Jennifer Cather, MD < Back Jennifer Cather, MD Faculty Dr. Jennifer Cather leads Mindful Dermatology. She is a board-certified dermatologist, an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology and is an internationally recognized authority in complex medical dermatology, aesthetics, and skin cancer. Dr. Cather is passionate about diagnosing and managing patient conditions, from the most severe diseases, such as psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, to common skin conditions. Whether seeking the latest medical or rejuvenation advancements in dermatological care, Dr. Cather and her team at Mindful Dermatology are fully invested in our patients. They are constantly raising the standard for dermatology care by providing innovative, research-based therapies and actively seeking new treatments through clinical research. Dr. Cather, a Southern California native, and her husband, Chris, have two daughters, Wonder and Magic. Outside of work, Dr. Cather enjoys staying active and living a healthy lifestyle, whether it's snow skiing, snorkeling, hiking, or stargazing with her husband. PS Home

James Del Rosso, DO < Back James Del Rosso, DO Faculty James Q. Del Rosso, D.O. has been practicing dermatology since 1986, and in the Las Vegas area at the Las Vegas Skin & Cancer Clinics since 1997. He is an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the Touro University of College of Osteopathic Medicine in Henderson, Nevada, and has the distinction of being the first and only dermatology residency program director in the history of the state of Nevada. Prior to coming to Las Vegas, Dr. Del Rosso served as Head of the Section of Dermatology at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, and Visiting Faculty Member in Dermatology at Ohio State University (OSU) in Columbus where he twice was honored as Educator of the Year by the dermatology residents and dermatopathology fellows. He received his D.O. degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, interned at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, completed a dermatology residency at Atlantic Skin Disease and Skin Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology at OSU. At his practice in Henderson, Nevada, he is proud of the quality of service provided and has an exceptional support staff of nurses and medical assistants who are dedicated to quality patient care. Dr. Del Rosso is an internationally renowned dermatologist. He is Clinical Editor of the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, has published multiple peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters, and was President of the American Acne & Rosacea Society, American Society of Mohs Surgery, and the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. He is one of the most highly requested and well-respected educators in dermatology, invited to present regularly at dermatology meetings both nationally and internationally. Dr. Del Rosso has many outside interests, especially music, and stays busy at times with four children and six grandchildren. PS Home

Dermpath On Demand is an online educational website for all things dermatopathology. Join Dr. Clay Cockerell in the library 24/7/365 to view eSlides and case review videos. Clay's Library provided by Cockerell Dermatopath ology DOD Home https://youtu.be/Nmer2qVf96E

Labatory improvement reduce turnaround time.Continuous Specimen Flow Changes Night Shifts to Day Shifts While Reducing Turn-Around-Time < Back Continuous Specimen Flow Changes Night Shifts to Day Shifts While Reducing Turn-Around-Time Clay Cockerell, MD, JD, MDA | Mary deBram-Hart, BS, HT | Erico Von Bueren, PhD, MD, MOR | Brenda Wander | Mark Fussner, BS, CT | Claudio Scancich | Craig Reed | Brand McCarley Jul 26, 2022 Labatory improvement reduce turnaround time. To reduce average TAT from 36-42 hours to 24-26 hours, the laboratory was restructured to include, relocation and a new floor plan for linear specimen workflow with a larger workspace. Conventional tissue processors were replaced with continuous flow, rapid tissue processors, cassette batch sizes reduced to an maximum of 32, and fully automated embedding was introduced. Personnel was rescheduled to decrease family unfriendly working hours (3pm-5am) and total hours, while increasing laboratory efficiency. MATERIALS & METHODS Customized WinSURGE® (Computer Trust Corp) Scanning Records using customized tools in Microsoft ® Excel ® 2013. Floorplans analyzing pathway crossings. Analysis of scheduled personnel shifts, family unfriendly (3pm-5am) schedules, and overtime. Analysis of cassette number reduction by increasing the number of spatially separated cross sectioned ellipse/s in Tissue-Tek® Paraform® Sectionable Cassette Systems (Sakura Finetek, Torrance, CA). Specimens were processed on Tissue-Tek VIP® 5, Tissue-Tek Xpress® x120, and embedded on Tissue-Tek AutoTEC® (Sakura Finetek, Torrance, CA). RESULTS The Paraform Sectionable Cassette System allows multiple cross sectioned ellipse/s in one cassette, locking their orientation from grossing to microtomy. Using Paraform Cassettes resulted in less cassettes grossed, processed, embedded, sectioned, and less slides stained and reviewed. Daily volumes decreased from 1,600 to 1,358 (-13%), reducing costs and increasing profitability. OLD vs. NEW LABORATORY SETUP The new laboratory set-up reduced overall daily working time for the entire Team from 215.5 hrs. to 136 hrs. (-79.5 hrs./-37%) while reducing the daily family unfriendly time (3pm to 5am) by 61% from 119.5 hrs. to 44 hrs./ 75%. The highest reduction of working and family unfriendly time was achieved in Embedding: -52 hrs./-100%, followed by Microtomy and Grossing. The Grossing and Microtomy Teams assist loading and unloading the Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 and Tissue-Tek AutoTEC, allowing task variety. The 4 stacked graphs on the left show the effect on working hours, the 4 stacked graphs on the right show the effect on family unfriendly hours. Noticeably, cumulative overtime was reduced from an average daily total of 16 hours to 0 hours. Overall, all Teams highly appreciated these changes and do not want to return to the previous set-up. CONCLUSIONS Specimens are oriented at grossing eliminating misorientation with manual embedding. Excisions can have multiple cross sectioned ellipse/s and are correctly oriented at grossing using Paraform Sectionable Cassette System reducing the total number of cassettes generated. Only 2% of the daily volume needs manual embedding due to specialty circumstances. Utilization of the Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 and Tissue-Tek AutoTEC allows 80% of specimens to be ready for microtomy within 7 hours after arrival into the laboratory. Continuous flow, rapid tissue processing means no more large batches, bottlenecks, or waiting time. The Tissue-Tek AutoTEC allowed 6 Histotechnicians to change their hours from night shift to day shift, allowing them to work more employee/family friendly shifts. Better hours and less blocks meant staff are able to perform additional duties allowing variety during the work day.  Designing a laboratory in a new building with a Lean workflow floor plan eliminated retraced steps and excessive walking time. Clients, Pathologists, and employees are happier. ABOUT CLAY J. COCKERELL, MD, JD, MBA Dr. Clay J. Cockerell is a world-renowned specialist in treating and diagnosing skin disorders and has diagnosed over three million biopsies. An internationally recognized pioneer in his field and double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Cockerell has been practicing medicine since 1986. He is currently the Founder & President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and the Program Director of the Health Education Services dermatology residency program sponsored by the Lake Granbury Medical Center. Also, Dr. Cockerell sees patients a few days per month to assist with resident training and to keep his clinicopathological skills sharp. Dr. Cockerell has held numerous leadership positions within several highly regarded medical associations. Most notably, he served as the President, Secretary & Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, President of the Texas Dermatological Society, and President of the Dallas Dermatological Society. Also, Dr. Cockerell holds leadership roles as Founder and President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and a former AmeriPath Board of Directors member. Dr. Cockerell and his wife, Brenda, had a lifelong dream of producing wine and, in 2005, purchased a vineyard in Calistoga, California. They now produce wine under the Coquerel Family Wine Estates label. Dr. Cockerel and Brenda have two children, Charles and Lillian, and they have been married for forty-six years. In addition, Dr. Cockerell and Brenda enjoy traveling, golf, and winter sports. ABOUT COCKERELL DERMATOPATHOLOGY The Cockerell Dermatopathology story begins with Dr. Clay J. Cockerell's vision to establish a practice whose mission is to treat each specimen as if it came from one of own family members. Family! At Cockerell Dermatopathology, every employee is driven by a relentless pursuit of diagnostic excellence. We specialize in evaluating dermatologic disorders, tackling cases ranging from the routine to the most challenging. Our practice continuously invests in cutting-edge technologies to best serve each referring clinician and their patients. These innovations result in higher-quality diagnostic slides, quicker turnaround times for routine cases, and seamless deployment of EMR interfaces. From an educational perspective, Cockerell Dermatopathology is more than a dermatopathology practice. We host numerous in-person and internet-based education events and boast a state-of-the-art 14-headed microscope for dermatology resident training sessions. Our services extend beyond borders, serving hundreds of clinicians in Texas, throughout the United States, and globally. With a highly accessible team of board-certified dermatopathologists and a dedicated support staff, our vision is simple yet profound. Family, we treat every specimen as if it were from one of our own family members. Previous Next

Practical Symposium | Summer Sharpen Your Dermatology, Clinicopathologic & Business Skills. Join us August 12-15, 2027, in Vail, CO Posters & Abstracts PS Home All posters and abstracts must be approved by the Practical Symposium Scientific Committee before the meeting. Approval will be determined by the submission of an abstract; please note the following guidelines: Please submit your abstract for pre-approval to Martha Hallett – mhallett@mdmeetingdesigns.com . The abstract submission deadline is August 1, 2027. The author must be registered and attend the Practical Symposium. Indicate which author(s) will be in attendance when you submit your abstract. Submit exemption requests with your submission. You will be advised as to approvals soon after your submission is received. Poster specifications will be sent with approval. If you have additional questions? Contact Martha Hallett Email: mhallett@mdmeetingdesigns.com Phone: 508-713-0906

Brian Berman, MD, PhD < Back Brian Berman, MD, PhD Faculty Professor Emeritus of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL Co-Director Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research Skin and Cancer Associates, Aventura, FL Senior Scientific Advisor and Acting Chief Medical OfficerBerg Health, Framingham, MA Dr. Brian Berman is Professor Emeritus of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery at The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and has had the honor of serving as a member of the Board of Directors and Vice President of the American Academy of Dermatology. He is Past President of the American Dermatological Association. Dr. Berman is Secretary of the American Cutaneous Oncology Society, Secretary of the American Hyperhidrosis Medical Society, past President and the Founder of The National Association of Veterans Affairs Dermatologists, and serves on the Scientific Advisory / Editorial Boards of The European Journal of Dermatology, SKINmed, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, Dermatology Digest, and SKIN, and edited The Miami Review series. In addition to caring for patients at Skin and Cancer Associates in Aventura, FL, Dr. Berman is Co-Director of the Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research, continuing his broad-based clinical research program while focusing on the study of the control of scarring and skin cancer. He has presented at over 300 local, regional, state, national and international dermatologic societies and conferences and authored of more than 250 peer-reviewed scientific and clinical articles, chapters and books. In 2021 the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery recognized Dr. Berman as “Practitioner of the Year.” D. Berman serves as Senior Scientific Advisor and Acting Chief Medical Officer at Berg Health, a clinical-stage, AI-powered biotechnology company. PS Home

Chase Meredith < Back Chase Meredith Faculty Chase Meredith is the founder of Replay, a conversational-AI roleplay platform that helps improve conversational skills with focused practice sessions. Based in Orem, Utah, Chase leverages his background in AI and product development to build AI tools that bridge the gap between theory and hands-on practice for frontline teams. PS Home

Business 201 Faculty < Back Jeff Libby Partner Jeff Libby is more than an outstanding attorney and counselor; he is a trusted advisor. Jeff's practice focuses on commercial real estate and commercial loan transactions in which he assists clients on a local and national basis in a wide array of development, leasing, lending and construction matters. Mr. Libby works alongside developers of medical office buildings, retail shopping centers, multifamily complexes and single-family lots assisting with site acquisition, due diligence, subdivision and platting, zoning, entitlements and financing, as well as the construction of improvements, leasing, management and asset disposition. Jeff helps landlords and tenants successfully negotiate their commercial lease agreements, and counsels owners and contractors throughout the construction process. Mr. Libby also assists local community banks and national institutional lenders in processing and closing commercial loan transactions. Specialties Include: Commercial Real Estate Transactions Commercial Loan Transactions Commercial Lending Site Acquisition and Disposition Sale-Leaseback Transactions Medical Office Building Development Retail Development Mixed Use Development, Shopping Center Development Office Building Development Multifamily Development Single-Family Development Leasing (Landlord / Tenant) Medical Office Leasing Retail Leasing Shopping Center Leasing Commercial Office Leasing Industrial Leasing Warehouse Leasing Construction (Owner, Contractor, Subcontractor) Entitlements and Zoning Business Loan Transactions (Lender / Borrower) Commercial Mortgage Loans (Lender / Borrower) Title and Survey Easements Covenants, Conditions and Restictions (CCRs) Deed Restrictions Owner Associations Business Transactions Corporate Transactions https://www.libbysparks.com/ Business201 Home

Dermpath On Demand is an online educational website for all things dermatopathology. Join Dr. Clay Cockerell in the library 24/7/365 to view eSlides and case review videos. 4th Wednesday Case Review hosted by Clay Cockerell, MD, MBA, JD DOD Home Join Clay Cockerell at the virtual microscope to review interesting dermatopathology cases. eSlide Example | Actual slides can be viewed fullscreen. Lecture Example When: 4th Wednesday of Each Month Time: 7:00 AM CT Duration: Each lecture lasts approximately 45-60 minutes. Sign Up: Gain access to eSlides and Zoom 4th Wednesday Sign Up

Chris Bandel < Back Chris Bandel Educational Manager Cockerell Dermatopathology , Dermatopathologist Assistant Dermpath On Demand, Co-Educational Manager Bio coming soon. DOD Home

Millions of skin cancers are diagnosed annually.Beware: Not All Labs are Created Equal < Back Beware: Not All Labs are Created Equal Clay Cockerell, MD, JD, MBA Nov 8, 2021 Millions of skin cancers are diagnosed annually. "There is a major epidemic of skin cancer in the world today. In the United States alone, millions of skin cancers will be diagnosed just this year," said Clay J. Cockerell, MD of Cockerell Dermatopathology. Furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 1 in 50 individuals born this year will develop malignant melanoma, the most dangerous and often life-threatening form of skin cancer in their lifetime. This cancer is the leading cause of death in young women in their 20's and 30's. However, skin cancers are most common in older people over the age of 50. Because of the gravity of this problem, it is vitally important that all individuals, especially those in the highest risk groups, understand how to recognize the signs of skin cancer and call it to the attention of their doctor, preferably someone with expertise in skin disorders. If there is suspicion that a spot may be skin cancer, a biopsy must be performed to make a diagnosis before treatment is undertaken. Getting an accurate diagnosis from the biopsy is critical as different treatments are used for different skin disorders, and if the lesion turns out to be benign, no treatment at all may be required. What many patients and surprisingly many doctors, especially non-dermatologists, do not understand, however, is that there is significant variation in the accuracy of different pathology labs depending on who is performing the examination of the biopsy. Many doctors try to reassure their patients that they are "sending the specimen to the lab." What you should ask your doctor is, "Which lab and who's going to be reading my biopsy"? CHANGING TIMES Years ago and still in many cases today, doctors, especially dermatologists, developed close working relationships with pathologists known as dermatopathologists, who are specially trained to interpret skin biopsies. With the ongoing evolution of health insurance companies, national laboratory companies made bids to provide laboratory services, mainly blood tests, for managed care plan patients. Because health insurance companies often look at all lab services as one, many of the specialized areas of pathology, such as dermatopathology, where an expert performs the service, were lumped into the same category as blood tests performed by a machine with no need for physician interpretation. Furthermore, there are cost pressures that discourage non-experts from seeking consultative second opinions from experts. SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES A misread specimen can have serious consequences for a patient. Failure to diagnose skin cancer, especially melanoma, can result in a disease that can be cured, turning into a deadly process. On the other hand, overdiagnosis of something benign as cancer can lead to loss of insurance or significantly increased insurance premiums, not to mention unnecessary and sometimes disfiguring surgery. In some cases, patients simply go for months, sometimes years, with no diagnosis or an erroneous one. In addition to poor patient care, inaccurate lab results can lead to legal liability and increased health care costs. DEPENDING ON EXPERT DERMATOPATHOLOGISTS The most critical key to accuracy involves the expertise of the person who is reading your biopsy. While board-certified dermatopathologists are certainly the best trained to read skin biopsies, some general pathologists with interest and experience in dermatopathology can do a good job, especially if he or she has access to consultation with a board-certified dermatopathologist. In the ultimate analysis, it's not the label of the person who evaluates the slide that matters but his or her competence, said the late A. Bernard Ackerman, M.D. As a rule, Dr. Ackerman always noted that a board-certified dermatopathologist is best equipped to render an accurate diagnosis of a skin lesion that is difficult to diagnose under the microscope, a phenomenon that is surprisingly common. CHALLENGING LESIONS Expertise becomes even more crucial in lesions that are difficult to interpret. Some subtle skin disorders, such as mycosis fungoides, a rare type of skin lymphoma, require very special expertise to make the right diagnosis. Non-cancerous skin diseases due to inflammation, such as rashes, can be diagnosed accurately only by dermatopathologists. Other challenging diagnoses are diseases that produce blisters such as bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus, and epidermolysis bullosa. WORRISOME TREND Some health insurance companies require physicians to send specimens to a specific lab that may or may not have an individual with expertise in dermatopathology. Many health insurances have instituted programs to penalize physicians who fail to utilize contracted laboratories, a practice that has received criticism from many physicians across the U.S. Many dermatologists choose to opt-out of contracts in which the biopsies are "steered" to a non-desired lab. They fear that these labs might not provide complete service for their patients and pose a malpractice risk to them. THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION Communication is another important factor in making sure your doctor gets the "right" answer in your skin biopsy. When your doctor, especially a dermatologist, performs a biopsy, he or she is not sending out a simple blood test to a nameless lab. He or she needs to know who the pathologists are and work with them. Some specimens can present subtleties that are quite difficult to interpret. Arriving at a correct diagnosis requires a good treating physician who can relay information between the doctor performing the biopsy and the pathologist. Lines of communication have to be open both ways so that the doctor can call the pathologist to ask questions about a result, and the pathologist can call the doctor when he needs clinical clarification. Unfortunately, in many labs, it is difficult to reach any pathologist to discuss a case. Furthermore, it is often necessary for a slide to be sent back to the doctor because the patient is going for a second opinion or for additional treatment. "It is often difficult to get slides from some labs," notes Dr. Clay Cockerell. OTHER SIGNS OF QUALITY High-quality labs perform daily quality control, and most perform special studies when required, such as immunophenotyping. They also comply fully with state, federal, and other regulations. A lab having accreditation is also a sign of quality because obtaining and maintaining certifications takes time and requires the passage of rigorous inspections. RAISING COMPLAINTS As many health insurance companies attempt to "steer" biopsies to large corporate labs with which they have a contract, it is quite possible that your doctor is not happy with the quality of the lab but feels compelled to use it nonetheless, especially if there is a risk of a penalty. If you or your doctor is not happy with the quality of service from a lab, a number of different steps can be taken. Generally, the first step is a letter from your doctor and, in some cases, from the patient addressed to the health insurance company expressing complaints. In response, the health insurance company may agree that your doctor can send the specimen to the lab of his choice. Another, although less satisfactory solution, is that your doctor can insist that the lab have a board-certified dermatopathologist on staff. That's not a substitute, though, for having someone read your specimens whom your doctor knows and trusts. Finally, another option is for the patient to pay for the biopsy interpretation out of pocket. Surprisingly, however, many patients are reluctant to do so because they feel as if they need to "get their money's worth" and go with what the insurance plan will pay for, even if the expense is relatively low. Many people have no problem shelling out $100.00 or more for things such as a dinner out on the town, but when it comes to paying for an expert interpretation of a skin biopsy that could save his/her life or that of a family member, they balk. BOTTOM LINE Ask your doctor where he or she would send the biopsy if it was from one of his or her family members. Then request the same for yourself. ABOUT CLAY J. COCKERELL, MD, JD, MBA Dr. Clay J. Cockerell is a world-renowned specialist in treating and diagnosing skin disorders and has diagnosed over three million biopsies. An internationally recognized pioneer in his field and double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Cockerell has been practicing medicine since 1986. He is currently the Founder & President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and the Program Director of the Health Education Services dermatology residency program sponsored by the Lake Granbury Medical Center. Also, Dr. Cockerell sees patients a few days per month to assist with resident training and to keep his clinicopathological skills sharp. Dr. Cockerell has held numerous leadership positions within several highly regarded medical associations. Most notably, he served as the President, Secretary & Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, President of the Texas Dermatological Society, and President of the Dallas Dermatological Society. Also, Dr. Cockerell holds leadership roles as Founder and President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and a former AmeriPath Board of Directors member. Dr. Cockerell and his wife, Brenda, had a lifelong dream of producing wine and, in 2005, purchased a vineyard in Calistoga, California. They now produce wine under the Coquerel Family Wine Estates label. Dr. Cockerel and Brenda have two children, Charles and Lillian, and they have been married for forty-six years. In addition, Dr. Cockerell and Brenda enjoy traveling, golf, and winter sports. ABOUT COCKERELL DERMATOPATHOLOGY The Cockerell Dermatopathology story begins with Dr. Clay J. Cockerell's vision to establish a practice whose mission is to treat each specimen as if it came from one of own family members. Family! At Cockerell Dermatopathology, every employee is driven by a relentless pursuit of diagnostic excellence. We specialize in evaluating dermatologic disorders, tackling cases ranging from the routine to the most challenging. Our practice continuously invests in cutting-edge technologies to best serve each referring clinician and their patients. These innovations result in higher-quality diagnostic slides, quicker turnaround times for routine cases, and seamless deployment of EMR interfaces. From an educational perspective, Cockerell Dermatopathology is more than a dermatopathology practice. We host numerous in-person and internet-based education events and boast a state-of-the-art 14-headed microscope for dermatology resident training sessions. Our services extend beyond borders, serving hundreds of clinicians in Texas, throughout the United States, and globally. With a highly accessible team of board-certified dermatopathologists and a dedicated support staff, our vision is simple yet profound. Family, we treat every specimen as if it were from one of our own family members. Previous Next

Bridging the dermatologist shortage gap in the United States.Training the Next Generation of Dermatologists < Back Training the Next Generation of Dermatologists Clay J. Cockerell, MD, JD, MBA Aug 28, 2023 Bridging the dermatologist shortage gap in the United States. The physician shortage plaguing our profession across the nation is impacting specialties in every area, and it will soon impact the field of dermatology especially hard. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates a shortage ranging from 3,800 to 13,400 dermatologists in the coming decades. In fact, you are very likely witnessing the effects of this shortage with increased wait times for patients seeking medical care. From 2004 to 2017, the average wait time to see a dermatologist increased 33% (from 24.3 days to 32.3 days). In 2022, the trend continued with an average wait time of 34.5 days. This raises concerns about the future of patient care and creates an urgent need to ensure that we have a consistent pipeline of skilled dermatologists entering the profession. Availability of residency positionsOne reason for the shortage of incoming dermatologists is due in large part to the lack of residency programs. Demand for the specialty remains high, yet finding a dermatological residency program can be difficult. According to the National Resident Matching Program, there were 864 applicants (including both MD and DO applicants) for the 499 dermatology residency positions offered this year. Those who are accepted into dermatology residency programs are traditionally among the most academically accomplished of their peers. As such, it is extremely competitive to be accepted for a dermatology residency training position. More residency training opportunities In my Dallas-based dermatopathology practice, we are working to bridge the gap with a new dermatology residency program offered through The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM). This year, TCOM was ranked as the top medical school in Texas by the U.S. News & World Report. It has also been ranked No. 1 by the publication among osteopathic schools nationwide for two consecutive years. Launching the program amidst a global pandemic was no small feat and is a true testament to the faculty’s commitment to seeing the project across the finish line. The process of setting up the residency program in 2018. It typically takes six months to a year of planning and preparation for the application, followed by two more years for a residency program to receive accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. While COVID-19 slowed the process down even further, our team persevered, and we received initial accreditation for the program on April 21, 2023. Although we did not go through the match process this year, 25 individuals who learned that the program was approved reached out and went through the interview process. We found three excellent candidates who began their training in July. The program is accredited for three positions per year and will ultimately have nine trainees when fully enrolled. Enhanced training for residents There have been many changes in the field of dermatology since I entered the medical profession. We have seen huge advancements in treatments and therapeutic agents, as well as a number of sub-specialties added under the broader dermatology umbrella. At the same time, it is heartening to recognize there are some things that remain the same, such as the reasons that motivate some of these young physicians to pursue the specialty. “I chose dermatology because I love how you can see everything – the disease, the histology and the patient’s improvement,” said resident Ciaran Symthe, DO. “The skin is our interface with the external world, offering a fascinating perspective on health and disease and a rewarding way to improve patients’ psychosocial wellbeing.” The residents in our program can expect to receive a classical style of training that prepares them for this dynamic and ever-changing field, including opportunities to learn about surgery, pathology, pediatric dermatology, cosmetic dermatology and other sub-specialties. “I can’t imagine a better residency program. We have a positive working environment with great clinical and didactic experiences in both private practice and academic settings. We also have numerous opportunities to get involved in dermatology via networking events, industry relationships, research and conferences. What sets our program apart is the positive environment and rockstar attendings, who can open up doors and support/encourage us to be influential contributors to the field of dermatology,” said Dr. Symthe. The residents spend time in the clinic seeing patients as well as at our dermatopathology practice, Cockerell Dermatopathology, where they will analyze many biopsy specimens, including the ones they take from their own patients. “I chose to pursue dermatology because I get a mix of medicine and surgery. In addition to their skin pathologies, many patients suffer from adverse psychosocial issues because of these conditions, so I appreciate the opportunity to treat them holistically,” said resident Susuana Adjei, DO. “This program provides comprehensive training in the field of dermatology, so I know I’ll be prepared for my future. Our faculty is also made up of dermatologists who are very successful in their careers, so I know we’ll be able to learn how to navigate the field well.” In addition, our residents will have the opportunity to attend conferences at the local, regional and national level, as well as receive training on the business, financial and legal aspects of operating a medical practice. “The residency program is laying a strong foundation for my future career in dermatology, aligning seamlessly with my goals of becoming an excellent dermatologist and a leader in the field. Through its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on experiences and exposure to a wide range of pathologies, I'm gaining practical skills and in-depth knowledge essential for success. Furthermore, the mentorship and guidance from my faculty are shaping my clinical approach and facilitating the growth of a robust professional network, said resident Marissa Ceresnie, DO. “What truly sets dermatology apart for me is the ability to profoundly impact people's quality of life by addressing their skin, hair and nail concerns. Beyond combining my affinity for visual diagnosis and performing hands-on procedures, I'm passionate about providing care that not only enhances health but also contributes to overall well-being.” Final thoughts My esteemed colleagues and I are committed to training the next generation of dermatologists to be highly skilled, well-rounded physicians with extensive expertise in the field. We are excited about the outstanding residents we have in our program and take pride in knowing they are part of the solution to ensuring that patients will continue to receive quality dermatological care for years to come. About Clay J. Cockerell, MD, JD, MBA Dr. Clay J. Cockerell is a world-renowned specialist in treating and diagnosing skin disorders and has diagnosed over three million biopsies. An internationally recognized pioneer in his field and double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Cockerell has been practicing medicine since 1986. He is currently the Founder & President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and the Program Director of the Health Education Services dermatology residency program sponsored by the Lake Granbury Medical Center. Also, Dr. Cockerell sees patients a few days per month to assist with resident training and to keep his clinicopathological skills sharp. Dr. Cockerell has held numerous leadership positions within several highly regarded medical associations. Most notably, he served as the President, Secretary & Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Dermatology, President of the Texas Dermatological Society, and President of the Dallas Dermatological Society. Also, Dr. Cockerell holds leadership roles as Founder and President of Cockerell Dermatopathology and a former AmeriPath Board of Directors member. Dr. Cockerell and his wife, Brenda, had a lifelong dream of producing wine and, in 2005, purchased a vineyard in Calistoga, California. They now produce wine under the Coquerel Family Wine Estates label. Dr. Cockerel and Brenda have two children, Charles and Lillian, and they have been married for forty-six years. In addition, Dr. Cockerell and Brenda enjoy traveling, golf, and winter sports. About Cockerell Dermatopathology The Cockerell Dermatopathology story begins with Dr. Clay J. Cockerell's vision to establish a practice whose mission is to treat each specimen as if it came from one of own family members. Family! At Cockerell Dermatopathology, every employee is driven by a relentless pursuit of diagnostic excellence. We specialize in evaluating dermatologic disorders, tackling cases ranging from the routine to the most challenging. Our practice continuously invests in cutting-edge technologies to best serve each referring clinician and their patients. These innovations result in higher-quality diagnostic slides, quicker turnaround times for routine cases, and seamless deployment of EMR interfaces. From an educational perspective, Cockerell Dermatopathology is more than a dermatopathology practice. We host numerous in-person and internet-based education events and boast a state-of-the-art 14-headed microscope for dermatology resident training sessions. Our services extend beyond borders, serving hundreds of clinicians in Texas, throughout the United States, and globally. With a highly accessible team of board-certified dermatopathologists and a dedicated support staff, our vision is simple yet profound. Family, we treat every specimen as if it were from one of our own family members. Previous Next