Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD

A clip from the inaugural episode of ABCs in Dermatology exploring what drew our hosts to dermatology

ABCs in Dermatology: Our Hosts' Journeys to Dermatology

 introduces co-hosts Lindsay Ackerman, MD, and Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, through a discussion that reflects the diverse pathways that ultimately lead clinicians into the field. In the opening conversation, both hosts share how early academic exposure, clinical experiences, and mentorship shaped their decisions to pursue dermatology, offering insight into the intellectual and human elements that define the specialty.

Bunick describes how his background in molecular research, specifically in nucleotide excision repair and the role of the XPC protein in DNA damage, first connected him to dermatology through its relevance to skin cancer biology. Although his initial impressions of the field were not favorable, a later clinical rotation and the influence of a mentor specializing in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma reframed his perspective, highlighting the combination of scientific depth and patient impact that dermatology offers.

Ackerman’s path similarly began with early research exposure, working in a cutaneous oncology clinic studying melanoma susceptibility during her undergraduate years. Her experience in medical school further broadened her perspective, as she explored multiple specialties before recognizing dermatology’s ability to integrate elements of internal medicine, surgery, and longitudinal patient care. She emphasizes the specialty’s unique capacity to address a wide spectrum of disease while maintaining a strong connection with patients through visible and tangible manifestations of illness.

Together, their discussion underscores the role of mentorship, clinical exposure, and interdisciplinary interest in shaping careers in dermatology, while also highlighting the field’s balance of complexity, procedural skill, and patient-centered care.

Relevant disclosures for Bunick include AbbVie, South Beach Symposium, Almirall, Apogee Therapeutics, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, LEO Pharma, US, Novan, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Palvella Therapeutics, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Timber Pharmaceuticals, and UCB. Relevant disclosures for Ackerman include AbbVie, Alumis, Amgen, Arcutis, Beiersdorf, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant, Galderma, L'Oréal, Novartis, Sun Pharmaceutical, and UCB.

Videos

Hosts reveal how research, mentors, and clinic rotations spark a passion for skin disease and what makes dermatology unique.

A clip from an episode of ABCs in Dermatology showcases perspective into the personal lives of hosts Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD

ABCs in Dermatology: Getting to Know Your Hosts

 sets the tone for a series grounded as much in clinical insight as in the human experience of care, with co-hosts Lindsay Ackerman, MD, and Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, reflecting on the values that shape their approach to patients and the specialty itself. In this introductory exchange, the discussion moves beyond traditional clinical framing to emphasize the importance of perspective, gratitude, and authenticity in dermatologic practice. Ackerman highlights the role of gratitude as a foundational principle, describing dermatology not only as a scientific discipline but as a privilege—one that allows clinicians to meaningfully alter the trajectory of patients’ lives, particularly for those affected by stigmatizing or debilitating skin diseases. He underscores how advances in care can restore participation in daily life for patients who might otherwise be sidelined during critical developmental years . Bunick builds on this perspective by emphasizing the responsibility inherent in the physician–patient relationship, noting that clinical encounters extend beyond visible symptoms to encompass the broader, often unseen challenges patients carry. He points to the importance of empathy, humor, and intentional engagement, suggesting that even small moments of connection can have a lasting impact on patient outcomes and experience. Together, their reflections frame ABCs in Dermatology as a platform that will not only explore emerging science and clinical decision-making but also reinforce the interpersonal and ethical dimensions of care. The conversation establishes a clear throughline for the series: a commitment to authenticity, continuous learning, and a patient-centered mindset that recognizes the profound influence dermatology can have on both health and quality of life.

A clip from an episode of ABCs in Dermatology showcases perspective into the personal lives of hosts Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD.

Introductory episode for ABCs in Dermatology. A new expert-led show in dermatology from HCPLive.

 Introducing ABCs in Dermatology!

In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Lindsay Ackerman, MD, of US Dermatology Partners, and Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, of Yale School of Medicine, introduced the podcast and the philosophy behind it. 

Ackerman-Bunick Conversations in Dermatology, 

 for short, aims to translate complex and rapidly evolving clinical and scientific developments into practical insights for practicing clinicians. New episodes will be released monthly, with video available on HCPLive and audio distributed through Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

The conversation began with each host reflecting on their path into dermatology. Ackerman described early exposure to cutaneous oncology research at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was drawn to the field’s range. Dermatology, she noted, uniquely spans infectious disease, malignancy, genetic disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions. That breadth, combined with the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients, helped shape her decision to pursue the specialty.

Bunick traced his interest back to doctoral research in nucleotide excision repair, where his work on the XPC protein introduced him to the biology of non-melanoma skin cancers. A later clinical rotation, along with mentorship from a program director at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, reinforced his decision to move from laboratory science into dermatology.

A central theme of the episode was the growing importance of molecular literacy in everyday clinical practice. As therapeutic options expand, Bunick emphasized, clinicians increasingly need to understand and communicate the mechanisms behind treatment choices. Explaining the “why” behind a therapy, he noted, helps patients and families feel more confident and engaged in care. He also discussed ongoing work in his structural biology laboratory, including research into keratin biology that has extended beyond dermatology into potential therapeutic applications in triple-negative breast cancer. The work highlights how discoveries rooted in dermatology can inform treatment approaches across other disease areas.

Ackerman discussed her focus on advancing medical dermatology, particularly through clinical trials involving rare or underserved diseases. Her work includes research in congenital ichthyosis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and other conditions that currently lack FDA-approved therapies. Both hosts described the current moment as one of rapid therapeutic progress, with biologic and targeted treatments reshaping outcomes for diseases that historically had limited options.

The episode also addressed the doctor-patient relationship. Ackerman and Bunick stressed the value of genuine human connection in clinical care, noting that trust and clear communication can reduce patient isolation and improve engagement with treatment plans.

Looking ahead, the hosts previewed upcoming topics for the series, including genodermatoses, women’s health in dermatology, and controversial or underexplored clinical questions. The next episode, a preview of the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, is scheduled for release on March 23.

Podcasts

Experts unpack biologics, molecular know-how, and patient trust—plus key previews for the upcoming AAD Annual Meeting.

Introducing ABCs in Dermatology, with Lindsay Ackerman, MD, and Chris Bunick, MD, PhD

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Panelists discuss the questions below in this video.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of psoriasis care with targeted oral therapies like TYK2 inhibitors, and what final reflections do you have on their emerging role in clinical practice?

Panelists discuss the questions below in this video. 
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of psoriasis care with targeted oral therapies like TYK2 inhibitors, and what final reflections do you have on their emerging role in clinical practice?

Christopher G. Bunick, MD, PhD

Articles