Dr. Karan Lal is a board certified dermatologist trained from the University of Massachusetts, the first DO resident at the institution. He stayed after residency to complete a rigorous pediatric dermatology fellowship where he worked under epidermolysis bullosa expert Karen Wiss, MD and gained experience in vascular lesions, genodermatoses, pediatric laser, and pediatric dermatologic surgery. He is part of the ASDS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee. He is the chairman of the social media committee of the Society of Pediatric Dermatology. He was also awarded the Skin of Color Society oberservership grant in 2020 and worked with world renowned chemical peel and melasma expert Dr. Rashmi Sarkar. Currently, he is doing an ASDS cosmetic surgery fellowship at Skin Laser and Surgery Centers of NY and NJ under the mentorship of Dr. David Goldberg. Recently he was elected into the prestigious ASDS future leaders network of 2021 and has been frequently cited in Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Marie Claire.

To Lase or Not to Lase: Scars in People of Color

Objectives:

1. Understand the different types of laser modalities appropriate for scars in people in color
2. Review the best available evidence of laser treatment of scars in people of color
3. Learn to incorporate laser into treatment of scars from sequale of medical disease

Needs: 

1. New advances in dermatologic treatment
2. Availability of new medication(s) or indication(s)
3. Development of new technology
4. Advances in medical knowledge

References:

1. Evidence-based Surgical Management of post-acne Scarring in Skin of Color. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32792773
2. Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser: Optimizing Treatment Outcomes for Pigmented Atrophic Acne Scars in Skin of Color. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31413476

Core Competencies: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7