Why did you feel that it was important to write a book on this topic? What does your publication add to the field? 

Clinical-pathologic correlation is a passion of mine, and although both dermatologists and pathologists get training in dermatopathology, it’s not always easy to see the clinical presentation on the patient’s skin directly correlated with histopathologic findings. I believe that seeing both the clinical and microscopic finding side by side gives insight into skin disease, for both novice and seasoned students of dermatology.

What is the most exciting aspect of Dermatology: Visual Recognition and Case Reviews? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about? 

I am excited to give the atlas a fresh organization, and I hope that it will help the reader relate clinical skin findings to microscopic features.

Who will find the greatest value from Dermatology: Visual Recognition and Case Reviews, 2^nd Edition and why? 

I have been pleased to hear that this book has aided visual recognition of skin disease, both by people new to dermatology and dermatopathology as well as seasoned academic dermatologists at well-known universities. The atlas gives a framework for those new to dermatology and presents skin disease a different way than many standard textbooks.

What new ideas, practices, or procedures do you hope your readers take away from Dermatology: Visual Recognition and Case Reviews, 2^nd Edition? 

I hope that readers will recognize the potential for fallibility in what we perceive, and atlases such as this one can hopefully help train the brain away from cognitive error.

What problem do you hope the future generation of your specialty will be able to solve? 

Currently, many of our skin diseases are defined by clinical and/or microscopic features. The molecular and genetic basis of many skin diseases are being elucidated every day. I hope that continued research into the pathogenesis of skin disease will lead to better classifications and treatments.

About the Author

Christine J. Ko, MD is a Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Yale University. She is board certified in dermatology with a specialty certificate in dermatopathology. Dr. Ko received her AB at Princeton University and MD from New York University School of Medicine. She completed internship at UCLA, her dermatology residency at University of California, Irvine., and her dermatopathology fellowship at UCLA.

Get your copy of Dermatology: Visual Recognition and Case Reviews here.