Academic Dermatology Research Articles

Cross-sectional analysis reveals increased use of nonspecific terminology in reference to women dermatologists in patient reviews at academic centers.

The use of non-specific language to describe board-certified dermatologists in academic settings obscures the public understanding of their qualifications. This study analyzes online patient reviews nationwide to assess gender differences in the terminology used to describe academic dermatologists. We conducted a cross-sectional study, examining reviews from 62 academic institutions across 39 states, analyzing the use of terms such as "provider," "practitioner," "clinician," "health care professional," "physician," "dermatologist," and "doctor." Gender identification was determined through analysis of photographs, names, and pronouns from online biographies. Statistical analyses were performed using two-sample Z-tests with a significance level of 0.01. The data included 65,316 reviews (26,159 from reviews of men and 39,157 from women). Our findings demonstrated a statistically significant gender disparity in term usage. Women dermatologists were more frequently referred to as "provider" (5.01%) compared to their male counterparts (3.92%; p < 0.001). A smaller, but still statistically significant, disparity was found with the term "dermatologist" (5.61% for women vs. 5.13% for men; p < 0.01). Other professional terms did not show significant gender differences in usage. The results suggest a consistent gender bias in the language used by patients, with women more frequently referred to by the nonspecific term "provider," potentially diminishing their perceived qualifications compared to male dermatologists. This disparity in language use might influence patient perceptions of expertise and professional authority, emphasizing the need for clearer communication and more precise use of professional titles. Limitations of the study include possible underestimations due to misspelled terms and potential misgendering from online profiles. Additionally, data from 11 states were insufficient, likely due to the absence of academic centers in those regions. In conclusion, our study highlights notable gender disparities in the terminology used in patient reviews of dermatologists across academic centers in the U.S. Addressing these language biases is crucial for enhancing gender equity and improving patient understanding of dermatologists' roles and expertise.

Utilization of Injectable and Device-Based Treatments in Medical Dermatology: A Survey on Demographics, Conditions, and Resident Involvement.

Injectable and device-based treatments are used for medical dermatologic conditions, but understanding dermatologists' practices remains limited. This study examines injectable and device-based treatments for medical dermatologic conditions to identify patterns and potential improvements. A survey was distributed to Association of Academic Cosmetic Dermatology members, covering practice settings, conditions treated, pricing, and resident involvement. Thirty-four of 40 (85%) respondents practiced in academic teaching hospitals, primarily in urban settings. Conditions treated included acne vulgaris, alopecia, skin cancers, disorders of pigmentation, follicular disorders, gender-affirming care, birthmarks, oncodermatology, rosacea, scars, tattoos, and vascular lesions. Treatments were offered at various prices, with clinical trials and insurance used in some cases. Resident involvement ranged from 72% to 94% of cases. Respondents also reported laser usage, with 100% using lasers for treating scars, 98% for treating vascular lesions, 98% for treating rosacea, and 88% for treating disorders of pigmentation. For acne vulgaris and associated scarring, the top treatments were chemical peels (86%), lasers (83%), and mechanical modalities (48%). With gender-affirming care, respondents used lasers (100%), filler (55%), and neurotoxins (48%). Academic dermatologists treat medical dermatologic conditions and involve residents.

Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton violaceum, and Trichophyton tonsurans in Munich: Travel- and Migration-Related Cutaneous Fungal Infections

Introduction: Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton violaceum, and Trichophyton tonsurans are considered rare pathogens in Germany. They are presumed to infect people from Germany when they are traveling to tropical and subtropical areas. The incidence and the mode of infection with these three fungal pathogens in Munich were investigated to assess their significance for clinical practice. Methods: This monocentric study was conducted at a large European academic dermatology department in Munich from January 1, 2011, till August 30, 2020. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical data of all out- and inpatients presenting at our hospital with a suspected cutaneous fungal infection. Results: A total of 87,229 swabs were collected from 48,916 patients; 11,513 (13.2%) cultures confirmed a fungal infection. One of the three aforementioned dermatophytes was detected in 247 (2.1%) samples. The average patient age was 15.5 years (0–84 years, SD: 15.6) at the time of infection. T. tonsurans was the confirmed pathogen in 137 (55.5%) samples with increasing frequency over time. T. tonsurans spread in 11 cases through close contact with humans (kindergarten, martial arts, accommodation for asylum seekers). T. violaceum was detected in 88 (35.6%) samples with a peak in 2016 and 2017. T. soudanense was detected in 22 (8.9%) samples. A total of 46.7% of all tinea capitis cases were caused by one of these pathogens. Conclusion: In case of tinea capitis, a travel history should be performed and rare fungal infections should be considered in the differential diagnosis.

Prevalence and Predictors of Inflammatory Arthritis in Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating, auto-inflammatory condition often associated with inflammatory arthritis, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Early diagnosis of both conditions is crucial for optimal management. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the development of inflammatory arthritis among HS patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2021 and February 2023 at an academic dermatology centre in Canada. Adult patients with HS were consecutively sampled, and 52 patients consented to participate and completed assessments. Variables examined included age, sex, HS severity, treatment, ethnicity, family history, lifestyle factors and comorbidities. The main outcomes were rheumatologist-confirmed inflammatory arthritis diagnosis and associated risk factors. Among 52 patients (24 males, 28 females; mean age: 37.4 years), 12 had inflammatory arthritis. Multivariate analysis revealed that Blacks (OR = 0.10, p < 0.001, CI: 0.026-0.343) and Asians (OR = 0.02, p < 0.001, CI: 0.005-0.109) had lower inflammatory arthritis odds compared to Whites. Every 1-year increase in age at HS onset correlated with a 1.17-fold increase in the odds of developing inflammatory arthritis (OR: 1.17, p < 0.001, CI: 1.12-1.24). Smoking (OR = 0.01, p < 0.001, CI: 0.002-0.49), hypertension (OR: 0.23, p = 0.04, CI: 0.057-0.930) and depression (OR: 0.12, p < 0.001, CI: 0.041-0.330) reduced inflammatory arthritis odds. White ethnicity and older age at HS onset were positively associated with inflammatory arthritis, while smoking, hypertension and depression were negatively associated. These findings suggest a distinct subset of HS patients with inflammatory arthritis that warrant further prospective studies. This study contributes to the understanding of inflammatory arthritis in HS patients and emphasises the importance of rheumatology referral during dermatologic clinic visits.

Inherited Basaloid Neoplasms Associated With SUFU Pathogenic Variants.

Germline SUFU pathogenic variants (PVs) have previously been associated with basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) and multiple infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma syndrome; however, a broader spectrum of cutaneous findings in patients with SUFU PVs has not been well delineated. To define the clinical and histopathologic spectrum of cutaneous findings in patients with germline SUFU PVs. This case series was conducted in multiple US academic dermatology, medical genetics, and medical oncology clinics between July 2014 and July 2022. The study included patients with confirmed germline SUFU PVs who were evaluated by a dermatologist. The analysis took place from March to September 2023. Histopathologic evaluation of skin biopsies with or without immunohistochemical staining, and targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) on tumor specimens. All 5 patients were women. The mean (range) age at presentation was 50.2 (31-68) years, with skin manifestations initially appearing in the fourth to sixth decades of life. None had keratocystic odontogenic tumors. A total of 29 skin pathology specimens from the 5 patients were reviewed; of these, 3 (10.3%) were diagnosed as basaloid follicular hamartomas (BFHs), 10 (34.5%) classified as infundibulocystic basal cell carcinomas (iBCCs), 6 (20.7%) classified as nodular basal cell carcinomas (nBCCs), and 1 (3.4%) as infiltrative basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Targeted NGS studies on tumor specimens suggest that an increased number of UV-signature variants is associated with basal cell carcinomas compared with more indolent basaloid follicular hamartomas. Patients with germline SUFU PVs may present with multiple indolent basaloid neoplasms in addition to conventional basal cell carcinomas, typically appearing in the fourth to sixth decades of life. Although there are overlapping clinical manifestations, these findings help to differentiate the clinical syndrome associated with SUFU PVs from PTCH1 BCNS. Awareness of the clinicopathologic spectrum of SUFU-associated basaloid neoplasms is important for dermatologists and dermatopathologists because many (although not all) of these lesions are indolent and do not require aggressive surgical treatment. Importantly, because SUFU lies downstream of the protein smoothened, vismodegib and other smoothened inhibitors are unlikely to be effective therapies in this subset of patients.

Top DEI Topics to Incorporate Into Dermatology Residency Training: An Electronic Delphi Consensus Study.

Current dermatology residency education may be deficient in curricular topics and training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Integrating more DEI topics within residency curricula may improve clinical care delivered to diverse populations and improve cultural humility among trainees. The objective of this electronic Delphi (e-Delphi) study was to reach a consensus on the most important DEI topics for inclusion in dermatology residency program curricula nationwide. Sixty-one DEI-related topics were proposed by an expert panel consisting of dermatologists from the Association of Professors of Dermatology DEI subcommittee and the American Academy of Dermatology Diversity Task Force. Two rounds of anonymous electronic surveys based on a 5-point Likert scale were administered using a modified e-Delphi design. Voluntary participants including residents and academic dermatologists were self-selected after an email was sent to the Association of Professors of Dermatology listserve.

54661 Geographical Analysis of Leadership and Faculty Gender Distribution in Academic Dermatology

54661 Geographical Analysis of Leadership and Faculty Gender Distribution in Academic Dermatology

50950 Childcare responsibilities limit career advancement for female academic dermatologists

50950 Childcare responsibilities limit career advancement for female academic dermatologists

53786 A Review of Patient Portal Communication Workflow and Workload in an Academic Dermatology Department

53786 A Review of Patient Portal Communication Workflow and Workload in an Academic Dermatology Department

50906 Adverse Event Tracking and Reporting in an Academic Dermatology Practice

50906 Adverse Event Tracking and Reporting in an Academic Dermatology Practice

Frequency of Skin Biopsies for Psoriasis by Race and Ethnicity

This cross-sectional study evaluates the frequency of skin biopsies, as an indicator of diagnostic uncertainty, by race and ethnicity among patients with psoriasis seen in an academic dermatology practice.

Epidemiological overview of mucocutaneous fungal infections in Munich.

Knowledge about the current spectrum of dermatomycoses is important for diagnosis and therapy. A retrospective, monocentric analysis of mucocutaneous fungal infections diagnosed at a large European academic dermatology department in Munich was conducted; 87,229 samples from 48,916 patients from January 1, 2011, to August 30, 2020, were included. Fungi were detected in 11,513 samples from 48,916 (23.54%), and 36 different species were identified. Candida (C.) albicans was the most common pathogen (5,055 detections; 43.91% of all positive samples), followed by Trichophyton (T.) rubrum (3,076 detections; 26.72% of all positive samples) and Candida parapsilosis (923 detections; 8.02% of all positive samples). Rare pathogens such as Trichophyton raubitschekii were also detected. Coinfections with multiple species were detected in 44 cases. Even though C.albicans, T.rubrum, and C.parapsilosis were confirmed as the most common pathogens, rare pathogens should also be considered in clinical practice. The predominant spectrum of fungi differed from that reported in other countries. Furthermore, a difference in the pathogen spectrum could be observed depending on the age group and body site.

The number needed to biopsy for cutaneous melanoma in academic dermatology clinics.

A standard metric for melanoma detection is the number needed to biopsy (NNB). This metric has been used to evaluate practicing dermatologists, dermatology advanced practice professionals, and primary care providers. This metric, however, has rarely been applied to residency clinics. We aimed to determine the NNB at the University of Colorado residency clinics. Moreover, we sought to determine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on NNB. This study is a retrospective analysis of biopsies performed from 2016 to 2022 at the Denver Health Medical Center and the Rocky Mountain Regional Veteran Affairs dermatology clinics. Differential diagnosis at the time of biopsy was searched for keywords including melanoma, melanoma in situ, and lentigo maligna. Skin biopsies that included re-excisions were excluded. The NNB was subsequently generated by dividing the number of biopsied lesions with suspected melanoma by the number of histologically confirmed melanomas. The data was further separated by pre-COVID-19 (2016-February 2020), COVID-19 shutdown period (March 2020-July 2020), and post-COVID-19 (March 2020-present). Demographic data, including age, sex, race, and Fitzpatrick type, were collected. There were 2230 biopsies with suspected melanoma in the differential diagnosis at both clinic sites from 2016 to 2022. Of these, 362 were histologically confirmed melanoma. Total NNB was 6.16. The pre-COVID-19 NNB was 5.86, and the post-COVID-19 NNB was 6.91. Residency clinics have NNB similar to published values of practicing dermatologists. Furthermore, within these clinics, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was appreciated by a relative, although statistically insignificant, increase in NNB.

Gender Parity Analysis of the Editorial Boards of Influential Dermatology Journals: Cross-Sectional Study.

This study underscores the persistent underrepresentation of women in academic dermatology leadership positions by examining the gender composition of editorial boards across top dermatology journals, emphasizing the urgent need for proactive strategies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Gender equity in academic dermatology: Problems aplenty, yetpaths ahead.

Efforts to achieve gender equity of health professionals should be a priority in all fields of medicine, including academic dermatology. This review aimed, first, to summarize available evidence about the status of gender equity in various domains of academic dermatology-headship positions, salary, editor and editorial board appointments, publications, conference presentations, receipt of research grants and academic prizes-second, to identify challenges to achieving gender equity and, third, to articulate the components of a multifaceted strategy for gender parity. A variety of databases were searched. Manual searching of reference lists and searching of grey literature were also undertaken. It was found that, despite improvements in some domains, the gender inequity persists in all of the above-mentioned areas of academic dermatology. Challenges to achieve gender parity include time in pregnancy, disproportionate participation in childrearing and domestic tasks compared with men, suboptimal legislation in many jurisdictions for parenting and childcare leave, and unconscious biases about women. Elements of a multipronged approach include strengthening women's dermatology societies that advocate for women in academia; celebrating the careers of distinguished female academic dermatologists; mentoring; promoting leadership courses; striving for a greater representation of women among editors-in-chief, authors, and conference presenters, among others; seeking better pay, leave conditions and other work entitlements; conducting high-quality research about gender inequity in academic dermatology; imposing sanctions for violations of gender equity; supporting dermatologists' health; and learning from the experience of other fields of academic medicine.

Lived Experiences and Fear of Cancer Recurrence Among Survivors of Localized Cutaneous Melanoma

Most of the rapid increase in cutaneous melanoma incidence in the US has been localized disease that is treated surgically and is associated with high survival rates. However, little is known about the psychological well-being of survivors in the US. To explore the lived experiences and fear of cancer recurrence among survivors of localized cutaneous melanoma. This was a qualitative and survey-based study that used semistructured interviews and the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory short form (FCRI-SF) survey tool with participants recruited from an academic dermatology practice affiliated with the University of Texas, Austin. Interviews were completed via telephone or in person from August 2021 to September 2022. Each of the 9 items in the FCRI-SF was rated on a 5-point Likert scale, scored from 0 to 4, with a maximum possible score of 36 points. Data analyses were performed from February 2022 to June 2023. Semistructured interviews were analyzed for themes and subthemes associated with the lived experiences of survivors of cutaneous melanoma. The FCRI-SF scores were tabulated, with scores of 13 or greater identifying potential cases of clinically significant fear of cancer recurrence. In all, 51 participants (mean [SD] age, 49.5 [11.7] years; 34 [67%] female and 17 [33%] male) with a history of localized melanoma (stage 0-IIA) completed the interview and survey. Among them, 17 (33%) had survived a diagnosis of stage 0 melanoma, and the remainder, at least 1 invasive melanoma diagnosis (stage I-IIA). Semistructured interviews revealed several themes: (1) emotions surrounding follow-up appointments, (2) intensity of melanoma surveillance, (3) lifestyle changes regarding sun exposure, and (4) thoughts about life and death. Thirty-eight of 51 participants had an FCRI-SF score above the threshold for clinical fear of cancer recurrence. This qualitative and survey-based study found that despite having an excellent prognosis, some survivors of localized melanoma, even those who had stage 0, have high rates of fear of cancer recurrence and intense survivorship experiences that affect their psychological well-being.

Discrepancies in Non-Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Between Lighter-Skinned and Darker-Skinned Patients.

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is highly prevalent in the United States, with darker-skinned patients (DSP) exhibiting lower incidence but increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to elucidate NMSC disparities between DSP (Fitzpatrick skin phototype IV or more) and lighter-skinned patients (LSP, Fitzpatrick skin phototype III or less), focusing on surgical features of non-Mohs micrographic surgery-treated NMSC. This retrospective cohort study included LSP and DSP diagnosed with either basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in an academic dermatology setting. Variables collected included age, gender, type of NMSC, location, staging, time-to-diagnosis (TTD), pre-operative lesion size, and post-operative defect size. Categorical variables were reported as counts and percentages, while the association between categorical variables was assessed using a two-tailed Fisher's test. A paired t-test was used to determine the association between continuous variables. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. A total of 27 patients with NMSC were identified, of which 9 (33.3%) were DSP. Patients of darker skin were predominantly female (n=7; 77.8%), while no gender predilection was found in LSP (n=9; 50.0% female; p=0.23). Time-to-diagnosiswas significantly longer inDSP than in LSP (61.3 weeks vs 25.1 weeks, respectively; p = 0.02). Despite this, there was no statistical difference in terms of staging, pre-operative lesion size (11.89 mm in DSP vs 10.76 mm in LSP, p=0.75), and post-operative defect size (45.56 ± 29.21 mm in DSP vs 31.22 ± 19.60 mm in LSP; p=0.33). Darker-skinned patients had a longer TTDwithout staging differences. Our study confirms the need for reducing TTDs for NMSC in DSP. Action initiatives include continued educational efforts to increase awareness of NMSC risk in DSP and more rigorous routine skin cancer screening.

Infective endocarditis is the leading cause of infection-associated cutaneous vasculitis: A single academic center dermatology consultant experience

Infective endocarditis is the leading cause of infection-associated cutaneous vasculitis: A single academic center dermatology consultant experience

Perceptions and impact of patient reviews: a survey of academic dermatologists.

Patient reviews (PRs) have emerged as a method to assess patient experiences with healthcare in order to improve the quality of care. Both institutional and third-party organizations collect quantitative data and comments from these patient surveys, usually accessible to the public for review. Our study examined dermatologists' perceptions of PRs and assessed their impact on dermatologists. A survey was sent to the Association of Professors of Dermatology listserv (response rate 30%). Most respondents disagreed with the statements that PRs are good for doctors (63%), good for patients (58%), helpful for doctors (58%), or that high PRs indicate being a good doctor (65%). The majority disagreed that PRs should be available publicly (60%). Respondents agreed that PRs contribute to depersonalization (60%), energy depletion or exhaustion (55%), added stress at work (70%), negativism/cynicism about work (60%), and diminished professional efficacy (29%). Self-identified female respondents were more likely to agree that PRs added stress to work compared to self-identified males (66% vs. 42%, P < 0.05). Overall, these findings suggest that PRs may negatively impact dermatologists' well-being and perceived stress levels.

Allocation of dermatology research opportunities to medical students: Analysis of the national academic dermatology approach

Allocation of dermatology research opportunities to medical students: Analysis of the national academic dermatology approach