Importance of Group Therapeutic Support for Family Members of Children with Alopecia Areata: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The psychological effect of alopecia areata (AA) is well documented, but group interaction may help lessen this burden. We aimed to determine factors that draw patients with AA and their families to group events. METHODS: Surveys were administered at the annual alopecia areata bowling social in 2015 and 2016. This event is a unique opportunity for children with AA and their families to meet others with the disease and connect with local support group resources from the Minnesota branch of the National Alopecia Areata Foundation. Data from 2015 and 2016 were combined. Comparisons of subgroups were performed using Fisher exact tests for response frequencies and percentages and two-sample t tests for mean values. RESULTS: An equal number of men and women participated in the study (n = 13 each). The average age was 41.1 years. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in survey responses based on respondent age or sex. Twenty-three (88.5%) attendees sought to connect with others with AA and met three or more people during the event. Seventeen (65.4%) also attended other support group events. Twelve respondents (46.2%) came to support a friend or family member. One hundred percent of attendees identified socializing with others with AA as important. CONCLUSIONS: Group interaction is an important source of therapeutic support for people with AA and their families.

Medical Student Decision Making Regarding Pursuit of a Public Health Degree.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Few US medical school graduates receive a public health degree. We sought to identify factors involved in medical students' decisions to pursue dual medical and public health degrees and describe the decision-making process. METHODS: We conducted focus group discussions and telephone interviews with medical students considering, or enrolled in, a public health degree program. Participants described early exposures to public health, perspectives on physician public health roles, advantages and disadvantages of a public health degree, and the relative importance of factors influencing their decision to pursue a public health degree. Data were coded using open codes, and thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS: Medical students' decisions about pursuing a public health degree are based on consideration of advantages and disadvantages of academic, personal, and financial factors. Students place weights on various factors and value guidance. CONCLUSIONS: Access to training and information about public health programs and career opportunities may facilitate decision-making. Knowledge of factors involved in students' decisions and the decision-making process will allow mentors, advisors, faculty, and staff working to recruit students into MPH programs to support students interested in earning dual medical and public health degrees. Future research should explore avenues for supporting medical student decision-making and further reducing barriers to public health training.

Physician skin examinations for melanoma screening.

A variety of estimates of the value and impact of physician skin examinations (PSEs) in screening for melanoma have been published. Although current melanoma screening guidelines vary, new evidence supports improved melanoma outcomes associated with PSEs. In this systematic review, we evaluated 5 observational studies of the impact of PSEs on melanoma thickness at diagnosis and melanoma mortality rates. Although definitive evidence from randomized controlled trials supporting improved health outcomes associated with PSEs is lacking, these well-designed observational studies have found PSEs to be correlated with thinner melanomas at diagnosis and reduced melanoma mortality rates.

Morphology-Based Diagnosis of Acneiform Eruptions.

Acne is the most common skin disease. Distinguishing between true acne vulgaris and the various acneiform eruptions is important yet sometimes challenging. Given the common nature of acne and acneiform eruptions, the pediatrician must be aware of these lesion patterns and possess the skills to effectively evaluate the pediatric presentation of these eruptions. This article discusses several of the most common acneiform eruptions, including neonatal acne and cephalic pustulosis, periorificial dermatitis (perioral dermatitis), facial angiofibromas, iatrogenic acneiform drug eruptions, and childhood rosacea.