The DIGA Podcast

In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we sit down with two newly matched dermatology residents to discuss their journeys into dermatology and their experiences helping establish the national Psychodermatology Student Interest Group.
Our guests share how they discovered their interest in dermatology, approached research and extracurricular opportunities, developed their residency applications, and navigated the challenges of the match process. We also explore the inspiration behind Psychodermatology SIG, the steps involved in launching a national student organization, and how their leadership experiences shaped their paths into dermatology.
Throughout the conversation, they reflect on what they wish they had known earlier in medical school, how they discussed their experiences during residency interviews, and what advice they would give students hoping to pursue dermatology or launch their own initiatives.
Whether you're an aspiring dermatology applicant or a medical student looking to turn an idea into action, this episode offers practical advice on leadership, mentorship, and finding your own path to dermatology. We hope you enjoy!

More about Psychodermatology SIG and APMNA
Psychodermatology SIG instagram: @psychodermatologysig
APMNA website with conference information: https://psychodermatology.us/student-interest-group/
---
DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Today’s Host, Katelyn: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katsteng⁠
---
For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterestpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
---
District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠⁠
License: ⁠⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, we sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zoë Indigo. Dr. Zoë earned her MD from Wayne State School of Medicine and completed her dermatology residency at UCLA, where she trained in medical and cosmetic dermatologic surgery.
We discuss her journey in dermatology, her work in skin of color, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. As the founder of the Derm Squad mentorship group and SKIN/tervention Dermatology, her private practice in Los Angeles, Dr. Zoë shares valuable pearls on mentorship, building a career that reflects ones own interests and values, and creating opportunities beyond traditional medicine.
Whether you are applying to dermatology or an aspiring physician, you will not want to miss this episode! We hope you enjoy!

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

In this episode, we hear from Dr. Elise Burger and Dr. Shadi Khalil about their new dermatology resource textbook: High-Yield Applied Dermatology. Designed to support medical students, residents, and practicing clinicians, this textbook connects clinical presentations with their underlying pathology and management. Dr. Burger and Dr. Khalil also discuss with us the process behind bringing a textbook to life, from the initial idea to publication, and the work it takes to create a resource that bridges knowledge and clinical practice. We hope you enjoy!
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!

To Learn More:
- To read more about their book and preorder click ⁠here⁠.
- Connect with Dr. Burger at the Summit Derm Conference
---
DIGA Instagram: @derminterest
Today’s Host, Laila: @Lailanalrawi
---
For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at derminterestpod@gmail.com
---
District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
---

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Stephanie Zone, Associate Program Director of the Dermatology Residency at the University of Utah. Dr. Zone shares her journey into dermatology and her perspective on what makes training at Utah unique. She describes the program’s diverse clinical experiences across multiple training sites and the different patient populations residents encounter throughout their education. Dr. Zone also discusses the culture of the residency program, opportunities for clinical and research involvement, what she looks for in future residents, and her perspective on the residency application process. Listen in for Dr. Zone's advice to medical students interested in dermatology and insight into what it’s like to train at the University of Utah. We hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!
 
Learn More: The University of Utah Dermatology Residency
Instagram: @uofudermresidency
---
DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠
Today’s Host, Cecile: ⁠⁠@cecileschreidah⁠⁠
---
For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠derminterestpod@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠
---
District Four by Kevin MacLeod
Link: ⁠⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠⁠
License: ⁠⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license⁠⁠⁠
---

In this episode, Dr. Noor Mukarram, a current PGY-2 and first-year dermatology resident at Larkin Palm Springs, shares an honest perspective on the realities of medicine and navigating adversity throughout the journey. We discuss the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, finding balance, giving yourself grace, and allowing yourself to grow through the challenges that come with a career in medicine. Dr. Makarrum also reflects on the importance of perspective and finding ways to care for yourself while continuing to pursue your goals. We hope you enjoy!

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