The DIGA Podcast

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast with Dr. Maria Trung, we discuss a feeling many medical students pursuing dermatology know all too well: imposter syndrome. Dr. Trung shares her journey to dermatology and opens up about navigating self-doubt, comparing herself to other applicants, feeling pressure to constantly “do more,” and dealing with rejection along the way. We also talk about how her perspective changed after matching and whether imposter syndrome ever really goes away.
Beyond imposter syndrome, we dive into practical advice for matching into dermatology, including building a strong application, research and extracurriculars, Step 2, interview preparation, and what students should prioritize during medical school. We hope that this episode is something that students struggling with imposter syndrome can relate to during this difficult process. We are rooting for each of you this cycle. We hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!
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Dr. Maria Trung’s Instagram: @⁠dermdrmaria
DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Today’s Host, Katelyn: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katsteng⁠
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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterestpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠⁠
License: ⁠⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we speak with Dr. Vinod E. Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH, EdM, Program Director of the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program. Dr. Nambudiri shares his journey to dermatology and offers insight into the unique structure of the Harvard Combined program, the training experience, and what he is most proud of as a program leader. He also discusses what helps residents thrive and shares advice for medical students and trainees aspiring to become excellent dermatologists and future leaders in the field.
Whether you are a medical student, aspiring dermatologist, or simply interested in dermatology residency training, this episode offers a thoughtful look into the journey and experiences that shape future dermatologists. We hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!

Connect with Harvard Dermatology:
Website: www.harvard-derm.com
Instagram: @harvardderm
2026-2027 Harvard Combined Informational Video
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DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠
Today’s Host: Shan Francis
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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterestpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠
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District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: ⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠⁠⁠
License: ⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license⁠

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Carsten Hamann, assistant program director at HonorHealth, associate professor at Dartmouth, and practicing dermatologist at Saguaro Dermatology in Arizona. Dr. Hamann gives an inside look at the residency application process from the other side of the table: ERAS changes, program signaling, what makes an application stand out, and how to build an application that genuinely reflects YOU as a future dermatologist. We hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!

Connect with Dr. Hamann: hamann511@gmail.com
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DIGA Instagram: @derminterest
Today’s Host, Laila: @lailanalrawi
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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at derminterestpod@gmail.com
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District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
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In this episode, we talk with Dr. Basia Michalski-McNeely, Program Director of the Dermatology Residency at Washington University in St. Louis. Listen in as she shares her journey into dermatology and to WashU, what makes the WashU residency program unique, and her perspective on what helps applicants stand out during the residency application process. Dr. Michalski-McNeely also discusses the qualities she looks for in future residents, the clinical and research opportunities available at WashU, and her advice for medical students interested in pursuing dermatology. We hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!
 
Learn More:
Washington University in St. Louis Dermatology Residency Program
Instagram: @washuderm
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DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠
Today’s Host, Cecile: ⁠@cecileschreidah⁠
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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠derminterestpod@gmail.com⁠⁠
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District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: ⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠
License: ⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license⁠⁠
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In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mojahed Shalabi, MD. Dr. Shalabi graduated from the Baylor Scott and White dermatology residency program and is currently a Mohs fellow at Baylor University Medical Center. In the first part of the episode, Dr. Shalabi discusses all things audition rotations. He tells us about how students can handle the application system, how students can excel on audition rotations, clinical knowledge to be prepared with, and what to look for in programs. In the second part, Dr. Shalabi helps us to understand the signaling process on the ERAS system. Dr. Shalabi gives practical advice for how students can handle their signals and how programs may weight them. This is an episode jam packed with valuable information for students at all levels of their journey into dermatology. We hope you enjoy!
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!

Learn More:
Educational links: Lookingbill and Marks’ Principles of Dermatology
Instagram: @mojahedshalabimd
Email: shalabimojahed@gmail.com
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DIGA Instagram: @derminterest
Today’s Host, George: @georgepapadeas
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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at derminterestpod@gmail.com
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District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
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