AOBD Dermatology study plan

AOBD Dermatology · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Dermatology & Dermatopathology (Conjoint)

Map the Dermatology blueprint into a one-page topic inventory and rank topics by personal weakness
List the major inflammatory dermatoses (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, lichen planus) and write their key histologic features from memory
Build a flashcard deck for primary and secondary lesion terminology and self-test to 90% recall

A one-page topic inventory plus a 40-card lesion-terminology deck scored at ≥90% on a self-quiz

Week 2

Compare and contrast the histopathology of spongiotic, psoriasiform, lichenoid, and interface dermatitis patterns
Practice pattern-based diagnosis by describing 15 inflammatory biopsy scenarios in your own words and assigning the correct reaction pattern
Summarize the clinical workup and first-line management of the papulosquamous disorders

A 15-case reaction-pattern worksheet with written pattern assignments and brief clinical correlates

Week 3

Differentiate benign from malignant melanocytic lesions using architecture and cytology criteria
Write out the key histologic features of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma subtypes
Explain the role of immunohistochemical stains (S100, SOX10, Melan-A, cytokeratins) in diagnostic workup

A comparative table of benign vs. malignant melanocytic and keratinocytic lesions with IHC stains listed

Week 4

Diagram the Mohs micrographic surgery workflow from tumor marking through margin mapping to closure
Describe the frozen-section processing steps and how tissue orientation is maintained
List indications and contraindications for Mohs and compare with standard excision for high-risk tumors

A labeled Mohs workflow diagram with a written indications/contraindications summary

Week 5

Interpret margin status on simulated frozen-section maps and decide whether to take additional stages
Identify common artifacts and pitfalls in Mohs frozen sections (cautery effect, fold artifacts, false negatives)
Review the histopathology of tumors commonly treated with Mohs (BCC, SCC, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, microcystic adnexal carcinoma)

A 10-scenario margin-interpretation exercise with written stage decisions and pitfall notes

Week 6

Catalog pediatric dermatoses by age of onset (neonatal, infantile, childhood, adolescent)
Summarize the presentation and management of atopic dermatitis, diaper dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis in children
Differentiate vascular anomalies (hemangiomas vs. vascular malformations) and describe their natural history

An age-of-onset catalog covering at least 15 pediatric dermatoses with brief management notes

Week 7

List the genodermatoses with characteristic cutaneous findings and their associated systemic risks
Review pediatric infectious exanthems and their distinguishing features
Revisit the weakest Dermatology topics identified in week 1 and rewrite concise summary notes

A genodermatosis and pediatric exanthem reference sheet with systemic associations

Week 8

Complete a timed mixed-domain self-assessment and log error patterns by domain
Review all prior deliverables and convert recurring errors into a final high-yield review sheet
Rehearse rapid recall of key histologic patterns, Mohs indications, and pediatric red flags

A timed mixed-domain practice test score report with an error-analysis summary and one-page high-yield review sheet

Week 2: Can assign the correct reaction pattern to 12 of 15 inflammatory biopsy scenarios without notes

Week 4: Can reproduce the full Mohs workflow diagram from memory and state indications and contraindications

Week 6: Can classify 15 pediatric dermatoses by age of onset and name first-line management for the top 5

Week 8: Achieves ≥70% on the timed mixed-domain self-assessment with documented error analysis