The DIGA Podcast

In this episode, we talk with DIGA Podcast giant and out-going co-host and chairman, Austin Black, MD. Austin is a graduating 4th year from McGovern Medical School and successfully matched into dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine. Austin walks us through his journey from first realizing that dermatology was the specialty for him to eventually deciding on a research year. He also discusses what he believes made his application successful, how he handled audition rotations and ranking, and even dual applying (tune in to find out with what specialty!). Throughout the episode, Austin provides well thought out advice for all students to consider. We hope you enjoy!

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

Instagram: @austin_black
 
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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 [email protected]
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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 of the DIGA Podcast, we continue our Dermatology Crash Course mini series with a high-yield discussion on Connective Tissue Disorders led by Dr. Michael Fritz. We hope you enjoy!

About the Dermatology Crash Course Series 

The Dermatology Crash Course is a DIGA Podcast mini-series focused on delivering short, high-yield episodes that cover foundational dermatology topics. Each episode features a dermatologist sharing practical insights to help learners develop confidence in recognizing and managing common skin conditions.
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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 [email protected]
---
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 of the DIGA Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Stanley Skopit, Program Director of the Larkin South Miami Dermatology Residency Program. He shares insights on the program’s culture, curriculum, and clinical training, along with his perspective on what makes a strong dermatology applicant and how medical students can prepare for a career in the field. We hope you enjoy!
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DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Larkin South Miami Dermatology Program: @larkindermsm
Today’s Host, Marissa: ⁠@marissamarieruppe⁠
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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
---
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 continue our Dermatology Crash Course mini-series with a high-yield discussion on Keratosis Pilaris and Xerosis led by Dr. Valerie Foy. We hope you enjoy!

About the Dermatology Crash Course Series 
The Dermatology Crash Course is a DIGA Podcast mini-series focused on delivering short, high-yield episodes that cover foundational dermatology topics. Each episode features a dermatologist sharing practical insights to help learners develop confidence in recognizing and managing common skin conditions.
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DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Today's Guest, Dr. Valerie Foy⁠ @derm.dr.val⁠
Today’s Host, Marissa: ⁠@⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠marissamarieruppe⁠
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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠
---
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 sit down with Dr. David Elpern. Dr. Elpern is a longtime dermatologist whose career path took him from family medicine to decades of dermatology practice on the island of Kauaʻi and now in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Dr. Elpern reflects on what first drew him to dermatology, when the specialty truly clicked for him, and why he chose to build a life and career in a rural island community rather than on Oʻahu or the mainland.
He shares how practicing dermatology on Kauaʻi differed from working in a large academic center and family practice. We also discuss the skin conditions he saw more often than textbooks would suggest.
Finally, Dr. Elpern offers perspective on how dermatology has evolved over the years, from the treatment of psoriasis before biologics to changes in skin cancer patterns in a high-UV environment. He wraps up with honest reflections on work-life balance, patient care, and the lessons that only come from a lifetime in practice. We hope you enjoy!
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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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠
---
District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠
License: ⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license