The DIGA Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Peter Khoury, DO. Dr. Khoury is a PGY-1 currently completing his transitional year before beginning dermatology residency at Penn State University. Dr. Khoury talks with us about his nontraditional path to both medical school and dermatology residency. He discusses how he ultimately decided on applying to dermatology and ways in which he was able to weave his background into a strong application. Dr. Khoury has experience in a wide array of areas, speaking to the importance of maintaining passion throughout the medical journey. We wrap up the episode with Dr. Khoury’s excellent advice for nontraditional students and all dermatology applicants that many will find helpful. We hope you enjoy!

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

Learn More:

Connect with Dr. Khoury:

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petekhoury/

Instagram: @drpeterkhoury

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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 [email protected]

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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 sit down with Dr. Ana Sofia Acosta-Madiedo to discuss the realities of balancing motherhood with the demands of residency. Dr. Acosta-Madiedo tells us about navigating the decision of when to have children, and the challenges as well as rewards of pursuing both motherhood and a career in medicine. We also talk about expectations versus reality, finding support, and recognizing that there may not be a perfect time to take that next step in life. We hope you enjoy!

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

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Connect with Dr. Acosta-Madiedo ⁠@dranasofiaam

DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today’s Host, Marissa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@marissamarieruppe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

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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 of the DIGA Podcast, we sit down with two newly matched dermatology residents to discuss their journeys into dermatology and their experiences helping establish the national Psychodermatology Student Interest Group.

Our guests share how they discovered their interest in dermatology, approached research and extracurricular opportunities, developed their residency applications, and navigated the challenges of the match process. We also explore the inspiration behind Psychodermatology SIG, the steps involved in launching a national student organization, and how their leadership experiences shaped their paths into dermatology.

Throughout the conversation, they reflect on what they wish they had known earlier in medical school, how they discussed their experiences during residency interviews, and what advice they would give students hoping to pursue dermatology or launch their own initiatives.

Whether you're an aspiring dermatology applicant or a medical student looking to turn an idea into action, this episode offers practical advice on leadership, mentorship, and finding your own path to dermatology. We hope you enjoy!

More about Psychodermatology SIG and APMNA

Psychodermatology SIG instagram: @psychodermatologysig

APMNA website with conference information: https://psychodermatology.us/student-interest-group/

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DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today’s Host, Katelyn: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katsteng⁠

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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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 sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Zoë Indigo. Dr. Zoë earned her MD from Wayne State School of Medicine and completed her dermatology residency at UCLA, where she trained in medical and cosmetic dermatologic surgery.

We discuss her journey in dermatology, her work in skin of color, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. As the founder of the Derm Squad mentorship group and SKIN/tervention Dermatology, her private practice in Los Angeles, Dr. Zoë shares valuable pearls on mentorship, building a career that reflects ones own interests and values, and creating opportunities beyond traditional medicine.

Whether you are applying to dermatology or an aspiring physician, you will not want to miss this episode! We hope you enjoy!

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Connect with Dr. Zoë:

Website: www.drzoeindigo.com

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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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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 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 textbook to life, from the initial idea to publication, and the work it takes to create a resource that bridges knowledge and clinical practice. We hope you enjoy!

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

To Learn More:

- To read more about their book and preorder click ⁠here⁠.

- Connect with Dr. Burger at the Summit Derm Conference

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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 [email protected]

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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. 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 education. Dr. Zone also discusses the culture of the residency program, opportunities for clinical and research involvement, what she looks for in future residents, and her perspective on the residency application process. Listen in for Dr. Zone's advice to medical students interested in dermatology and insight into what it’s like to train at the University of Utah. We hope you enjoy!

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

Learn More: The University of Utah Dermatology Residency

Instagram: @uofudermresidency

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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 ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

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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, 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 medicine. Dr. Makarrum also reflects on the importance of perspective and finding ways to care for yourself while continuing to pursue your goals. We hope you enjoy!

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

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DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dr. Noor Mukarram @drnoormukarram

Today’s Host, Marissa: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@marissamarieruppe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

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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. 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 rotations and more. We round out the episode with Dr. Sirota-Rozenberg giving valuable insight for students as they take on audition rotations. Be sure to go listen to episode 48 for more insight from Dr. Sirota-Rozenberg as well. We hope you enjoy!

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

Learn More:

St. John’s Episcopal links:

- Instagram: @sjehdermatology

- Website: St. John’s Episcopal Dermatology Residency Program

- Connect with Dr. Sirota-Rozenberg: [email protected]

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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 [email protected]

---

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 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 perspective changed after matching and whether imposter syndrome ever really goes away.

Beyond imposter syndrome, we dive into practical advice for matching into dermatology, including building a strong application, research and extracurriculars, Step 2, interview preparation, and what students should prioritize during medical school. We hope that this episode is something that students struggling with imposter syndrome can relate to during this difficult process. We are rooting for each of you this cycle. We hope you enjoy!

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

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Dr. Maria Trung’s Instagram: @⁠dermdrmaria

DIGA Instagram: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠derminterest⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Today’s Host, Katelyn: @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠katsteng⁠

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For questions, comments, or future episode suggestions, please reach out to us via email at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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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 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 residents thrive and shares advice for medical students and trainees aspiring to become excellent dermatologists and future leaders in the field.

Whether you are a medical student, aspiring dermatologist, or simply interested in dermatology residency training, this episode offers a thoughtful look into the journey and experiences that shape future dermatologists. We hope you enjoy!

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

Connect with Harvard Dermatology:

Website: www.harvard-derm.com

Instagram: @harvardderm

2026-2027 Harvard Combined Informational Video

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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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠

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District Four by Kevin MacLeod

Link: ⁠⁠https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3662-district-four⁠⁠⁠⁠

License: ⁠⁠https://filmmusic.io/standard-license⁠