Curriculum Vitae
Education
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (August 2021 – Present)
Doctor of Medicine, anticipated May 2026
Step 1: PASS, Step 2 CK: 268
Martin Luther King Jr. Semester of Service Student Award 2023
Boston University (August 2015 – May 2019)
Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Magna cum laude
Notable Research Experiences
Survey of Dermatopathology Exposure in Dermatology and Pathology Residency Programs: An Updated Analysis
(January 2025 - Present)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH, EdM
Designed and distributed a national survey to dermatology and pathology residency program directors to evaluate current training structures, didactic curricula, and clinical dermatopathology exposure.
Trastuzumab-associated Prurigo Nodularis Successfully Treated with Nemolizumab: A Case Report
(March 2025 – May 2025)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH, EdM
Case report describing a rare instance of trastuzumab-induced prurigo nodularis successfully treated with nemolizumab after failure of conventional and biologic therapies.
Diagnostic Accuracy of ChatGPT in Dermatology: A Meta-Analysis of Textual versus Visual Prompts
(April 2025 – May 2025)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH, EdM
Meta-analysis of 17 studies evaluating ChatGPT’s diagnostic accuracy in clinical dermatology, identifying performance differences across prompt types, lesion classes, skin tones, and dataset sources.
Evaluating the Performance of ChatGPT on Dermatology Board-Style Exams: A Meta-Analysis of Text-Based and Image-Based Question Accuracy
(January 2025 – February 2025)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, EdM
Meta-analysis examining ChatGPT’s performance (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4) on dermatology board-style questions, including both text-based and image-based items.
Characterizing a Novel Medical Student-Focused Dermatology Research Initiative: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dermatologic Symposium (2021–2024)
(January 2025 – February 2025)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, EdM
Retrospective study assessing the demographics and sentiment of previous participants of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dermatology Medical Student Research Symposium.
Immunotherapy-induced Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
(November 2024 – January 2025)
Department of Dermatology, UMass Chan Medical School
PI: Nutan Gowda
Scoping review examining clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and treatment outcomes of ICI-induced AGEP across 20 studies.
Evaluating the Role of C-Reactive Protein in Guiding Antibiotic and Corticosteroid Management in Hospitalized Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
(November 2024 – Present)
Department of Dermatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
PI: Christopher Iriarte, MD
Single-institution retrospective study assessing C-reactive protein levels in hospitalized hidradenitis suppurativa patients and whether this marker may be used to guide antibiotic and corticosteroid management and de-escalation.
VEXAS Syndrome: A Clinical Review of an Emerging Autoinflammatory Disorder
(November 2024 - December 2024)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, EdM
Invited clinical review from Clinics in Dermatology focusing on the pathophysiology, dermatologic manifestations, and management strategies of VEXAS syndrome.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Large Language Models in Predicting ICD-10 and CPT Billing Codes for Outpatient Dermatology Notes
(November 2024 – present)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD, MBA, EdM
Utilized the API of 5 LLMs to test their respective ability to correctly assign ICD-10 and CPT codes to 8 standardized outpatient dermatology progress notes.
Carcinoma en Cuirasse is an Independent Poor Survival Predictor in Breast Carcinoma Patients with Cutaneous Metastasis
(November 2024 - February 2025)
Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital
PI: Mai Hoang, MD
Retrospective study identifying clinicopathologic factors that influence survival outcomes in breast carcinoma patients with cutaneous metastases.
Representation of Skin Tone and Sex in Dermatology by Generative Artificial Intelligence
(December 2023 – March 2025)
Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
PI: Vinod Nambudiri, MD
Utilized AI platforms to generate images for the eight most common dermatologic conditions identified by the AAD.
Assessed the inclusivity of images by identifying sex-determination characteristics and evaluating skin tone via the Massey-Martin skin color scale.
Testing the Ability of Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Dermatologic Diagnosis Mobile Applications to Diagnose Melanoma and Seborrheic Keratosis
(October 2023 – September 2024)
Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Nikki Levin, MD, PhD
Assessed the ability of AI chatbot platforms and consumer smartphone applications for their accuracy in identifying benign versus malignant skin lesions and offering appropriate clinical advice based on image prompts.
Racial Disparities in Melanoma Survival Outcomes
(June 2023 – Present)
Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Bassel H. Mahmoud, MD, PhD
Reviewed three large databases (NCI SEER, CDC NPCR, NIH All of Us) to determine survival outcomes across diverse patient populations and demographics.
Melanocyte Colonization and Pigmentation of Breast Carcinoma: Case Report and Literature Review
(April 2023 – Present)
Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Patrick O’Donnell, DO
Dermatopathology case report discussing the rare phenomenon of benign melanocytic colonization in advanced breast carcinoma.
Use of an Artificial Intelligence Chatbot to Interpret Dermatopathology Reports in Simple Language
(March 2023 – Present)
Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Nikki Levin, MD, PhD
Utilized ChatGPT to simplify complex dermatopathology reports.
Coordinated with dermatology and dermatopathology faculty and residents to evaluate translations based on accuracy, completeness, and reliability.
The Chatbots are Coming: Risks and Benefits of Consumer-Facing Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Dermatology
(February 2023 – March 2023)
Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Nikki Levin, MD, PhD
Investigated the potential application of AI chatbots in dermatology for translating medical information and providing differential diagnoses.
Recognized limitations in chatbot training data and accuracy, emphasizing the need for further research and validation.
Utilizing Laser Capture Microdissection-Directed Whole Genome Sequencing for Urothelial Carcinoma Surveillance
(June 2022 – Present)
Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Andrew Fischer, MD
Participated in the Research, Community, and Curriculum Exploration Summer Program (RCCE).
Developed a novel screening method for urothelial carcinoma using laser capture to isolate cells of interest from urine cytology samples.
Optimized DNA amplification protocol to enable accurate analysis of small cell counts (1 cell).
Novel Method for Time-Lapse Ex Vivo Microscopy of Human Tissue Discloses Nuclear Rotation and Other Unexpected Dynamics
(June 2022 – Present)
Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Andrew Fischer, MD
Developed a platform for observing live intact human tissue under microscopy.
Identified a distinct “nuclear rolling” dynamic in live cell nuclei, exhibiting variation between normal and cancerous tissue.
Mechanical Stimulation Improves Functional Recovery after Skeletal Muscle Injury
(April 2022 – May 2023)
Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Giorgio Giatsidis, MD, PhD
Developed a novel rehabilitative therapy that adopts non-invasive, external mechanical stimulation to enhance the recovery of muscles after volumetric muscle loss injury in rat and swine models.
Wound Care Adherence in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
(April 2022 – January 2023)
Department of Dermatology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
PI: Bassel H. Mahmoud, MD, PhD
Implemented a modified MMAS-8 survey to assess wound care habits and postoperative outcomes in Mohs micrographic surgery patients.
Combined Dermatology and Clinical Research Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Fellowship at Dermcare Experts and Beacon Clinical Research (Quincy MA)
PI: Victoria Kuohung, JD, MD
Clinical Research Coordinator Level I (June 2019 – July 2021) for the following studies:
o Fibromyalgia Phase II Study
o Atopic Dermatitis Phase II Study
Laboratory of Cancer Pharmacogenomics
(August 2017 – March 2019)
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine
PI: Anurag Singh, PhD
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Grand Rapids, MN)
Summer Intern (May 2017 – August 2017)
Publications
* Indicates co-first author
Zhang, Y., Chung, J., Chen, R., Malhotra, S., Nguyen, D., & Levin, N. A. (2025). Testing the ability of artificial intelligence chatbots and dermatologic diagnosis mobile applications to diagnose melanoma and seborrheic keratosis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 92(1), 161-163.
Pan, M., Hua, K., Villait, A., Zuger, A., Rafati, M., Chen, R., & Singh, A. (2022). Knockdown and Inhibition of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Decreases mTORC1 Activity and Enhances Lysosomal Biogenesis and Autolysosomal Maturation in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines. The FASEB Journal, 36.
Podium Presentations
Fettel, K.*, Chen, R.*, Nguyen, D., Nambudiri, V. (2025). Evaluating the Performance of ChatGPT on Dermatology Board-Style Exams: A Meta-Analysis of Text-Based and Image-Based Question Accuracy. World Congress of Digital Health Dermatology. – Placed 2nd best talk overall and became a recipient of a DermLite 4
Kanwar, R., Kang, J., Chen, R., Vleugels, R., Charles, J., Nambudiri, V. (2025). Promoting interdisciplinary thinking and clinical reasoning in preclinical students through a novel integrated ‘mystery case’ session on VEXAS syndrome. 2025 Dermatology Teachers Exchange Group.
Chen, R., Zhang, Y., Nguyen, D., Leonard, N., Mahmoud, B. (2024). Analysis of Melanoma in Underrepresented Populations: Insights from the All of Us Database. UMass Chan Medical School 2024 Dermatology Research Symposium.
Conference Abstracts
Chen, R., Lee, M., Qureshi, A., Nambudiri, V. (2025). A 66-Year-Old Male with a Persistent Erythematous Papule on the Lower Extremity. 102nd Atlantic Dermatological Conference.
Chen, R., Foroutanjazi, S., Svoboda, R. (2024). An 82-Year-Old Man with Scaly Pink Plaques on Abdomen and Lower Extremities. New England Dermatological Society UMass Chan Medical School Clinical Meeting.
Fujimaki, H., ALNafisee, D., Ayres, N., Rios, E., Chen, R., Zhang, Y., Conza, A., Giatsidis, G. (2023). Controlled Cooling Improves Functional Recovery after Skeletal Muscle Injury in Rats. New England Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 63rd Annual Meeting.
Gramann, A., Chen, R., Daniel, V., Wiss, K., Harris, J. (2021). A 7-Month-Old-Boy with a Congenital Patch on the Right Side of Face. New England Dermatological Society UMass Chan Medical School Clinical Meeting.
Poster Presentations
Chen, R.*, Fettel, K.*, Nahm, W., Sakunchotpanit, G., Nguyen, D., Zhang, X., Lee, S., Nambudiri, V. (2025). Evaluating the Accuracy of Large Language Models in Predicting ICD-10 and CPT Billing Codes for Outpatient Dermatology Notes. Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dermatology Medical Student Virtual Symposium 2025.
Chen, R.*, Tran, R.*, Choi, S., Gowda, N. (2025). Immunotherapy-induced Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis. 2025 Massachusetts Medical Society Meeting.
Chen, R., Nahm, W., Anshelevich, E., Nambudiri, V. (2025). A 55-Year-Old Woman with Progressive Tender Erythematous Nodules and Plaques on Abdomen: A Case of Localized Cutaneous Focal Mucinosis. 2025 Medical Dermatology Society Annual Meeting.
Tran, R., Chen, R., Choi, S., Gabel, C., Svoboda, R., Nutan, F. (2025). A 6-year Retrospective Analysis of Dermatology Referrals for Caner Patients at a Tertiary Academic Health System. 2025 American Academy of Dermatology Annual meeting.
Chen, R., Shalhout, S., Ly, A., Hoang, M. (2025). Cutaneous Metastases from Breast Carcinomas: A 10-year Retrospective Analysis at a Single Institution. International Society of Dermatopathology 28th Joint Meeting.
Tran, R., Chen, R., Choi, S., Gabel, C., Svoboda, R., Nutan, F. (2024). Characterizing Dermatology Referrals for Supportive Oncodermatology: A Retrospective Analysis at a Tertiary Academic Health System. UMass 2024 Dermatology Research Symposium.
Choi, S., Chen, R., Zhang, Y., Nguyen, D., Levin, N. (2024). Using ChatGPT for Skin-of-Color Patient Inquiries in Dermatology. Massachusetts Medical Society 15th Research Poster Symposium
Bronson, I., Chen, R., Cornejo, K. (2024). Primary Ewing Sarcoma of the Kidney: A Diagnostic Challenge Mimicking Renal Cell Carcinoma. Massachusetts Medical Society 15th Research Poster Symposium
Chen, R., Foroutanjazi, S., Svoboda, R. (2024). An 82-Year-Old Man with Scaly Pink Plaques on Abdomen and Lower Extremities. New England Dermatological Society UMass Chan Medical School Clinical Meeting.
Accepted Articles/Articles in Press
Gerber, A., Chen, R., Timmons, C., Hoang, M. (2025) Cutaneous Metastases of Unusual Tumor Types: Retrospective Single Institution Analysis and Literature Review. American Journal of Dermatopathology.
Chen, R.*, Fettel, K.*, Sakunchotpanit, G., Tran, R., Spiegel, B., Akbik, M., Nambudiri, V. (2025). VEXAS Syndrome: A Clinical Review of an Emerging Autoinflammatory Disorder. Clinics in Dermatology.
Submitted for Publication
Riew, G., Chang, M., Fettel, K., Laga, A., Chen, R., Nambudiri, V. Ostraceous Hyperkeratotic Plaques on the Extremities: A Case of Severe Hypertrophic Lichen Planus Previously Misdiagnosed as Atopic Dermatitis. Submitted July 2025 to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Case Reports.
Kanwar, R.*, Chen, R.*, Tsopurashvili, E., Patil, M., Rohan, T., Tran, R., Wang, D., Nambudiri, V. Key Serum Markers for Infectious, Inflammatory, and Neoplastic Skin-Related Conditions for the Inpatient Dermatologist and Internist. Revisions sent July 2025 to Current Dermatology Reports.
Chen, R.*, Nguyen, D.*, Fettel, K., Nahm, W., Sakunchotpanit, G., Lee, S., Nayudu, K., Nambudiri, V. Diagnostic Accuracy of ChatGPT in Dermatology: A Meta-Analysis of Textual versus Visual Prompts. Revisions sent July 2025 to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Chen, R., Nambudiri, V., Gowda, N. Ethical Concerns in Inpatient Dermatology: Managing Complex Patients with Limited Capacity. Revisions sent July 2025 to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Chen, R., Lee, M., Puleo, A., Qureshi, A., Laga, A., Nambudiri, V. Trastuzumab-Associated Prurigo Nodularis Successfully Treated with Nemolizumab: A Case Report. Submitted June 2025 to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Case Reports.
Alnajjar, N.*, Chen, R.*, Iriarte, C. Toxic Erythema of Chemotherapy: Updates in Evaluation and Management. Submitted May 2025 to Current Dermatology Reports.
Contributions and Acknowledgements
Work Experience
Dermatology Research Year
(June 2024 – June 2025)
Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Dermatology/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Research Trainee
Research mentor: Vinod E. Nambudiri, MD, MBA, MPH, EdM
Participated in weekly general dermatology and oncodermatology clinics, presenting complex cases, drafting progress notes, and assisting in procedures to deepen clinical insight into cutaneous disease.
Initiated and led multiple scholarly and community-engaged research projects, collaborating with a diverse, multi-institutional team of medical students.
Organized and served as student leader for the 2025 Brigham and Women’s Hospital Dermatology Medical Student Research Symposium, fostering collaboration and mentorship across institutions.
Clinical Research IO (Cambridge, MA)
E-Source Designer (January 2022 – August 2022)
Translated complex international clinical trial protocols into interactive electronic source (eSource) forms using HTML, ensuring protocol fidelity and regulatory compliance across all trial phases.
Helped streamline clinical workflows by designing tablet-based forms that guided investigators through each study visit in real time, reducing error and standardizing data collection.
Gained insight into global research operations, deepening my understanding of how digital infrastructure can enhance trial integrity and patient safety at the site level.
(June 2019 – July 2021)
Premedical Fellow
Immersed in over 3,000 hours of direct patient care in a high-volume private dermatology clinic, managing more than 40 patients daily from intake through follow-up under attending supervision.
Gained early exposure to ACGME competencies by scribing, reviewing pathology and lab results, and fielding patient concerns, which deepened my understanding of continuity of care and built clinical confidence.
First-assisted in hundreds of dermatologic procedures, from biopsies and excisions to laser treatments and cosmetic procedures, while developing phlebotomy and basic suturing proficiency.
Designed and authored a 200-page training manual to standardize onboarding and enhance continuity for future fellows, fostering a culture of mentorship and sustainability.
Pfizer (Cambridge, MA)
(June 2018 – August 2018)
Department of Biomedicine Design Summer Intern
Boston University Physics Department
(August 2018 – December 2018)
Teaching Assistant
Extracurricular Activities and Service
UrAvgMedStudents YouTube Channel
Co-Founder and Content Creator (January 2025 – Present)
Link: https://www.youtube.com/@uravgmedstudents
Co-founded an educational YouTube channel aimed at demystifying USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK preparation through relatable, high-yield videos tailored for the average medical student.
Created board-style tutorials on biostatistics, dermatology, and high-yield clinical topics (e.g., Ottawa Rules, Tinea Versicolor, Interstitial Cystitis), alongside productivity content such as guided study-with-me sessions.
Produced and edited long-form strategy guides (e.g., “Guide to 265+,” “Speedrunning UWorld”) and reached over 728 subscribers and 5,700+ views on the most popular video.
Emphasized accessibility and authenticity in content design to support learners from diverse educational backgrounds.
Dermatology Interest Group – UMass Chan Medical School
Secretary (April 2024 – March 2025)
Maintained internal organization by recording meeting minutes, updating the events calendar, and managing the group’s Linktree to centralize event sign-ups and resources.
Learned how thoughtful coordination and clear communication sustain student engagement and help build a vibrant dermatology community on campus.
Giving a Boost - UMass Chan Medical School
Co-founder and Vice President of Internal Affairs (April 2023 - Present)
·Helped launch a mentorship initiative connecting UMass Chan medical students with aspiring physicians across Massachusetts, aiming to build community and reduce barriers in the medical school application process.
Provided one-on-one mentorship to students from historically underrepresented or underserved backgrounds, reviewing application materials and conducting mock interviews in both traditional and MMI formats.
Witnessed firsthand how mentorship can transform self-doubt into confidence, and became deeply committed to creating spaces where students feel supported, empowered, and seen
Opioid Use Disorder and Medication Assisted Treatment Optional Enrichment Elective - UMass Chan Medical School
Student Leader (September 2022 - April 2023)
Facilitated a multi-session lecture series exploring opioid use disorder, harm reduction, and equitable access to treatment.
Coordinated integration of American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Drug Abuse Treatment Act waiver training, enabling student participants to prescribe buprenorphine upon graduation.
Gained deeper insight into the structural barriers patients face when accessing addiction care and the importance of equipping future physicians with tools to address substance use with empathy and evidence-based strategies.
Implementing Shade for a Brighter Future (Worcester, MA)
Student Leader (January 2022 – Present)
Secured the UMass Chan Medical School MLK Jr. Semester of Service Award to launch a community initiative focused on environmental justice and sun safety.
Collaborated with local tree-planting and horticultural groups to organize educational events on urban heat islands and the importance of shade in reducing skin cancer risk.
Learned how structural solutions, such as increasing shaded infrastructure, can bridge public health and dermatologic prevention, especially in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Practice Safe Skin (Worcester, MA)
Member (June 2022 – Present)
Delivered sun safety education to community members, focusing on UV protection, early signs of skin cancer, and accessible prevention strategies.
Engaged youth audiences through partnerships with the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester and the Worcester Division of Youth Opportunities, tailoring public health messaging to meet diverse literacy and cultural needs.
Learned how impactful early education can be in reducing long-term skin cancer risk, and how effective communication can empower individuals to take control of their health.
Worcester Public Restroom Initiative
Co-president (January 2022 – Present)
Partnered with the Worcester Business Improvement District to advocate for public hygiene infrastructure and for accessible urban planning.
Helped pass Amendment #523 of Bill H.5007 (07/14/2022) by contacting Massachusetts state legislators, securing $40,000 in state funding to evaluate restroom feasibility in Downtown Worcester.
Researched restroom access models in peer cities and explored potential links to public health outcomes, including overdose prevention.
Witnessed how grassroots advocacy and collaboration with policymakers can advance health equity and uphold dignity for underserved urban communities.
Worcester Free Care Collaborative (Worcester, MA)
Case Management Lead (November 2021 – December 2022)
Connected patients at the Akwaaba Free Health Program to vital community resources, including MassHealth, prescription assistance, food access, and dental and vision care.
Learned to navigate complex social systems alongside patients, deepening my understanding of how structural barriers shape health far beyond a clinical setting.
Domestic Violence Ended (Quincy, MA)
Event Organizer (May 2021)
Partnered with Dermcare Experts to identify surplus skin products and coordinated a donation valued at $500 to support individuals in DOVE’s domestic violence shelters.
Gained a deeper appreciation of how small acts of advocacy can restore dignity and address unmet needs for vulnerable populations through dermatological care.
AAD Spot Skin Cancer Screening (Quincy, MA)
Event Organizer (July 2019 - July 2021)
Partnered with Dermcare Experts and coordinated outreach with local fire and police departments (Quincy and Braintree, MA) to organize AAD-sponsored skin cancer screenings.
Supported dermatologists during full-body skin exams through scribing and logistics, gaining early exposure to the importance of accessible preventative dermatologic care in community settings.
Camp Discovery (Millville, PA)
Camp Counselor (August 2019)
Supported children with chronic skin conditions through daily medical care, adaptive summer camp activities, and peer connection in a medically supervised camp setting.
Witnessed firsthand the emotional toll of visible skin disease and the power of community in building confidence, shaping my understanding of dermatology’s psychosocial impact.
Boston Children’s Hospital Emergency Department
Volunteer (August 2015 - May 2019)
Rosie’s Place (Boston, MA)
Volunteer (August 2015 - May 2019)
Skills
Laboratory: Protein purification; Analyzing compounds with 1-H NMR, TLC, IR, mass spectroscopy, gas chromatography, UV/VIS spectroscopy; Cell transformation; PCR; SDS-PAGE
Technology: Python (Proficient); Java, C, and R (Introductory); Excel Data Manipulation
Languages: Mandarin (Native Speaker)
Interests and Hobbies
Photography and videography (including drone photography and astrophotography)
Hiking and rock climbing
Violin
Creative writing and reading
Video editing