OMSB Dermatology (OED) study plan

Build a one-page differential map for each of the 12 highest-yield inflammatory dermatoses (psoriasis, lichen planus, eczematous dermatitis, drug eruption, lupus, dermatomyositis, morphea, granuloma annulare, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, panniculitis, mastocytosis), listing clinical clues and the single histologic feature that separates each from its closest mimic

Describe the interface dermatitis family in writing: distinguish lichenoid, vacuolar, and spongiotic patterns by epidermal change, dermal infiltrate composition, and mucin, citing at least three diagnoses per pattern

Draw and label the normal skin layers plus adnexal structures, and annotate which layer each of 15 classic diseases targets

List the histologic criteria (major and minor) for psoriasis, lichen planus, and lupus erythematosus from memory and self-grade against a reference text

Set up a spaced-repetition deck of 150 image-free clue cards pairing a clinical description with its leading histologic diagnosis

Classify and describe the presentation, workup, and first-line treatment of the major autoimmune blistering diseases (pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, linear IgA, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita), including target antigen and salt-split skin localization for each

Explain the pathophysiology and stepwise management of severe drug reactions (SJS/TEN, DRESS, AGEP, erythema multiforme) and state the mortality risk tool used for TEN

Outline the diagnosis and systemic treatment ladder for cutaneous lupus, dermatomyositis, and systemic sclerosis, including which extracutaneous screening each diagnosis mandates

Summarize the cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy and list the paraneoplastic syndromes with their associated tumors

Write a 10-line summary of when to biopsy versus when to treat empirically in a suspected connective tissue disease

Describe the technique, indications, contraindications, and complication rates of the core biopsy types (punch, shave, saucerization, incisional, excisional) and state which lesion size and depth each suits

Explain suture selection, layered closure principles, and the timing of suture removal by body site

Detail the surgical margins and recommended excision approach for melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans

Outline the principles of Mohs micrographic surgery, including indications, the frozen-section mapping process, and when it is preferred over wide local excision

Describe local anesthetic pharmacology (lidocaine, bupivacaine, epinephrine use, maximum safe doses) and the management of a vasovagal episode in the procedure room

Explain the mechanism, parameters, indications, and adverse effects of laser and light devices (pulsed dye, Q-switched, fractional ablative and nonablative, intense pulsed light) and match each to a target chromophore

Describe the technique and expected outcomes of chemical peels by depth (superficial, medium, deep) and list the agents used at each level

Outline the principles of cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and radiosurgery, including tissue effects and appropriate lesion selection

Summarize the approach to cutaneous wound healing, scar management, and the prevention of hypertrophic scarring and keloids

List the pre-procedural consent elements, anticoagulation considerations, and infection-control standards for office-based dermatologic procedures

Describe the processing pathway of a skin specimen from grossing to slide, and explain how fixation time, section thickness, and staining affect interpretation

Differentiate the major tissue reaction patterns (spongiotic, psoriasiform, lichenoid, vacuolar, vesiculobullous, granulomatous, vasculopathic, panniculitic) with three diagnostic examples each

Interpret special stains and immunohistochemistry panels (PAS, Fite, elastic van Gieson, cytokeratin, S100, Melan-A, CD3/CD20, direct immunofluorescence) and state the question each answers

Explain direct immunofluorescence patterns for pemphigus, pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, and lupus, and describe the salt-split skin technique

Distinguish benign from malignant melanocytic lesions using architectural and cytologic criteria, and describe the reporting elements of a melanoma pathology report

Work through the histopathology of cutaneous lymphoma, adnexal tumors, and soft tissue tumors, writing a short differential for each category

Explain the histologic features and differential diagnosis of the major pediatric dermatoses (atopic dermatitis, hemangioma of infancy, vascular malformations, mastocytosis, genodermatoses)

Describe the presentation, genetics, and surveillance needs of the major genodermatoses (neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, xeroderma pigmentosum, epidermolysis bullosa, ichthyoses)

Summarize the approach to a newborn with a rash, including which findings require immediate workup

State the mechanism, dosing, monitoring, and key adverse effects of systemic therapies used in children (antihistamines, antibiotics, isotretinoic acid, methotrexate, biologics)

Build a topical therapy formulary covering vehicle selection, potency classes, and the appropriate use and risks of topical corticosteroids by body site and age

Explain the pharmacology, monitoring, and drug interactions of systemic dermatologic agents (methotrexate, cyclosporine, azathioprine, dapsone, isotretinoin, biologics, JAK inhibitors)

Describe phototherapy modalities (narrowband UVB, PUVA, excimer) with indications, dosing principles, and cumulative risk considerations

Outline the management of chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, and acne according to current stepwise algorithms

Summarize the safety considerations of dermatologic therapy in pregnancy and lactation, listing which agents are avoided

Complete two full-length timed practice sets across all four domains and review every incorrect item to its underlying principle

Revisit the weakest 30 flashcards from each domain and rewrite any card answered incorrectly twice

Recite the differential and treatment algorithms for the ten conditions you have most often missed, without notes

Rehearse the surgical margin, closure, and pathology reporting checklists one final time under time pressure

Draft a one-page pre-exam summary of high-yield pitfalls and review it on the final two days