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

Welcome to 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.

The series, titled Ackerman-Bunick Conversations in Dermatology, or ABCs 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.