Cutaneous Miscellaneous: The Dermatology Residents Podcast

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes incoming hosts Brooke Bartley, MD, and Joshua Burshtein, MD, for a conversation spanning the dermatology resident journey from first year through chief residency.   Drs Bartley and Burshtein discuss learning to become comfortable with the unknown, balancing board preparation with day-to-day clinical learning, and developing the communication and interpersonal skills that textbooks cannot teach. They share approaches to studying, using resources effectively, and building habits that support success throughout residency. The conversation also explores what makes a strong resident, including curiosity, humility, reliability, attention to detail, and a willingness to keep learning. Dr Brownstone reflects on how those habits continue into practice, where learning from new research, treatments, colleagues, and patients never stops.   Tune in to the episode for candid advice on navigating residency, becoming a better clinician, and getting to know the new hosts of Cutaneous Miscellaneous.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes David Oberlin, MD, to explore the role of skin biopsy in clinical decision-making and how collaboration with dermatopathologists can strengthen diagnostic accuracy. Their conversation covers biopsy technique, site selection, specimen quality, and the importance of interpreting pathology findings alongside the clinical picture. Dr Oberlin discusses how to approach descriptive or nonspecific pathology reports, including challenging scenarios such as dermal hypersensitivity reactions and hand or foot eruptions where pathology alone may not provide a clear answer. He emphasizes broad differentials, clinicopathologic correlation, and the limitations of biopsy, while encouraging clinicians to communicate directly with dermatopathologists and incorporate patient preferences into management decisions. Tune in to the episode to hear strategies for approaching challenging biopsy results, strengthening collaboration with dermatopathologists, and building the clinical judgment that supports confident patient care.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Leo Wang, MD, assistant professor of dermatology and bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania, for a conversation on dermatology research and how clinical questions can drive innovation in the lab. They begin with a boards review on topical drug delivery, with a practical breakdown of common vehicles and how differences in water content influence occlusion, tolerability, and clinical use. Dr Wang also reviews stratum corneum biology and how it impacts drug delivery. The discussion then turns to life as a dermatology researcher. Dr Wang shares why he chose a research-heavy career, how he built his lab, and how clinical practice informs his research priorities. He and Dr Brownstone also discuss funding realities, time management, and how residents can explore research paths during and after training. Tune into the episode for boards pearls, insight into research-focused careers in dermatology, and guidance for residents interested in shaping the future of skin therapeutics.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, welcomes Mohs fellow Justin Marson, MD, and cosmetic fellow Saira Agarwala ,MD,  for a special live discussion recorded at the Real World Dermatology for Residents 2026 Conference on preparing for the APPLIED Exam. Sharing their own experiences and study strategies, they offer practical guidance on how APPLIED differs from the CORE Exam, what resources they found most valuable, and how residents can approach preparation without overcomplicating their study plans. The conversation covers high-yield resources, the role of dermatopathology, how to prioritize study efforts in the months and weeks leading up to the exam, and the importance of trusting the clinical foundation developed throughout residency. Tune in to the episode to hear practical exam-preparation advice, learn which study resources recent test-takers found most useful, and gain insights into approaching the APPLIED Exam with confidence.

In this episode of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, host Nicholas Brownstone, MD, is joined by Danny Zakria, MD, to recap highlights from the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting in Denver, with a focus on how residents and early-career dermatologists can make the most of the experience. They begin with a board review of UV light and sunscreen fundamentals, covering key distinctions between UVA and UVB, mechanisms of photoprotection, and counseling points that resonate with patients, including framing sunscreen use around photoaging prevention. In the main part of the episode, they discuss how to approach AAD strategically, from navigating the exhibit hall and planning sessions to identifying high-yield scientific content. They highlight emerging data across dermatology, including updates in acne, alopecia areata, dermatomyositis, and psoriasis, while also sharing practical tips for networking, evaluating products, and engaging with industry and peers. Tune in to the episode to hear practical guidance on navigating AAD, key clinical updates from this year’s meeting, and how to turn the conference experience into a meaningful step in your dermatology career.