As a resident thinking about how to move forward with your career, or a new practitioner getting off and running, would you like to know what special pearls of wisdom KOL’s in the industry would share?
Our nine Next Steps Correspondents had their ears to the ground at the 2017 ODAC Dermatology Aesthetic and Surgical in Miami. They asked ODAC faculty just that.
“I think that one of the most important things is to establish a network of mentors as early as possible. You can do it locally, in your program, but also at conferences such as ODAC. You can never have ‘too many mentors’. Mentors help you to stay connected and help to open the doors. It is very important that ODAC is a relatively small meeting where you are able to communicate with everyone among experts, which is more difficult in a larger meetings such as AAD.”
–Adam Friedman, MD FAAD, ODAC Faculty
Associate Professor of Dermatology, Residency Program Director, and Director of Translational Research at George Washington University School of Medicine
“Be passionate and love what you do”
“Be passionate in what you do, care about your patients and your future will follow. We are so blessed to be in such an amazing field. Always care about the patient and do right by your patient. If you follow this simple but important advice, success will ultimately follow.”
–Susan Weinkle, MD, FAAD, ODAC Faculty
Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at University of South Florida
“Regardless of whether you pursue a fellowship or the type of practice you join, never lose sight of the tremendous blessing in your life: you’re a dermatologist. For every 40,000 Americans, there is one dermatologist. You’re among an elite and very privileged group of people. Never forget this.”
–Practicing dermatologist, ODAC attendee
“Find out what you are passionate about and what you are talented at. Nurture these talents and brand them.”
–Keyvan Nouri, MD, University of Miami
“Always Say Yes”
“This is especially important early on in your career, say yes to everything. Any opportunity, committees, panels, etc. You have to be willing to do everything and anything that is offered your way because behind you there are 15 other people willing to take advantage of those opportunities. In life, you have to give before you get and this is important, especially early on in your career.”
–Adam Friedman, MD FAAD, ODAC Faculty
Associate Professor of Dermatology, Residency Program Director, and Director of Translational Research at George Washington University School of Medicine
“Pick what you want to do in Dermatology early on, not only your niche, but also whether you want to be in an academic vs. private setting, or small group vs. large group practice and work towards it.”
“Also, if you’re thinking of starting your own solo practice, don’t be afraid, just go for it…it can still be done these days. “
–Vivian Bucay, MD
Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, San Antonio TX (Top 10 Dermatologist in Middle America 2016)
“Follow your happiness!”
“No matter what subspecialty of dermatology you wish to practice whether procedural, cosmetic, medical, or otherwise, do not worry about ancillary factors such as money. If you follow your happiness, you will be successful and fulfilled.”
–James Spencer, MD, MS, ODAC Faculty
Clinical Professor at the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Miami, FL
What advice would you give to someone trying to decide between an academic setting, group practice or solo private practice?
“It depends on various factors, some of which are the location desired to live, the personality of the individual and the amount of autonomy desired. Ask yourself where do you want to be in 5 years? Visit a practice, or multiple practices and find a mentor who may assist in making a decision.”
–Practicing dermatologist, ODAC attendee
