By Valerie Garcia

While volunteering at the Agape Clinic in Dallas, Dr. Tyler Enos and Dr. Jack O’Brien observed the destructive impact a dermatologic disease can have on a person’s quality of life. They also realized the scope of dermatology. The specialty affects all ages – from pediatrics to geriatric medicine. There are psychological aspects to consider, as patients struggle with their self-image and feelings of stigmatization from society. And there are endless puzzles to solve – such as why a patient has developed a painful rash or investigating the pathology of a skin biopsy.

This experience, combined with their time spent in research labs, lecture halls, and alongside their Medical School mentors, has led both doctors to choose residencies in the field of dermatology.

Dr. Enos and Dr. O’Brien are also sharing an award. They are the co-recipients of the 2017 Award for Excellence in Dermatology.

The Dermatology Award is given to UT Southwestern graduating Medical Students who have advanced dermatological patient care, research, or teaching in a special way, or who show promise for leadership in these areas. Each recipient will get a certificate and $500.

In reaction to receiving the award, Dr. Enos said, “I am grateful and humbled. When I think of the individuals who have received it in the past, I think of physicians who are diligent, thoughtful, smart, and who will make a huge impact on dermatology going forward. It is a true honor to be mentioned alongside them.”

Dr. O’Brien shared a similar sentiment.

“I am humbled and honored to receive the Award for Excellence in Dermatology and feel very grateful to the mentors I’ve had during Medical School who provided great advice and direction,” he said.

Both doctors say their medical mentors played a tremendous role in nurturing their interest in dermatology.

Dr. Tyler Enos

Dr. Tyler Enos

Dr. Enos, an Amarillo native and Texas Tech University alumnus, attributes much of his success in Medical School to his mentors, Drs. James Luby, Professor of Internal Medicine, Adnan Mir, and Heather Wickless, both Assistant Professors of Dermatology. He added that while first-year lectures, the opportunity to shadow doctors, and working on research projects shaped his decision, the most impactful experience during Medical School was the time with patients.

“The further along I got in Medical School, the more I appreciated the ability to spend time with patients and understand how their disease was affecting their day-to-day quality of life,” Dr. Enos said. “In dermatology, the patients are often very motivated to seek treatment and complete therapy. Their diseases often affect their lives in many ways. Dermatology is a very personable field with smart minds who are dedicated to their patients’ lives and advancing science.”

In addition to his Dermatology Award, Dr. Enos was inducted into the UT Southwestern Medical School chapter of the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society as a junior member.

“Tyler is a conscientious, diligent, and humble Medical Student with an impeccable bedside manner,” said Dr. Melissa Mauskar, Assistant Professor of Dermatology. “He is one of the few Medical Students applying to dermatology that was selected for both AOA and Gold Humanism Honor Society. He is a true team player who is interested in dedicating his future career to education and patient care. I am proud that he will be a dermatologist and am confident he will continue to inspire the next generation of physicians to put the needs of the patient first.”

Dr. Enos will complete his preliminary internal medicine year in Dallas at Baylor University Medical Center and then return to UT Southwestern for three years of specialized training in dermatology. 

Dr. Jack O’Brien

Dr. Jack O’Brien

North Texas native and Texas Christian University alumnus Dr. O’Brien spent a year working with Dr. Benjamin Chong, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, and Dr. Heidi Jacobe, Associate Professor of Dermatology, as a fellow in the Dean’s Research Scholar Program.

“I wanted to participate in a research project to explore dermatology more in-depth and learn more about the specialty,” Dr. O’Brien said. “I loved every day of my fellowship.

“Ultimately, I decided to pursue dermatology as a specialty because of my experiences with patients affected by skin disease, the interesting mix of internal medicine, pathology, and surgery that dermatology offers; and the interesting research questions yet to be answered.”

Dr. Jacobe said that Dr. O’Brien’s grace under pressure and incredible work ethic made him stand out in a highly competitive field of dermatology students.

“Jack was truly a pleasure to work with,” said Dr. Jacobe. “He exhibits the rare combination of excellent clinical skills and the curiosity, logic, and persistence that define successful clinical and translational researchers.”

Dr. O’Brien will complete his preliminary internal medicine year and three years of specialized training in dermatology at
UT Southwestern.

Dr. Jacobe holds the James N. Gilliam, M.D. Chair in Dermatology.