Christine Kannler, MD
Class Year: 2000
Specialties: Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Current practice: Northeast Dermatology Associates
Fond memory of BUSM:
It is very hard to pick out just one memory because I was at BUSM from the MMEDIC program all the way to the end of my internal medicine residence. One thing that stands out are friendships and relationships that were forged during that time that continue today. The other important thing that comes to mind is the approach to clinical practice that I developed at BUSM through what was called the “Boston City Hospital Way.” We worked incredibly hard and took great pride and responsibility in caring for the unique patient population of BUSM.
Favorite professor at BUSM:
I can’t pick one. A host of faculty stand out as those who guided me, either through their enthusiasm in the classroom or at the bedside, by teaching me different aspects of clinical reasoning, or just by being role models in how they approach life as clinicians. Those that do stand out and who have had a real impact on my life and my career are: Paul O’Bryan, Trudy Van Houten, Jacqueline Sharon, Dick A.J. Brown, Alan Geller, Angela Jackson, Hep Farber, and Donald Grande.
Most recent accomplishment:
One thing that BUSM taught me was the importance of outreach. Ever since I was a dermatology resident, I volunteered with the American Academy of Dermatology SPOTme program to perform free skin cancer screenings. In around 2017, I learned that firefighters have an increased risk of developing melanoma at an early age. Based on this statistic, I started screening firefighters, and in 2018 I performed 1500 free skin exams for firefighters throughout the state of Massachusetts. Many of my colleagues, especially from BUSM, took part in and were instrumental in this effort, particularly Dr. Donald Grande BUSM ’73 and Dr. David Greenstein BU Derm Residency ’95. The 2019 SPOTme firefighter skin cancer screenings have already begun and if you’d like to help, please email me.
Additional thoughts to share: Please think about your firefighter patients. Since the 9/11 tragedy, more and more data have shown that there is an increase rate of respiratory, digestive, prostate, testicular, blood, and bladder cancers in firefighters in the occupational health journals. Initiate screening early and often in your firefighter patients. Working with this population is extremely rewarding- the firefighters are very grateful and you can save a life!
Here is a link to the International Fire Chiefs Association recommendations for appropriate screening tests for firefighters. These recommendations have been peer reviewed by medical physicians.
International Fire Chiefs Association recommendations
This link to the CDC website has several studies that would be helpful for physicians: