#MedCanes Chronicles: More Than Skin Deep
“#MedCanes Chronicles” offers first-person perspectives into the lives of medical students on their journey to becoming health care leaders. The series delves into the personal narratives of these aspiring doctors and scientists, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs and the resilience that propels them forward.
Claudia Kersting, M.S. Skin Biology and Dermatology Sciences Student, Class of 2025
When I first discovered the M.S. in Skin Biology and Dermatological Sciences (MS-SBDS) program at the University of Miami, I was searching for something more than another checkbox on the path to medical school. I wanted to dive deep into the science behind skin, explore the intersection between research and clinical care and gain mentorship that would challenge and shape me.
What I found was not just a graduate program, but a launching pad for the physician I hope to become.
From Curiosity to Confidence
The MS-SBDS program immersed me in a world where benchwork meets clinical relevance. From the first week, I was learning the molecular and cellular underpinnings of skin biology while hearing firsthand from dermatology faculty conducting cutting-edge research.
My favorite moments were the ones where we connected textbook mechanisms to real dermatologic conditions, like when we explored retinoid signaling in acne or studied fibroblast function in skin aging. These weren’t abstract concepts anymore, they were the starting point for innovation.
From grand rounds to journal clubs and lectures on carcinogenesis and dermatopathology, I was immersed in an academic ecosystem that merged research and clinical insight. Being part of a graduate-level program with such a focused scope allowed me to ask better questions, explore niche interests and gain skills I wouldn’t have had time to develop in a traditional pre-med track.
Research, Representation and Resilience
One of the biggest surprises of the program was how much I grew outside of the classroom. Whether it was presenting my research at the Eastern-Atlantic Student Research Forum, shadowing at the UHealth clinic or connecting with mentors, I learned how to navigate the world of academic medicine from the inside.
What surprised me most was how much personal growth would come alongside the academics. Public speaking was once a fear of mine, but through research presentations, leadership roles and professional workshops, I learned to trust my voice. I also realized the importance of cultural competence in dermatology, recognizing that care isn’t just clinical. It’s personal, and must be shaped by respect for patients’ values, backgrounds and beliefs.
Graduate school isn’t always easy. There were times when imposter syndrome crept in, when I doubted whether I had what it takes to make a meaningful impact. But the supportive environment of the program, along with the incredible mentorship I received, helped me reframe those thoughts. It reminded me that growth doesn’t always feel like success. Sometimes, it feels like persistence.
Looking Ahead
Now, as I prepare to apply to medical school, I carry everything I’ve gained from this program with me. It’s not just a deeper understanding of skin biology, but a toolkit of critical thinking, resilience and self-assurance.
The MS-SBDS program gave me more than academic knowledge. It taught me how to navigate complex questions, collaborate across disciplines and trust my voice in spaces that once felt intimidating. I’ve grown not only as a student of science, but as an emerging leader in medicine, one who values curiosity, evidence and empathy in equal measure.
The journey into medicine won’t always be linear or easy. There will be challenges, setbacks and moments of uncertainty. But thanks to this program, I now see those moments not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to reflect, recalibrate and keep moving forward.
To any student considering this path: if you’re fascinated by the science of the skin, moved by the stories it holds or driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, this program is for you. It’s more than a master’s degree. It’s a transformative space to grow intellectually, professionally and personally. It’s a place to ask hard questions, to challenge yourself and to find the people who will mentor and inspire you along the way.
Because sometimes, finding your place in medicine doesn’t start with a stethoscope. It starts by going skin deep.
Tags: #MedCanes Ambassadors, Department of Medical Education, MedCanes Chronicles, medical education