Huang, Cathleen

ABSTRACT Background/Objectives Prospective applicants for pediatric dermatology fellowships often use program websites as a source of information. This study evaluated the content of pediatric dermatology fellowship websites to identify potential areas of improvement including website accessibility and information found on websites. In addition, this study also surveyed current pediatric dermatology fellows and program directors (PDs) to determine priorities in website content across different stakeholders. Methods Using the Society for Pediatric Dermatology's (SPD) list of fellowship programs, two independent evaluators assessed the same 40 total programs, with 29 of the same websites included for analysis, against 27 criteria across four domains. In addition, an electronic survey was disseminated via the SPD's mailing list to current pediatric dermatology fellows and fellowship PDs. Results On average between both evaluators, of the 29 included fellowship websites, 9 educational criteria were included 47.8% of the time across the websites, compared to 46.0% of 10 recruitment criteria, 30.7% of 5 social criteria, and 31.6% of 3 other criteria. Fellows were significantly more likely than PDs to consider several website components as highly valuable. Conclusions These findings reveal variable and incomplete content across pediatric dermatology fellowship websites, as well as differing expectations for fellowship websites between pediatric dermatology fellowship applicants and PDs, which may help provide suggestions to optimize future website development to enhance applicant engagement.

Aims To synthesize healthcare experiences of victims of sex trafficking, identify common challenges, and inform improvements for healthcare. Methods Using Arksey and O′Malley’s framework and the PRISMA-ScR checklist, we reviewed CINAHL, Embase, and PubMed databases for studies published between 2010 and 2024 involving interviews with trafficked individuals and were categorized for thematic synthesis. Results Of 155 articles, 16 met inclusion criteria, and involved 669 people who had experienced trafficking. Participants across studies identified reasons for and barriers to seeking healthcare, and their perceptions and recommendations about clinicians’ attitudes, law enforcement, and recognizing trafficking. Participants emphasized the need for better clinician training, stronger policies, greater patient autonomy, and a more supportive clinical environment. Conclusions Gaps persist in healthcare for trafficked individuals. Collaboration among healthcare workers, especially forensic nurses, is essential, along with enhancing trauma-informed interventions and closing gaps in quality care.

Abstract Melanotan II (MT2) is an injectable melanocortin agonist advertised as a tanning agent, despite not being approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Sold online as a ‘research peptide’, individuals can purchase and reconstitute the lyophilized (freeze-dried) form with bacteriostatic water to inject with insulin needles. While MT2 has been previously studied for erectile dysfunction treatment, its potential adverse effects (dysplastic naevi, renal infarction) and lack of ongoing clinical trials limit scientific research on its effects (Habbema L, Halk AB, Neumann M, Bergman W. Risks of unregulated use of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogues: a review. Int J Dermatol 2017; 56: 975–80; Peters B, Hadimeri H, Wahlberg R, Afghahi H. Melanotan II: a possible cause of renal infarction: review of the literature and case report. CEN Case Rep 2020; 9: 159–61). This study aims to understand MT2 users’ motivations, hesitations, side-­effects and tanning effects, and their relationship with healthcare providers. Participants were recruited for this qualitative study through online forums such as Reddit.com, as well as snowballing via personal contacts. Virtual interview audio was recorded, transcribed into text, and coded using thematic analysis with two coders. Twenty-eight participants have been interviewed, aged 18–64 years (mean 38.4, SD 10.2); gender breakdown is 21 cisgender men, 6 cisgender women, and 1 transgender man. Three participants identify as LGBTQ+. Two of the 28 participants identify as Hispanic; all identify as White, with one who also identifies as Native American. All participants started MT2 for tanning, but some emphasized burn prevention as a motivator. Commonly reported side-effects include nausea, reversible darkening of moles, and an increase in libido or erections. All participants had darkening of skin tone, but their sun-exposure habits varied from none to dedicated, timed sun tanning. Dosage and dosage frequency also vary widely. Common topics that emerged include participants being introduced to MT2 through the bodybuilding community and frustration with the lack of available scientific research or medical knowledge regarding MT2. While physicians have reported dysplastic naevi in people using MT2, some participants perceive that MT2 is protective against skin cancer through preventing sunburns. Many patients regularly visit doctors or even dermatologists, but do not openly discuss their MT2 usage due to general distrust or doubt that their providers are knowledgeable enough to help. This provides an opportunity for dermatologists to build trust with patients and encourage harm reduction.