On June 10, 2022 the Division of Dermatology held its annual Resident Research Day virtually. This event is a half-day showcase in which our PGY1 (optional), PGY2, PGY3 and PGY4s are able to present and discuss their research with other residents and Dermatology faculty. Research is a core focus of training in our Residency Program, and every year features a very strong lineup of presentations. This year was no exception, and while all the research was thoroughly impressive, a few presentations stood out - read more about the award winning projects from the residents themselves:
Best Presentation, 1st Place - Rob Bobotsis
The literature on dermatological prescription errors is scarce. I presented the results of a published cross-sectional study characterizing resident prescription writing errors in an outpatient academic dermatology practice and survey results of residents' self-perceived prescription writing learning needs in dermatology. While the resident prescribing error rate was relatively low, multiple errors were avoidable, and residents agree that targeted dermatology-specific training in prescription writing is needed. This project is the starting point for a root cause analysis prior to instituting any intervention(s) for improvement of the identified prescription writing errors.
Best Presentation, 2nd Place - Christina Huang
Appropriate draping plays a central role in maintaining patient dignity; however, there is no standardized draping practice for dermatology. My project evaluated the subjective patient experiences of draping practices in the dermatology clinic setting. We found that the majority of patients (54.7%) value appropriate draping during a full body skin exam. Most patients were offered a drape (54.6%) and did not feel overexposed (60%) during their encounter. The degree of privacy offered by drapes and the severity of the skin condition contributed most to patient comfort level. Lastly, younger female patients were more sensitive to draping practices, thus this population should require extra caution during a full body skin examination. Our results emphasize the importance of a standardized approach to draping in medical education.
Best Presentation, 3rd Place - Jorge Georgakopoulos
This study explored the trends in demographics, practice patterns and billings, overall and by sex, for dermatologists in Ontario. Despite the increased female representation in dermatology, a sex pay gap still exists. In pursuit of equity in medicine, the unique challenges and barriers for females in dermatology were explored.
Best Paper, 1st Place - Mathew Nicholas
This large prospective longitudinal cohort study was a collaboration between the Division of Dermatology and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto. It aimed to evaluate the association of atopic dermatitis and height, body mass index, and weight throughout childhood. Using the TARGet Kids! cohort of 10 611 children, 1 834 (17.3%) of whom were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis throughout childhood, we observed an association with lower length-for-age z score, higher BMI z score, and lower weight-for-age z score when compared to children without atopic dermatitis. Children with atopic dermatitis were on average 0.5 cm shorter with 0.2 more BMI units at age 2 years than children without atopic dermatitis after adjusting for covariates. The associations between atopic dermatitis and height and BMI changed with age, diminishing by age 14 years and 5.5 years, respectively, while the association between atopic dermatitis and weight did not diminish with age. Overall, although small associations were seen in children with atopic dermatitis and decreased height, increased BMI, and increased weight when compared to children without atopic dermatitis, for height and BMI, these associations resolved by adolescence.
Best Paper, 2nd Place - David Croitoru
This systematic review, on Rituximab exposure in patients with Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG), defines a type of paradoxical reaction wherein patients develop a primarily vulvovaginal phenotype of PG.
Best Paper, 3rd Place - Jorge Georgakopoulos
This study explored the off-label use of dupilumab for prurigo nodularis in the largest cohort of patients published to date. We demonstrated that dupilumab should be considered as a favourable treatment option for chronic refractory generalized prurigo nodularis, particularly in patients with a history of atopic dermatitis.
