Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2003

Mentor: Amit G. Pandya, MD
Department: Dermatology
Room number: DF2.524A
Mail Code: 9190
Phone number: 214-648-5770
E-mail: amit.pandya@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Epidemiologic study of melasma in the DFW area

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): To be submitted to the IRB for approval

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): not applicable

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects): Patient-based research

Brief Description of Project: The purpose of this project is to determine the prevalence of melasma among Hispanic women in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Although melasma affects a large percentage of brown-skinned patients, epidemiologic studies have not been performed. Estimates of prevalence range from 20-80% in various ethnic groups, but no formal surveys have been conducted. This study will first determine the incidence and prevalence of disease. If possible, quality-of-life information will also be collected. Determination of the burden of disease and how it affects patients will be important in drawing attention to this neglected disorder and in the development of new treatments.

This project will involve reviewing previous studies on epidemiology of skin disorders, development of the protocol, meeting with biostatisticians and epidemiologists, submission to the IRB, recruitment and examination of patients, telephoning patients and interacting with telephone data collection firms, collection and processing of data, and presentation in poster and/or lecture form.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

Return to UT Southwestern Homepage

Return to Student Research Projects Index