Episode 229: Mast Cells in the Spotlight: MCAS Through a Dermatology Lens

Looking for the run down on mast cells? We've got you covered. This week, we're joined by Dr. Sonal Choudhary as she walks us through Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. Listen in as she discusses the difficulty of diagnosis, what makes it controversial, and the latest science of MCAS. Each Thursday, join Dr. Raja and Dr. Hadar, board-certified dermatologists, as they share the latest evidence-based research in integrative dermatology. For access to CE/CME courses, become a member at LearnSkin.com. Sonal Choudhary, MD is a Board certified Dermatologist and fellowship trained Dermatopathologist, who joined the Department of Dermatology in 2016 upon completion of her Dermatopathology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Choudhary received her undergraduate degree and medical degree from Vardhman Mahavir Medical College in New Delhi India. She completed a post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Miami, where she remained to complete her Preliminary Internship in Internal Medicine, as well as her Residency Program in Dermatology. Dr. Choudhary is also undergoing a fellowship in Integrative Dermatology which will conclude in February of 2024.   While she offers care for all dermatologic conditions, Her areas of clinical interest and research are atopic dermatitis, gut and skin microbiome, integrative dermatology, alternative therapies and approaches (herbs, supplements, functional medicine testing) to inflammatory skin diseases (Hidradenitis suppurativa, Acne, Psoriasis, hair loss), nutrition in cutaneous disease and dermatopathology. She is the director of the adult atopic dermatitis clinic, expert team member on hEDS/HSD group and member of the PCOS collaboration group at UPMC Magee. Given her areas of training, Dr. Choudhary offers a holistic and integrative approach for various skin conditions. She has extended collaborations with departments and specialties outside of Pitt Dermatology, such as Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Engineering department.   Dr. Choudhary is very well published and has authored articles published in high impact journal on a wide spectrum of dermatological disease states and management approaches. Her publications can be reviewed on pubmed. She is constantly involved in training the next generation of physicians from medical students, residents (dermatology and medicine), fellows and Physician assistants under her supervision. Professional memberships Member of Integrative Dermatology with Integrative Dermatology Certification Program/LearnSkin Fellow of Pittsburgh Academy of Dermatology Fellow of Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology Fellow of American Academy of Dermatology Fellow of American Academy of Dermatopathology Education & Training MBBS, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India Clinical Internship, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India Post Doctoral Fellowship, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Internship, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital Residency, Dermatology, University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital Fellowship, Dermatopathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Fellowship, Integrative Dermatology