Dermnemonics vs. DermatoGraphix
If you’re here, you’re probably looking for a visual, memorable way to learn dermatology. Here, we’ll cover the differences between the two learning platforms and which is the better choice for each category below.
Range of Topics – DermatoGraphix
One of the biggest differences with DermatoGraphix is that it covers many topics that you won’t find on Dermnemonics. Currently, DermatoGraphix offers over 120 videos, while Dermnemonics has around 98. DermatoGraphix has a comprehensive course covering a wider range of topics. The videos reference Ali Khan’s Review of Dermatology and include every bolded detail in the sketches, in contrast to Dermnemonics which has many sketches that leave out bolded testable details or sometimes focus on less testable facts.
New Content – DermatoGraphix
Dermnemonics has not added new videos in quite some time. DermatoGraphix has been adding new content regularly. It started with 77 videos, which increased to 120 videos in the first 10 months. They have a production team working on producing new videos regularly.
Video Length – DermatoGraphix
On average, DermatoGraphix has shorter videos that get straight to the point with memorable hooks. While the videos are shorter, they still cover the important details that are testable. Both DermatoGraphix and Dermnemonics have a review at the end of the videos. DermatoGraphix re-emphasizes hooks with an added animation while Dermnemonics only provides a narration for the review portion.
Memory Hooks – DermatoGraphix
One of the unique features about DermatoGraphix is the way complex topics are approached using a unique Storyline approach. Instead of presenting information in isolated videos, they are woven into a series that connects videos together in memorable storylines. For example, in their Psoriasis series, you start at a skate park where you’ll learn about different HLA types and cytokines, then head over to a skateboard repair shop to dive into the types of psoriatic arthritis.
Another example currently under development is the Dermatomyositis series. In this series, you’ll start at the “Flaming Muscle Gym” to get a handle on antibodies and associations. Then, you head outside for an “outdoor workout” where you’ll learn about the clinical features and different types of dermatomyositis. Finally, you end up at the “Flaming Muscle Bodybuilding Competition” to cover histology, labs, and management of dermatomyositis. There are other series, like Mycosis Fungoides and Herpesviruses, and many more, designed to help you connect the dots and actually remember what you’ve learned.
User-Friendly Site and Image Quality – DermatoGraphix
Loading speeds might seem like a small thing, but when you’re trying to study, you don’t want to wait for videos to load, especially if you’re on the go using mobile data. The clear winner here is DermatoGraphix which outperformed Dermnemonics on every performance metric on Google’s PageSpeed Insights which measures speed, performance, and accessibility of websites. Their site is not just more user friendly, but DermatoGraphix’s videos are also higher-quality and more visually engaging.
Feedback-Driven Content – DermatoGraphix
DermatoGraphix prioritizes requests from users and rearranges the order of video production based on feedback from users. If there’s a specific video you want to see, they aim to turn requests around within a few weeks, so you’re not waiting long to learn something you find important. This feature is not offered on the Dermnemonics platform.
Pricing – Dermnemonics
While they have less features and a less user-friendly site, Dermnemonics is the more affordable platform. DermatoGraphix offers group discounts and routinely runs promotions and sales (most recently “dermki30” through their partnership with the Dermki deck). Both sites offer a 100% free trial though both trials are limited in the content users have access to. While DermatoGraphix costs a bit more, you get more bang for your buck when it comes to the amount of videos they offer.
The Bottom Line – DermatoGraphix is the clear choice.
In a nutshell, DermatoGraphix gives learners a dermatology education experience that’s comprehensive, consistently growing, fast, visually appealing, and responsive to users’ learning needs. While DermatoGraphix costs a bit more, you get more bang for your buck when it comes to the amount of videos they offer. DermatoGraphix has a more extensive range of content, regularly adds new videos, offers higher-quality graphics, and takes user feedback seriously.