Re: Inquiry About Dermatology Research Opportunity with NLVS

[Shivam Malhotra]

Hi Run,

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on the message I sent a couple of weeks ago regarding a potential dermatology-focused research project at NLVS. I completely understand how busy things can get, but I just wanted to check in and see if you might have had a chance to consider the idea.

As a quick reminder, I’m interested in exploring common dermatologic concerns within the South Asian community, particularly looking at potential barriers to care. I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to incorporate a brief needs assessment—either as a short paper survey or as part of the EMR workflow—into clinic visits.

The project is still in the early stages, and I’d be very grateful for any feedback or direction you could provide. If it would be helpful, I’m more than happy to hop on a quick call or meet in person to discuss further.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best regards,

Shivam Malhotra 

On Mon, May 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM Shivam Malhotra <shivam....@my.rfums.org> wrote:

Hi Run, 

I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to inquire about the possibility of conducting a dermatology-focused research project within the South Asian community, particularly through the patient population served by NLVS.

I’m currently a volunteer with NLVS and am interested in exploring the common dermatologic concerns affecting South Asian individuals, as well as the barriers they may face in accessing dermatologic care. Given that the clinic primarily serves this community, I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to integrate a brief needs assessment into routine patient visits. This could take the form of a short paper-based survey or a few standardized questions added to the EMR workflow.

The project is still in its early planning stages, but the goal is to better understand whether there is an unmet need for dermatologic care in this population, and if so, what specific conditions or concerns are most prevalent.

Please let me know if this is something that might be feasible, or if there are any steps I should take to explore this further. I’d greatly appreciate your guidance and any support you can offer.

Thanks so much, 

Shivam Malhotra 

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Shivam Malhotra (he/him/his)

Chicago Medical School | MD Candidate | 2028

Executive Officer of Equity and Inclusion | Interprofessional Community Clinic 

shivam....@my.rfums.org | 630-914-0063

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Shivam Malhotra (he/him/his)

Chicago Medical School | MD Candidate | 2028

Executive Officer of Equity and Inclusion | Interprofessional Community Clinic 

shivam....@my.rfums.org | 630-914-0063

[Run Kuang]

Hi Shivam, 

Apologies for missing your previous email! I appreciate your interest and proactiveness! As far as we know, NLVS is still in the process of launching the Dermatology clinic. However, I’ll reach out to the committee to see if there are any areas where you might be able to get involved. I’ll keep you updated as I hear more. 

Warm regards, 

Run Rong Kuang

Chicago Medical School | Class of 2026

run....@my.rfums.org | 323.455.7910

She/her/hers

[Shivam Malhotra]

Hi Run, 

Thank you so much for getting back to me! I would really appreciate it if you're able to do that. 

Would it be possible to loop me into the email as well? This study highlights the potential need for dermatological care at the clinic, so I believe it could be valuable for them to hear about. I’d be grateful if that’s something you’re able to do!

Best, 

[Shivam Malhotra]

Also, to add, I have a Dermatology PI who is interested in learning more about the patient population and who may be interested in helping out once we have a little more information about the population we are serving and what their specific needs are.