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

Business 201 Faculty < Back Jennifer LeLash Sales Associate A fourth-generation Dallasite, Jennifer LeLash integrates her extensive experience in advertising and brand marketing into her real-estate practice. Jennifer enjoyed immediate success in Dallas’ luxury real-estate market and quickly grew her business when her husband, Chris LeLash, joined her. She earned D Magazine Top Residential Real Estate Producer honors for 2016 and 2017 and has sold and listed properties valued up to $12 million in the Park Cities, Preston Hollow, Devonshire, North Dallas and Plano. Jennifer spent her early career as a photo art director and celebrity wardrobe stylist in Los Angeles, New York and Miami. Her work on location in historically famous residences — Casa del Herrero in Montecito, the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs and Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin in Wisconsin — furthered her love of architecture and design. Those experiences combined with her innate creativity allows her to understand her clients’ unique lifestyle perspectives in marketing their properties and finding their perfect next homes. Jennifer enjoys traveling and spending time in Colorado and Florida with her husband and business partner Chris, their son and the family’s beloved Goldendoodle. They are active members within the Parish Episcopal School community and volunteer their time to many charitable efforts close to their hearts, including their time to many charitable efforts close to their hearts, including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Cattle Baron’s Ball, Wipe Out Kids' Cancer and many others. https://www.briggsfreeman.com/ Business201 Home

Brand McCarley < Back Brand McCarley Educational Director Cockerell Dermatopathology , Sales & Marketing Dermpath On Demand, Co-Founder & Educational Manager Brand McCarley joined Cockerell Dermatopathology in March 2013. He was an integral part of the implementation team that launched Cockerell Dermatopathology in July 2013. Brand currently serves as the Vice President of Sales & Marketing and assists Dr. Cockerell and the management team with numerous business development and educational projects. Before joining Cockerell Dermatopathology, Brand held several positions within Quest Diagnostics | Dermpath Diagnostics, including VP of Marketing, Director of Business Development, Regional Sales Manager, and Territory Manager. Brand also held sales positions with McKesson and Physician Sales & Service. Brand received his bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University. DOD Home

Seemal Desai, MD < Back Seemal Desai, MD Faculty Dr. Seemal Desai takes pride in providing his patients with the highest level of dermatologic care. Dr. Seemal Desai is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and a Board Certified Dermatologist. He graduated with honors from Emory University. He received his medical training at Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia, and received his Doctor of Medicine degree with Magna Cum Laude with honors. Following medical school, Dr. Desai completed his medical internship in Internal Medicine. He then went on to complete his residency at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and served as Chief Resident for the Department of Dermatology. Dr. Desai has been active on a local, state, and national level with numerous medical organizations. His major accomplishments have been with the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Medical Association and many others, where he has held numerous elected and appointed positions. He is also actively involved in teaching and mentoring medical students and residents, and serves as Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He has been involved in academic medicine for over ten years. In his free time, Dr. Desai enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and son, as well as traveling, trying new restaurants, meeting new people, playing trivia games, exercising and enjoying the outdoors. Dr. Desai takes great pride in providing his patients with the highest level of dermatologic care. Please contact our office for a personal consultation with Dr. Desai to decide which services may be right for you and your skin. 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

James Allred, MD < Back James Allred, MD Faculty James Allred, MD, MS, FAAD, is a dermatologist at Access Dermatology Clinic in Franklin and Glasgow, Kentucky, and Gallatin, Tennessee. Originally born and raised in the western United States, Dr. Allred has called southern Kentucky his home since 2015. During that time, Dr. Allred has lectured at national conferences, published academic articles, and founded multiple technology startups dedicated to improving patient care. He also was a founding member of the education committee for Advancing Innovation in Dermatology, a nonprofit dedicated to improving patient care through novel technologies and techniques. Before then, Dr. Allred completed his dermatology residency in Austin, Texas, where served as chief dermatology resident, patented multiple medical devices, and was a recipient of teaching awards and speaking awards, including from the Texas Dermatological Society. He completed his medical school training at the University of Utah, where he served as student body president during his fourth year, co-founded the Bench-to-Bedside research program, and was among the first students to be chosen to the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society for medical scholastic excellence. As an undergraduate at the University of Colorado at Boulder, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with dual degrees in history with honors and summa cum laude in anthropology, where was chosen as the graduation speaker, having received the outstanding undergraduate award and outstanding senior thesis award in 2003. Dr. Allred is married with five beautiful children and has two large dogs. He gets the greatest enjoyment in life from them, especially when introducing them to his first love of the outdoors. One annual highlight for him is where he is able to take his family every year to the Colorado Rockies, where he leads the first and only continuing medical education hike that teaches dermatologists from around the country about how the environment (i.e. plants, sunlight, insect bites, etc) can negatively affect the skin. In 2021, Dr. Allred decided to establish Access Dermatology Clinic as the method to synthesize what he has learned as a clinician and an innovator to creatively and compassionately serve the people of southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee. PS Home

Nicole Neuschler, MD < Back Nicole Neuschler, MD Faculty Nicole Neuschler, M.D., is a board certified dermatologist who has been practicing in Denver since 2008. Originally from Northern Virginia, she attended the Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern University in Chicago where she received both a BA in Environmental Sciences and her medical degree. She then completed a year of Internal Medicine and her Dermatology residency at University of Michigan. She spent a year as an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, before heading west. Dr. Neuschler’s interests include general dermatology, skin cancer and pediatrics. She prides herself on making connections with her patients that extend beyond simply fixing their skin. She enjoys teaching and helped to train many other physicians and physician assistants. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, hiking and exploring Colorado. Dr. Neuschler is very excited to join Dr. Frankel and Dr. Olander at Core, especially as she trained with Dr. Frankel at Michigan and worked with Dr. Olander previously in Denver. Hone Home

Practical Symposium | Winter Learn, Shred, Learn! January 29 - February 1, 2026 The Hythe | Vail, CO Industry Partners LEARN | SHRED | LEARN PS Winter Home Industry Brochure Dr. Clay Cockerell, the faculty, and attendees gratefully acknowledge the following industry partners who are dedicated to supporting the Practical Symposium | Winter. It's this continued support that allows conferences like ours to continue providing world-class educational content. Thank You! Industry Brochure

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. Sign Up for Future Releases & Events DOD Home

Business 201 Symposium Online lectures designed for residents, attending physicians and medical students. Business 201 Home Agenda Topics

HONE PA+NP Symposium: Sharpen Your Clinical Skills September 12, 2026 | Dallas, TX Clay's Message Agenda Faculty Meeting | Hotel | Travel Info 2025 CE Center Industry Partners Pictures Social Media HONE Register “I loved listening to Dr. Cockerell speak! He's very knowledgeable and engaging.”

Practical Symposium | Winter Learn, Shred, Learn! January 29 - February 1, 2026 The Hythe | Vail, CO Registration LEARN | SHRED | LEARN PS Winter Home