Education

Cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts attract attendees to the DF’s annual CME meeting: Clinical Symposia—Advances in Dermatology.

Precision Medicine in Cutaneous Lymphoma

Dr. Jaehyuk Choi presented two patient cases that demonstrate his approach to precision medicine in cutaneous lymphoma. Patients are referred to Dr. Choi from multiple institutions to better understand their disease and drivers of therapeutic resistance. He uses machine learning algorithms to identify predictive biomarkers and develop innovative next-generation therapies. Case #1 A 64-year-old male…

Shared Decision Making in Dermatology

Dr. Carrie Coughlin presented information about shared decision making (SDM) for dermatologists. First, Dr. Coughlin provided an overview of SDM. SDM occurs when providers and patients come together to make decisions. The decision must involve at least two reasonably equivalent options. Clinicians must clearly communicate the options and elicit patient and/or family preferences. The benefits…

Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: An Update

Dr. Carrie Coughlin presented information about the clinical evaluation, treatment, and management of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). First, Dr. Coughlin discussed CMN clinical evaluation and risk assessment. Initial evaluation includes a physical exam with palpation because melanoma can present underneath the skin. If the nevus is large or giant, Dr. Coughlin also examines the lymph…

Dermatologic Emergencies: SJS/TEN Mimics

Dr. Lindy Fox presented information about dermatologic emergencies that mimic Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). First, Dr. Fox described SJS/TEN, a severe skin reaction that causes damage to the skin and mucus membranes and can be life-threatening. Dr. Fox believes that SJS and TEN are two distinct conditions. SJS typically presents as targetoid lesions that…

“From the Door” Diagnosis of Life-threatening Infections

Dr. Lindy Fox presented four patient cases demonstrating the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of life-threatening cutaneous infections. She referred to these infections as “from the door” diagnoses because the clinical presentation is clearly concerning from the moment you walk in the door. Case #1 A 33-year-old female with dermatomyositis presented with bullae and purpuric…

How I Do It: Psoriasis in Skin of Color

Dr. Ginette Okoye presented information about the clinical presentation and treatment of psoriasis in patients with skin of color. First, Dr. Okoye described the clinical presentation of psoriasis in patients with skin of color. Classic psoriasis, characterized by well-demarcated erythematous (red) plaques and micaceous (silver-colored) scales, can occur in these patients. Non-classic presentations of psoriasis…

Common and Uncommon Pitfalls in Clinicopathologic Correlation

Dr. Olayemi Sokumbi discussed three patient cases that demonstrate pitfalls in clinicopathologic correlation (CPC), the correlation between clinical and histopathological diagnosis. She believes that the gold standard for diagnosis involves collaboration between the dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Case #1: Double whammy A 28-year-old male presented with scattered plaques and nodules on his arms and legs. He…

Skin Color in Clinicopathological Correlation

Dr. Sokumbi presented information about the role of skin color in clinicopathological correlation (CPC) and dermatopathology. She argued that dermatologists should understand how skin of color clinical deficiencies, and biases impact dermatopathology and shared three patient cases of inflammatory dermatoses that demonstrate pitfalls to consider in skin of color. Case #1: Overcoming bias A 64-year-old…

Cutaneous Metastases in Cancer Patients

Dr. Choi shared about the role of dermatologists in treating cutaneous metastases (CM) in cancer patients. Typically, dermatologists diagnose CM and refer patients to their oncologist for primary treatment. Dr. Choi argued that dermatologists can make a difference in clinical outcomes and patient quality of life by treating them with skin-directed therapies. First, Dr. Choi…

Skin Cancer Syndrome: Update on Gorlin Syndrome

Dr. Billingsley presented information about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Gorlin syndrome. First, Dr. Billingsley discussed the etiology and epidemiology of Gorlin syndrome. Gorlin syndrome is a tumor predisposing disorder with systemic manifestations that affects approximately 11,000 people in the US. It is caused by a genetic mutation affecting the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling…