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Based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), one expert explains how each of eight mental processes may impact interactions with patients and staff. By understanding our default processes, we can begin to identify blind-spots in our ways of interacting with others

Dermatology Times presents a year-long exploration of social media-the many ways that it impacts the field of dermatology as well as your medical practice. The series will provide strategies and tips for how you can use social to best effect: how to get started, which platforms to use, secrets for incorporating video, AMA guidelines, and more.

New research indicates that cutaneous melanoma is the most mutation-driven form of all cancers. While research has determined that there is more than one form of cutaneous melanoma, forms with more mutations may respond better to immunotherapies that have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) since 2011. Learn more

While one German study has shown that population-wide screening for melanoma could dramatically reduce mortality, potential problems with the strategy include cost due to the overall rarity of the disease, patient compliance, and difficulties identifying patients likely to develop melanoma. Therefore, scientists are developing prediction models to identify those at high risk for melanoma, which can include genetic factors. Learn more

Precision medicine appears to be the future of healthcare and the use of big data is proving to be invaluable in achieving this goal. The vast amounts of molecular and other valuable data currently being collected at huge databases and used to create personalized medicine is part of a grand and inevitable formula to revolutionize modern medicine.

Immunosuppressed patients have a greater risk for developing high-risk non-melanoma skin cancer, which can typically be more aggressive in this patient population. As such, a multidisciplinary approach is required when contemplating appropriate treatment and management of this patient population.

The essence of the Stark statute is a prohibition on a physician (or immediate family member) referring a Medicare patient to an entity with which the physician or family member has a financial relationship, when the referral is for any of a targeted list of “designated health services” (DHS), unless the financial relationship meets one of a host of exceptions. For dermatology, the primary impact of this law is on relationships between dermatology practices and dermatopathologists. Because clinical laboratory services are on the DHS list, the complexities are considerable.

Hair loss is an emotionally traumatic experience for patients, and the standard therapeutic armamentarium is frustrating at best. Fortunately, there are several promising supplements and topical botanical agents on the horizon for alopecia.

Dermatologists practicing non-invasive fat reduction have more options than ever. Cryolipolysis treatments, radio frequency (RF) procedures, lasers and injectables offer a multitude of ways to achieve desired results. Lear more

Dermatology Times invites you to share the one resolution that you hope to stick with in 2016. We’ll share collected, anonymous responses in an upcoming post

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is often described as ‘the worst disease you’ve never heard of,’ and the young sufferer of this condition are referred to as ‘butterfly children’ because their skin is said to be fragile as the wings of butterflies. A potential new topical treatment option, in phase 3 trials, could help to change the EB treatment landscape.

Even the most brilliant physicians often lack the capacity to see inside their own heads or view themselves as others see them. They may neglect or fail to notice the obvious: Burnout, violation of boundaries, depression, anger, substance abuse. Or they may understand they’re in trouble, but fear letting anyone know about their struggles. Help is available when physicians need a path back to professional health. Learn more

Up to 90% of young victims present with cutaneous findings; however, only 8% of the 90% of skin abnormalities due to child abuse are pathognomonic. The diagnosis of child abuse should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of expert specialists. Learn what to look for.

When routine skin injuries such as mild burns, skin tears, uncomplicated stasis ulcers and minor post-operative wound complications become a routine part of the wound care center purview and are no longer considered a part of what dermatologists can do or wish to do, the dermatology discipline shrinks further toward a marginalized specialty. Learn more

The stories of the heroes behind these and other dermatologic therapeutic discoveries are recounted in the book To Heal the Skin: The Heroes Behind Discoveries in Dermatology edited by the late Stuart Maddin, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver, Canada, and a leader and pioneer in dermatology in Canada and internationally, and Eileen Murray, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., a dermatologist and adjunct professor at UBC. Learn more

A newly approved medication called sonidegib (Odomzo) gives physicians a second option in a class of medications designed to treat a small number of patients who suffer from locally advanced basal cell carcinoma and meet other criteria. Learn more

Dermatology Times editorial advisor, Dr. Elaine Siegfried continues the discussion on isotretinoin with Jim Leyden, M.D., emeritus professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania. In this final segment, the two discuss whether a waiting period is necessary before treating acne scars and the questionable existence of pityrosporum folliculitis.

Because mole melanocytes have high levels of p15 while it’s depleted in melanomas, knowing P15 status may in the future help clinicians better diagnose ambiguous biopsies.