, aphorism) as a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source or a short, pithy expression identified with a particular …

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Why curing baldness remains as elusive as putting a man on the moon

Physician
August 16, 2024

If they can put a man on the moon, why can’t they cure male pattern baldness? It’s not easy being bald. In winter, you freeze; in summer, you burn. New follicles never “spring” up, and hair continues to “fall.” That pretty much describes the seasons of my discontent.

You would think that at age 80, I would have come to grips with my shiny dome. After all, I had the highest …

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Mastering patient inquiries: Streamline your practice communication

Physician
July 9, 2024

Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.”
-William Shakespeare

“Oh, I forgot to ask my doctor something” is a line as old as time itself. This happens within 0.6 seconds of starting the ride back home. So you then decide to call the office. Then you’re probably greeted with a “listen carefully to our menu options.” It’ll be a long day before you get a hold of anyone. Even …

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Women in medicine: Balancing career and family [PODCAST]

Podcast
June 21, 2024
YouTube video

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We welcome Christine J. Ko, a dermatopathologist, to discuss the evolving landscape of women in medicine. Inspired by America Ferrera’s powerful monologue in Barbie and Jennifer Lycette’s insightful essay on the challenges faced …

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It is literally possible to be a woman in medicine! We are doing it every day.

Physician
March 1, 2024

I love America Ferrara’s monologue in Barbie. Similarly, the impossibility of being a woman in medicine, as so clearly stated in Dr. Jennifer Lycette’s recent essay in KevinMD, absolutely resonates with me.

And yet, let’s not forget that in 2021, two of five practicing physicians were women, with certain fields including (my own) dermatology, internal medicine, and pediatrics having a female predominance. Studies support that these female physicians have …

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Psychodermatology: A skin-brain axis exists, so what are you doing about it?

Conditions
February 14, 2024

Skin and mental health are intertwined. This is evident embryologically, as we know that the skin and brain are derived from ectoderm, forming a skin-brain axis. Furthermore, scientific pathophysiology has shown that conditions such as acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis are directly influenced by mood.

Whether you are a patient, a provider, or an aesthetics professional, be aware that treating skin should also include treating mental health when needed. Ignoring that …

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A surprising acne rosacea remedy

Conditions
November 6, 2023

I have typically managed my mild case of acne rosacea (AR) with affordable over-the-counter (OTC) medications, but there has always been a residual redness that bothered me.

Recently, while reading about Demodex, microscopic mites that live on the faces of many of us in our hair follicles and sebaceous glands, I became interested in their potential connection to AR. I wondered if a topical mitocidal treatment might be helpful. Some research …

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Balancing life and medicine [PODCAST]

Podcast
October 28, 2023
YouTube video

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Join us for an engaging podcast conversation with Kim Downey, a physical therapist, and Stephen Lewellis, a dermatologist. They share their unique professional journeys, discussing the challenges and insights they’ve gained in their respective fields. From navigating …

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ChatGPT: Charting the future of health care with visionary AI

Tech
October 12, 2023

 

As technology advances, the health care sector perennially seeks innovative solutions to enhance patient care, diagnostic capabilities, and accessibility. OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, with its pioneering vision feature, has emerged as a potentially transformative tool, enabling myriad applications that traverse beyond textual interactions and delve deeply into the visual realm.

Elevating user interactivity in health care consultations. They were integrating visual capabilities in ChatGPT-4 ushers …

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Navigating the rising challenges of dermatology residency applications

Physician
August 24, 2023

The path to becoming a dermatologist has become increasingly challenging in recent years. This is due, in part, to the competitive environment of residency applications, as well as the increasing emphasis on research output. In their publication, “Research Fever—An Ever More Prominent Trend in the Residency Match,” Dr. Ahmed and Dr. Adashi note that the number of research publications on residency applications has increased significantly over the past decade. This …

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Transform your life with 10 powerful tips for health and happiness

Physician
August 2, 2023

Separately, we discovered many of the same helpful tips that neither of us learned in a combined fifty-six years of education and training; we have each found comfort, sustenance, and direction from them. When we recently discussed wellness in our department, Alicia shared resources she had found useful in navigating the stressors of physician life. Christine was reluctant to talk about the subject at all, and together we found commonalities. …

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Dermatology at a crossroads: an urgent case for value-based care

Physician
July 24, 2023

Over the past decade, the medical field has witnessed a profound shift—a transformative movement fueled by the commitment to render patient-centered, cost-effective care. This sweeping change is characterized by the transition from a volume-based to a value-based model of health care. While several medical specialties have responded to this call for change and started implementing value-based systems, dermatology has been relatively slow on the uptake. The need for a robust …

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Insider secrets: 10 must-know tips for mastering medical appointments

Physician
July 16, 2023

Since December 2022, I have attended over 60 medical appointments, ranging from 15 minutes to as long as 6 hours. Some appointments were as short as 15 minutes, while others required a minimum of 3 hours. Through these numerous health care visits, which collectively amount to more than 60 hours, I have gained valuable insights. Here are my top 10 tips based on my experiences:

Check the location and plan ahead. …

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Insurance profits over patients’ lives: Doctors battle for proper care 33 times a week

Physician
July 16, 2023

“I can’t afford higher,” Bobby’s (identifying information changed) mom explains when asked about his low dose. As Bobby’s dermatologist, I prescribed Accutane, curing 80 percent of acne with a six-month course. Insurance denied, requiring doxycycline. I rarely give antibiotics, following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Antibiotics build resistance and aren’t curative, resulting in more scarring. Rejecting Medicaid’s incorrect treatment, Bobby’s mom is paying for the appropriate treatment, …

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How artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming dermatology diagnosis and treatment

Tech
July 10, 2023

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is no less than a modern revolution. As we progress in the digital age, the capabilities of AI continue to expand, facilitating advancements in countless fields. One such field is health care, where AI has the potential to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency. A shining example of this is the utilization of large language models, such as OpenAI’s Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), …

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Revealing the hidden impact of skin conditions

Conditions
July 8, 2023

During my internal medicine residency, I rotated through various subspecialties, but the one that always gave me thought-provoking perspectives at the end of the day was dermatology. I was very excited to work in derma and learn how to treat basic clinical conditions like acne, hair fall, dermatitis, etc., at the back of my hand. However, my daily clinics opened my eyes to a new Pandora’s box of issues in …

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The truth behind overpriced medical laser devices: What physicians need to know

Physician
July 7, 2023

The medical aesthetic field is experiencing significant growth, with an expected market valuation of billions by 2023. As the demand for non-invasive aesthetic procedures rises, physicians are increasingly enticed by medical laser devices. However, this industry is plagued by underhanded sales tactics and excessively priced equipment, leaving physicians at a loss.

The overpriced landscape of medical laser devices. Medical laser devices, although technologically advanced and effective, are notorious for their exorbitant prices. …

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More than skin deep: the importance of culturally competent care in medical education

Education
June 26, 2023

The very first patient I met in the rheumatology clinic at SUNY Downstate heard I was applying to medical school and pulled me close to her, saying, “I want you to feel the swelling in my hands.” She took great care to ensure I palpated each joint and appreciated the warmth, erythema, and “boggy” feeling imparted by the inflammation. She explained her medical history and was very specific with her …

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How to maximize your dermatology appointment for effective care

Physician
June 17, 2023

An office visit with a health care professional can seem like a race against time and money. With rising co-pays and shorter appointments, arriving prepared for a health care appointment will maximize the likelihood of addressing as many concerns as possible and developing a personalized treatment plan. Below are the ways you can prepare for your upcoming dermatologist appointment.

Keep track of your scheduled appointments and arrive early.

Know the day and …

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Uncovering the truth about skincare: a dermatologist’s perspective [PODCAST]

Podcast
March 17, 2023
YouTube video

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes!

In this episode, we have Fayne Frey, a dermatologist and author of The Skincare Hoax: How You’re Being Tricked into Buying Lotions, Potions & Wrinkle Cream.

We delve into the world of skincare and the billions of dollars …

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