From the physiology of the skin to connective tissue diseases, this week’s Weill Cornell seminar in Dermatology covered the most important topics that aspiring dermatologists should know about. This course is part of a three-year curriculum, with its focus landing on infectious dermatology, genodermatoses, and pediatric dermatology. The topic of infectious dermatology plays an especially important role in today’s global world, with factors such as climate change and increased travel leading to an amplified risk of rapid dissemination and infection.
From June 22 to 28, 2025, Schloss Arenberg was home to ten expert dermatologists from Weill Cornell Medicine and the Medical University of Vienna who shared their extensive knowledge and experience with the 35 fellows from 22 countries.
The seminar was led by the power duo Dr. Richard D. Granstein, George W. Hambrick, Jr. Professor and Chairman of the Department of Dermatology at the Weill Cornell Medical College and Dermatologist-in-Chief at the Weill Cornell Campus of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and Dr. Georg Stary from the Medical University of Vienna. The course director was present at 18 courses, while the co-course director served our program for the ninth time. The remainder of the faculty cohort was made up of Dr. Maira Fonseca (Lincoln Medical Center), Dr. Alreem Al-Nabti, Dr. Karen Chernoff, and resident Dr. Rachel Christensen who joined remotely for one lecture (Weill Cornell Medicine), as well as Dr. Georg Stingl, Dr. Simona Saluzzo, and Dr. Johanna Strobl (Medical University of Vienna).
Dr. Granstein is a longtime OMI supporter and avid teacher. The course director summarized the seminar as follows: “This year’s dermatology seminar has been one of the most successful since the start of the program. There has been an outstanding series of lectures and presentations centered on infectious diseases of the skin, including tropical disorders, HIV, soft tissue infections, and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as presentations on pediatric dermatology, genodermatoses, and selected topics of general dermatology. Of particular importance, the fellows attending the conference were unusually engaged, committed, knowledgeable, and participatory. They were truly excellent. While the faculty transmitted ideas and knowledge to the fellows, the faculty also learned a great deal from the concepts, knowledge, and experience of the fellows. It was a terrific week.”
Faculty member Dr. Maira Fonseca’s work focuses on the intersection of tropical and infectious diseases and dermatology. Dr. Fonseca gave multiple lectures on infectious diseases, including mpox, tropical skin diseases, and HIV. She explained that raising awareness and educating the fellows about these conditions and their treatment was very important, which is why she eagerly shared her first-hand experiences dealing with these conditions. “Learning about infectious diseases in dermatology is vital because the skin often offers the first – and sometimes only – clue to serious infections that can have local and global health implications,” she clarified.
The fellows were eager to present cases from their own practices, allowing them to share their personal experiences as well as improve their presentation skills in front of a global audience, including top experts. The faculty provided guidance and helpful feedback through the two case presentation sessions.
When asking faculty Dr. Karen Chernoff why she chooses to teach at the OMI, she explained her dedication in a heartfelt statement. This course marks her fifth time serving the program, which she feels enthusiastic about. She remarked, “It is an honor to be a part of this exceptional program and its mission to advance the training of dermatologists (and physicians in general) around the world. It is incredibly rewarding to know that our courses contribute to enhancing patient care for individuals around the world and that we may play a small role in helping patients that we will never meet. Our fellows are always bright, engaged, kind, and thoughtful – I learn so much from them every year. Finally, the staff and atmosphere at the Schloss are incredibly warm and welcoming, which makes our time here truly special.”
Luisa Patricia Ruiz Lopez, MD
OMI fellow from Mexico
“We kicked off the course with a master class on the anatomy and physiology of the skin by course director Dr. Richard D. Granstein. The lecture was a beautiful and educational reminder of why I chose this wonderful specialty in the first place.”
Nino Sergeenko, MD
OMI fellow from Georgia
“Dr. Strobl’s lecture about new technologies in dermatology was fantastic. I learned a lot about so many new technological advancements and different diagnostic tools. Hopefully, we will be able to implement some of these technologies in my home country as well.”
Viktor Simeonovski, MD
OMI fellow from North Macedonia
“I gained so much knowledge from seeing how dermatology is practiced across the globe, and it was inspiring to witness the diversity and excellence in our field firsthand. It was satisfying to realize that we were not just talking about our work, but that we were actively sharing it.”
