Mentee: Charissa Obeng-Nyarko, MS
Mentor: Brandi Kenner-Bell, MD, FAAD
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
I am very thankful to the Skin of Color Society (SOCS) for the opportunity to participate in the observership program. My three weeks at Lurie’s Childrens in Chicago with my mentor Dr. Kenner-Bell was productive and full of adventure. Also being in Chicago in the dead of winter during this rotation will always be a memorable experience, as a Floridian!
Before this rotation, I had limited knowledge about pediatric dermatology and sought this opportunity to explore this. To my surprise, on my first day, I was in the operating room observing surgical excisions for two cases of nevus sebaceous! From participating in PCOS multidisciplinary specialty clinic to Vascular lesion clinic, I believe this rotation revealed the diversity of pediatric dermatology. I had the opportunity to participate in a multi-specialty clinic for PCOS. The team included a pediatric dermatologist, endocrinologist, adolescent medicine specialist, obesity medicine specialist, pediatric resident, and registered dietitian. This specialty clinic allowed pediatric patients with PCOS to seamlessly see all their providers (in separate encounters) in one trip to the hospital – which was innovative.
I also had a chance to see patients with rare dermatoses like Gorlin Syndrome, cutis marmota telangiectatica congentia, and serum sickness-like reaction in a patient with PHACE Syndrome. It was a pleasure seeing these patients and their families navigate living with an uncommon genodermatosis.
Everyone I interacted with on outpatient and inpatient teams was welcoming and approachable. I thoroughly enjoyed clinic days with Dr. Kenner-Bell and her team. I am inspired by her dedication to her patients, career, and family. She is truly a gem! I thank Dr. Kenner-Bell and the SOCS Mentorship Program for this opportunity!