I Wish I Had Known: Finding the Right Fit Post-Training
As someone currently immersed in this process, I have learned a few lessons along the way -- some old made new again and others understood for the first time. Each of us has a unique way of sorting through information and making decisions, and for many of us a constant inner dialogue develops inside our own minds throughout this process. Below are five lessons that I find helpful, but of which I …
Tips For Preparing For The Certifying Examination (Part 2 Of 2)
preparing boardsIn this second article in this series, we will take a further look at some tried and true methods for preparing yourself for “The Boards.” 1) Dermatology is a visual medical specialty One of the great challenges of our specialty is that different conditions can look similar, and the same condition can look different (or “atypical”) across anatomic sites and populations. Many of the quest …
preparing boards
I Wish I Had Known: Connecting with the Patient
connecting patientThere is one particular “pearl” I’ve learned throughout my career, which in my opinion is one of the most important elements of the doctor/patient relationship: the human touch. Sometimes, this can include the physical “laying of hands” onto a patient as part of an encounter. But in all cases, it means connecting with the patient in a heartfelt, professional and friendly way. Patients w …
connecting patient
10 Steps to a Pleasant Interaction with Your Pediatric Dermatology Patient
pediatric dermatologyThe field of pediatric dermatology is wonderfully rewarding; however children do funny things when they are anxious, scared or sense strangers. The following are 10 tips I suggest to reduce the stress of a pediatric visit for your patients and yourself. Some of these I learned myself, some from mentors. 1. Address the child by their first name Make sure you know how to pronounce the name before …
pediatric dermatology
Resources for Dermatology Board Studying
Studying for the dermatology boards is a stressful task that can feel daunting at times. However, residents need not fear; with the proper resources and good study habits you can feel well-prepared for this exam. There are a plethora of resources devoted to the dermatology boards. The AAD meetings provide MOC courses to help dermatologists prepare for re-certification. These courses are compris …