The DIGA Podcast

In this episode of the Dermatology Interest Group Association (DIGA) Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Sherry Ershadi to discuss one of the most common questions medical students ask when pursuing dermatology: Should I take a research year?
Dr. Ershadi shares her personal journey into dermatology and provides an inside look at the dermatology research year experience. We discuss how students can determine whether a research year is the right choice for them, when to start preparing applications, what makes a strong applicant, and how to identify programs and mentors that align with their goals.
We also explore the realities of research year interviews, day-to-day responsibilities, mentorship, networking, and the personal and financial considerations that come with taking a year away from the traditional medical school timeline. Dr. Ershadi offers practical advice on building connections and finding opportunities in a competitive specialty.
Whether you're actively applying for research years, considering one in the future, or simply curious about the role research can play in a dermatology career, this episode provides valuable guidance and actionable advice from someone who has successfully navigated the process.
Tune in for an honest conversation about mentorship, career development, and making informed decisions on the path to dermatology. We hope you enjoy!
Link to icite:
https://icite.od.nih.gov/analysis?search_id=waz6qxpwd414q5nf
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DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Dr. Sherry Ershadi’s Instagram: @drsherryershadimd
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, we are joined by Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd, Director of the Skin of Color Division at the University of Miami Department of Dermatology. She earned her medical degree and completed her dermatology residency at the University of Miami, where she served as Chief Resident. Board-certified in both dermatology and lifestyle medicine, she is also the founder of DermFriends and serves as Chief Medical Advisor for Nutrafol.

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd shares her expertise on skin health, lifestyle medicine, and evidence-based skincare while offering valuable insights for medical students and future dermatologists. From her journey in academic medicine to practical advice for building a career in dermatology, this conversation is filled with thoughtful perspectives and takeaways for learners at every stage.

Connect with Dr.Heather Woolery-Lloyd:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drheatherMDwellness
Instagram: @drheathermd
Tiktok: @drheathermd 
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-woolery-lloyd-md/---
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 talk with Kundan Malik, DO, MS who successfully matched this past cycle into St. Johns Episcopal Dermatology Residency in New York. Her journey to dermatology is distinctly non-traditional. After initially not matching into dermatology, she completed a preliminary year in Internal Medicine at Highland Hospital in Oakland, California, while also becoming a mother during her reapplication process.
Today, Dr. Malik shares lessons learned from an unmatched cycle, reapplying as a DO candidate, leveraging mentorship and networking opportunities, and ultimately matching into her dream specialty through a path that was far from linear. We hope you enjoy !

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

Connect with Dr. Malik:
Instagram: @drkaymalik
Email: drkundanmalik@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 Lauren and Christopher Guirguis, a recently matched dermatology couple. Lauren and Christopher graduated from Georgetown University School of Medicine this May and successfully couples matched into dermatology at Geisinger Dermatology, with transitional/preliminary years also at Geisinger. Listen in as they share their individual paths to dermatology, what it was like applying as a couple, and the lessons they learned while navigating the Match together. We also learn more about their work with the nonprofit Dermatology Resources for Marginalized Groups (DRM) and their passion for service. We hope you enjoy!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!
 
Learn More:
Instagram: @⁠double.derm
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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 is a recently graduated dermatologist from the Baylor Scott and White Dermatology Residency program in Temple, Texas. Today he shares with us all of the various aspects about the BSW program from its curriculum to what an audition rotation looks like and opportunities for residents. Dr. Shalabi describes the well-rounded approach that BSW takes to teaching residents and why he feels confident for a career in dermatology. To wrap up, Dr. Shalabi shares his advice from sitting on BSW’s admissions committee as well as his personal mentorship advice on research. We hope you enjoy!
 
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with other students interested in dermatology!
 
Learn More:
Instagram: @mojahedshalabimd
 
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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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