Arab Board Dermatology Final study plan

Arab Board Dermatology Final · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Cutaneous tumors and dermatopathology & Basic science of skin and cutaneous immunology

Classify the major cutaneous tumors (BCC, SCC, melanoma, adnexal tumors) by architectural and cytologic criteria
Draw and label a schematic of the four melanoma histogenetic growth patterns and their prognostic features
List the immunohistochemical stains used to distinguish spindle-cell and adnexal tumors and their expected patterns
Describe the layers of the epidermis and dermis and the ultrastructure of the basement membrane zone
Explain the roles of keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, mast cells and dermal dendritic cells in cutaneous immunity

A one-page tumor-classification table (40+ entities) with key histologic criteria and stains, self-quizzed to 90% recall

Week 2

Compare the histopathology of benign nevi, dysplastic nevi and melanoma using a 10-feature checklist
Outline the staging and margin recommendations for melanoma, BCC and SCC
Predict drug-induced histologic patterns (e.g., interface dermatitis, granulomatous, pustular) for the 20 most common culprits
Calculate and interpret the significance of the minimal erythema dose and phototoxic vs photoallergic reactions
Justify systemic corticosteroid tapering, monitoring and adverse-effect prophylaxis in dermatologic dosing

A 25-question self-written case-based quiz on tumor pathology and drug reactions, scored with a written error log

Week 3

Differentiate psoriasis, lichen planus and the major eczematous disorders by clinical and histologic pattern
Construct a stepwise topical and systemic treatment algorithm for moderate-to-severe psoriasis
Classify the autoimmune bullous diseases by level of split on direct immunofluorescence and target antigen
Interpret an ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro/La and anti-Smith panel in the context of cutaneous lupus
Describe the cutaneous manifestations and diagnostic criteria of dermatomyositis and systemic sclerosis

A comparison matrix of papulosquamous, eczematous and autoimmune blistering diseases with immunofluorescence findings, self-tested to 85% recall

Week 4

Identify the causative organism and first-line therapy for the 25 most common cutaneous bacterial, viral, fungal and mycobacterial infections
Distinguish the clinical presentations of deep fungal infections and cutaneous tuberculosis
Recognize the cutaneous signs of life-threatening emergencies: SJS/TEN, DRESS, AGEP, necrotizing fasciitis and purpura fulminans
Outline immediate management priorities for each emergency, including drug withdrawal and supportive care
Describe the cutaneous markers of internal malignancy and systemic disease (paraneoplastic syndromes)

A one-page emergency action card plus a 30-item infection flashcard deck, both self-quizzed to 90% recall

Week 5

Differentiate the major genodermatoses (ichthyoses, epidermolysis bullosa, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis) by inheritance and clinical clues
Describe the approach to a newborn with a blistering or collodion presentation
Classify hair loss as scarring vs non-scarring and list the key causes of each
Interpret nail changes in systemic disease and distinguish the common nail dystrophies
Describe the diagnosis and management of the major oral mucosal disorders (lichen planus, pemphigus, aphthosis)

A two-page pediatric and genodermatosis decision tree plus a nail and hair differential table, self-tested to 85% recall

Week 6

Select appropriate laser and light devices by target chromophore and skin type
Outline the principles, indications and complications of Mohs micrographic surgery and surgical margins
Describe the mechanisms and appropriate use of botulinum toxin, fillers and chemical peels, including complication management
Differentiate the photodermatoses (polymorphic light eruption, photoallergic, porphyrias) by history and testing
Classify pigmentary disorders (melasma, vitiligo, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and outline treatment algorithms

A laser and cosmetic procedure selection table with complication management, plus a 20-question photodermatology and pigmentary quiz scored to 80%

Week 7

Explain the pathophysiology of pruritus, urticaria and angioedema and their pharmacologic management
Compare the mechanisms, monitoring and interactions of methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, dapsone and isotretinoin
Describe the mechanism of action and adverse-effect profile of biologic therapies used in dermatology
Interpret the significance of G6PD, TPMT and HLA testing before initiating specific drugs
Outline the principles of wound healing and topical vehicle selection

A drug monograph summary for 12 systemic dermatologic agents with monitoring schedules, self-quizzed to 90% recall

Week 8

Complete a timed 100-question mixed-topic mock examination
Review every incorrect answer and map it to its parent domain
Re-drill the weakest three domains identified by the mock exam
Summarize high-yield differentials and treatment algorithms on a single revision sheet
Rehearse the oral-style case presentation format for five classic dermatology cases

A scored 100-question mock exam with a written remediation list and a one-page high-yield revision sheet

Week 2: Tumor classification table and drug-reaction quiz completed with a documented error log and 90% recall on the table

Week 4: Papulosquamous/autoimmune matrix and emergency action card completed; mock quiz on weeks 1-4 scored at or above 75%

Week 6: Pediatric, nail, hair and laser tables completed; cumulative self-quiz on weeks 1-6 scored at or above 80%

Week 8: 100-question timed mock exam completed with a score at or above 70% and a written remediation plan for the three weakest domains