ABCs in Dermatology: Our Hosts' Journeys to Dermatology

The inaugural episode of ABCs in 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.