DF Clinical Symposium

Where Scientific Innovation, Discovery and Clinical Dermatology Converge

Michael Rosenblum, MD, PhD, was a 20-year-old undergraduate at the University of British Columbia when his mother became ill with breast cancer. At the time, physician-scientists were just beginning to explore how the immune system could be directed to target cancer cells. At the forefront was Dr. Steven Rosenberg, who had written a book that…

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…

Scar Wars

Dr. Wysong presented information about scar assessment and treatment. First, Dr. Wysong discussed managing patient expectations for scar treatment. Scars are an outcome of the natural healing process when fibrous tissue replaces normal skin after skin injury. Patients should understand that their skin will never be exactly the same. Dr. Wysong makes sure to ask…

Update on Contact Dermatitis

Dr. Cohen shared updated information about contact dermatitis (CD), including trends, common allergens, consort CD, and systemic CD. Reading product labels is critical for diagnosing CD because most products contain common allergens. Dr. Cohen advised that there is overlap between CD and atopic dermatitis (AD). If a patient’s skin does not clear with treatment, consider…

Challenging Cases That Have Taught Me Oncology

Dr. Choi presented three oncodermatology cases that demonstrate clinical pearls for the diagnosis and treatment of oral graft versus host disease (GVHD), nutritional deficiencies, and aleukemic leukemia cutis (LC). Case #1 A 71-year-old female with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) presented with oral pain and bleeding and bruising of the gums…

Varicose Veins for Dermatologists

Dr. Wysong presented information about varicose veins for dermatologists. Dermatologists frequently see patients with venous disease in clinic but have limited formal training in treating it. First, Dr. Wysong shared an overview of varicose vein disease including anatomy, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. Venous insufficiency is the inability of the blood to return efficiently from…

Remarkable Career Yields Long-term Benefits for Dermatology

In every field of medical science, there are a handful of leaders recognized by their peers as giants. Dr. John Voorhees, MD, FRCP (London), is one such leader. In an illustrious career spanning several decades, Dr. Voorhees has advanced medical knowledge through dermatologic research, developed innovative approaches to psoriasis treatment, taught and mentored dozens of…