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HEALTH

Photo (opposite page): Pictured from left to right: Dr. Valerie Shui, Ruby Gibson (second year medical student), Dr. Sandra Osswald, Kathryn Hinchee-
Rodriguez (third year medical student), and Pavela Bambekova (second year medical student).

Photo (this page): Dr. Valerie Shiu reviews a patient chart with medical student volunteers Daniel Glade (second year medical student), Ruby Gibson
(second year medical student), and Kathryn Hinchee-Rodriguez (third year medical student).

student. “I am glad I volunteered - it is a great opportunity to get events for the San Antonio community such as the annual stu-
involved in the community and to apply what we are learning in dent-organized Run From the Sun 5K in addition to the Travis
the classroom in a real clinical setting,” she added. Park Dermatology Clinic held downtown twice a month. People
suspicious of skin changes are encouraged to have their skin
Some of the older students and current dermatology residents checked by a dermatologist because skin cancer is curable - the
have volunteered to screen patients for several years. Dr. Valerie key to live with it is early detection.
Shiu is a current dermatology resident at UT Health San Antonio
and has seen patients at the event for six years. “I volunteered at References:
the skin cancer screening throughout my time in medical school,” 1. Skin cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2017, from
she said. In the past two years, she has been performing full body
exams by herself. If she sees something that might look suspi- https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer
cious, she refers the patient to a local dermatologist for evaluation 2. Indoor tanning. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2017, from
and a possible biopsy.
https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care
The annual skin cancer screening event is sponsored by the
American Academy of Dermatology. This year, over 120 patients Pavela Bambekova is a second year medical student at UT
were seen in just over two hours. Along with medical students and Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine.
dermatology residents, many dermatology faculty members and
community volunteers also assisted with patient screenings. “Vol- Kavina Patel is a first year medical student at UT Health
unteering at the event not only helped me understand how to per- San Antonio, Long School of Medicine.
form a basic dermatological exam, but it also allowed me to better
understand the needs and concerns of our city’s population,” said
Kathryn. There are other skin cancer awareness and prevention

visit us at www.bcms.org 25