Cutaneous Miscellaneous: The Dermatology Residents Podcast

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, incoming 2027 host Joshua Burshtein, MD, welcomes Alexandra Golant, MD, to discuss the role of topical and systemic corticosteroids in modern dermatology practice. Dr Golant examines how corticosteroids became a mainstay of inflammatory skin disease management and how recent therapeutic advances are changing prescribing practices. The conversation addresses steroid stewardship, balancing topical corticosteroids with newer nonsteroidal options, and recognizing and mitigating the risks of long-term use. They also discuss patient counseling, navigating treatment preferences, and why systemic corticosteroids have become less appropriate for managing chronic inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Tune in to the episode for practical perspectives on corticosteroid use, incorporating steroid-sparing therapies into treatment plans, and educating patients on their options, followed by a rapid-fire segment covering common prescribing mistakes, steroid phobia, and emerging therapeutic advances.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes incoming hosts Brooke Bartley, MD, and Joshua Burshtein, MD, for a conversation spanning the dermatology resident journey from first year through chief residency.   Drs Bartley and Burshtein discuss learning to become comfortable with the unknown, balancing board preparation with day-to-day clinical learning, and developing the communication and interpersonal skills that textbooks cannot teach. They share approaches to studying, using resources effectively, and building habits that support success throughout residency. The conversation also explores what makes a strong resident, including curiosity, humility, reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to keep learning. Dr Brownstone reflects on how those habits continue into practice, where learning from new research, treatments, colleagues, and patients never stops.   Tune in to the episode for candid advice on navigating residency, becoming a better clinician, and getting to know the new hosts of Cutaneous Miscellaneous.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes David Oberlin, MD, to explore the role of skin biopsy in clinical decision-making and how collaboration with dermatopathologists can strengthen diagnostic accuracy. Their conversation covers biopsy technique, site selection, specimen quality, and the importance of interpreting pathology findings alongside the clinical picture. Dr Oberlin discusses how to approach descriptive or nonspecific pathology reports, including challenging scenarios such as dermal hypersensitivity reactions and hand or foot eruptions where pathology alone may not provide a clear answer. He emphasizes broad differentials, clinicopathologic correlation, and the limitations of biopsy, while encouraging clinicians to communicate directly with dermatopathologists and incorporate patient preferences into management decisions. Tune in to the episode to hear strategies for approaching challenging biopsy results, strengthening collaboration with dermatopathologists, and building the clinical judgment that supports confident patient care.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Leo Wang, MD, assistant professor of dermatology and bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, for a conversation on dermatology research and how clinical questions can drive innovation in the lab. They begin with a boards review on topical drug delivery, with a practical breakdown of common vehicles and how differences in water content influence occlusion, tolerability, and clinical use. Dr Wang also reviews stratum corneum biology and how it impacts drug delivery. The discussion then turns to life as a dermatology researcher. Dr Wang shares why he chose a research-heavy career, how he built his lab, and how clinical practice informs his research priorities. He and Dr Brownstone also discuss funding realities, time management, and how residents can explore research paths during and after training. Tune into the episode for boards pearls, insight into research-focused careers in dermatology, and guidance for residents interested in shaping the future of skin therapeutics.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Mohs fellow Justin Marson, MD, and cosmetic fellow Saira Agarwala ,MD,  for a special live discussion recorded at the Real World Dermatology for Residents 2026 Conference on preparing for the APPLIED Exam. Sharing their own experiences and study strategies, they offer practical guidance on how APPLIED differs from the CORE Exam, what resources they found most valuable, and how residents can approach preparation without overcomplicating their study plans. The conversation covers high-yield resources, the role of dermatopathology, how to prioritize study efforts in the months and weeks leading up to the exam, and the importance of trusting the clinical foundation developed throughout residency. Tune in to the episode to hear practical exam-preparation advice, learn which study resources recent test-takers found most useful, and gain insights into approaching the APPLIED Exam with confidence.

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, is joined by Erin Boh, MD, for a case-based discussion on selecting and managing biologics for psoriasis in a rapidly expanding treatment landscape. With more than a dozen biologic and oral options available, treatment selection increasingly requires a balance of clinical evidence, patient factors, and individualized strategy. Through 3 practical cases, they walk through first-line biologic selection, management of incomplete or waning response, and common pitfalls encountered by residents and early-career dermatologists. A central theme is the role of personalized medicine, including genomic tools like the Mind.Px test, which evaluates gene expression patterns to help identify the most appropriate therapeutic class. The conversation highlights how these tools can reduce trial-and-error prescribing, support payer discussions, and improve patient confidence in treatment decisions. Tune in to the episode to hear how experienced clinicians integrate clinical judgment with precision testing, navigate real-world complexities, and approach biologic selection with a more personalized, patient-centered framework.

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, is joined by Vinh Chung, MD, dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, for a thoughtful conversation on burnout, physician well-being, and becoming the kind of doctor you want to be. They explore why burnout often emerges early in training, driven by workload, time pressure, and administrative demands, and how it can manifest as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished fulfillment. Dr Chung reframes burnout as something that can develop through neglect rather than inevitability, emphasizing the importance of supportive teams, shared purpose, and meaningful work. The discussion also touches on moral injury, the role of autonomy in professional satisfaction, and the value of aligning career decisions with personal values rather than prestige or compensation alone. Tune in to the episode to reflect on who you want to become as a physician, how to evaluate culture and leadership when choosing your next step, and how long-term perspective, humility, and human connection can help sustain fulfillment in dermatology.

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.