Incorporating resident research into the dermatology residency program

Richard F Wagner Jr, Sharon S Raimer, Brent C Kelly Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA Abstract: Programmatic changes for the dermatology residency program at The University of Texas Medical Branch were first introduced in 2005, with the faculty goal incorporating formal dermatology research projects into the 3-year postgraduate training period. This curriculum initially developed as a recommendation for voluntary scholarly project activity by residents, but it evolved into a program requirement for all residents in 2009. Departmental support for this activity includes assignment of a faculty mentor with similar interest about the research topic, financial support from the department for needed supplies, materials, and statistical consultation with the Office of Biostatistics for study design and data analysis, a 2-week elective that provides protected time from clinical activities for the purpose of preparing research for publication and submission to a peer-reviewed medical journal, and a departmental award in recognition for the best resident scholarly project each year. Since the inception of this program, five classes have graduated a total of 16 residents. Ten residents submitted their research studies for peer review and published their scholarly projects in seven dermatology journals through the current academic year. These articles included three prospective investigations, three surveys, one article related to dermatology education, one retrospective chart review, one case series, and one article about dermatopathology. An additional article from a 2012 graduate about dermatology education has also been submitted to a journal. This new program for residents was adapted from our historically successful Dermatology Honors Research Program for medical students at The University of Texas Medical Branch. Our experience with this academic initiative to promote dermatology research by residents is outlined. It is recommended that additional residency programs should consider adopting similar research programs to enrich resident education. Keywords: dermatology, resident, research, education, accreditatio

Extensive Skin Calcifications in an Infant with Chronic Renal Failure: Metastatic Calcinosis Cutis

Calcinosis cutis, one of the rare manifestations of systemic calcinosis, is characterized by the deposition of calcium and phosphate salts in the skin. Metastatic calcinosis, usually a late complication of chronic renal failure, arises from increased calcium or phosphate levels in the serum or both. Both sexes and all ages may be affected; however, cutaneous involvement is uncommon, particularly in children. We present the youngest patient, to our knowledge, with end-stage renal disease and cutaneous metastatic calcification resulting from secondary hyperparathyroidism. A 2-month-old infant presented to the pediatric service with anuria and uremia. A renal biopsy specimen showed chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis. Indurated, firm, tender reddish papules were localized to both lower limbs, and extensive irregular nodules and plaques with ulceration and white stony contents were localized to the right upper limb. Topical antibiotic ointment was applied to the skin lesions to prevent secondary infection. However, acute peritonitis developed during peritoneal dialysis, and death occurred as a result of sepsis