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The DIGA Podcast

The DIGA Podcast

DIGA 257 Episodes Oct 12, 2026

The DIGA Podcast, hosted by the Dermatology Interest Group Association, focuses on topics relevant to medical students pursuing dermatology. Episodes cover how to become a competitive dermatology applicant, research advice, interviewing tips, and interesting dermatological subjects. The show is created by medical students, for medical students, with the goal of supporting those on the path to a career in dermatology.

Episodes

#234: From Idea to Publication: Writing a Dermatology Resource That Matters
#234: From Idea to Publication: Writing a Dermatology Resource That Matters Oct 12, 2026 00:45:53 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 textbo
#233: The University of Utah Dermatology Residency Program
#233: The University of Utah Dermatology Residency Program Oct 5, 2026 00:19:48 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
#232: Realities of a New Resident with Dr. Noor Mukarram
#232: Realities of a New Resident with Dr. Noor Mukarram Sep 28, 2026 00:30:44 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
#231: St. John's Episcopal Dermatology Residency Program w/Program Director Dr. Sirota-Rozenberg
#231: St. John's Episcopal Dermatology Residency Program w/Program Director Dr. Sirota-Rozenberg Sep 21, 2026 00:28:06 In this episode, we talk with Dr. Suzanne Sirota-Rozenberg. Dr. Sirota-Rozenberg is the program director of the St. John’s Episcopal Dermatology Residency Program in Far Rockaway, New York and is going on her 14th year in this position. She sits down to talk to us about details of the St. John’s Episcopal program including general curriculum, resident experiences and opportunities, audition rotati
#230: Navigating Imposter Syndrome on the Path to Dermatology with Dr. Maria Trung, MD
#230: Navigating Imposter Syndrome on the Path to Dermatology with Dr. Maria Trung, MD Sep 14, 2026 00:25:39 In this episode of the DIGA Podcast with Dr. Maria Trung, we discuss a feeling many medical students pursuing dermatology know all too well: imposter syndrome. Dr. Trung shares her journey to dermatology and opens up about navigating self-doubt, comparing herself to other applicants, feeling pressure to constantly “do more,” and dealing with rejection along the way. We also talk about how her pers
#229: Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program
#229: Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program Sep 7, 2026 00:58:28 In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we speak with Dr. Vinod E. Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH, EdM, Program Director of the Harvard Combined Dermatology Residency Program. Dr. Nambudiri shares his journey to dermatology and offers insight into the unique structure of the Harvard Combined program, the training experience, and what he is most proud of as a program leader. He also discusses what helps resi
#228: Behind the Curtain: Residency Application Tips from an Assistant Program Director
#228: Behind the Curtain: Residency Application Tips from an Assistant Program Director Aug 31, 2026 00:43:57 In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Carsten Hamann, assistant program director at HonorHealth, associate professor at Dartmouth, and practicing dermatologist at Saguaro Dermatology in Arizona. Dr. Hamann gives an inside look at the residency application process from the other side of the table: ERAS changes, program signaling, what makes an application stand out, and how to build an application
#227: Washington University in St. Louis Dermatology Residency Program
#227: Washington University in St. Louis Dermatology Residency Program Aug 24, 2026 00:23:08 In this episode, we talk with Dr. Basia Michalski-McNeely, Program Director of the Dermatology Residency at Washington University in St. Louis. Listen in as she shares her journey into dermatology and to WashU, what makes the WashU residency program unique, and her perspective on what helps applicants stand out during the residency application process. Dr. Michalski-McNeely also discusses the qual
#226: Audition Rotations and the Signaling System
#226: Audition Rotations and the Signaling System Aug 17, 2026 00:50:42 In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mojahed Shalabi, MD. Dr. Shalabi graduated from the Baylor Scott and White dermatology residency program and is currently a Mohs fellow at Baylor University Medical Center. In the first part of the episode, Dr. Shalabi discusses all things audition rotations. He tells us about how students can handle the application system, how students can excel on audition rotat
#225: Approaching a Research Year from an Osteopathic Perspective with Dr. Jackie Nikakis
#225: Approaching a Research Year from an Osteopathic Perspective with Dr. Jackie Nikakis Aug 10, 2026 00:23:02 In this episode of the DIGA Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jackie Nikakis, a graduate of New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and current dermatology resident at Larkin South Miami. She shares her journey starting from school in Long Island to her transitional year at Peconic Bay Medical Center and now a research year at Larkin South Miami. Dr. Nikakis discusses navigati
#224: The Dermatology Research Year: Is It Right for You? with Dr. Sherry Ershadi
#224: The Dermatology Research Year: Is It Right for You? with Dr. Sherry Ershadi Aug 3, 2026 00:39:00 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 determ
#223: Lifestyle Medicine in Dermatology with Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd
#223: Lifestyle Medicine in Dermatology with Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd Jul 27, 2026 00:45:19 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

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