Undoubtedly, at the beginning of each rotation, I am asked, “So what do you want to go into?” My answer has always been the same, but the responses I have received are diverse;
“A dermatologist? You’ve got a tough road ahead of you.”
“I could never look at skin all day.”
“You must be one of those smart ones.”
“So you want to specialize?”
“What a headache to run your own practice!”
“Why does dermatology always get some of our best students and interns?”
“You’re one of those derm jocks?”
“Ah, you want a good lifestyle.”
“Good luck, it’s hard to get into!”
After thanking the person for their comments, I often find myself reflecting on their remarks.
A tough road? Sure, there are fewer residency spots than in other fields of medicine. And medicine itself, no matter what the field, isn’t easy. It takes perseverance, dedication, integrity, respect, humility, and leadership. Attributes that I have demonstrated and continue to develop through activities such as organizing the first National Psoriasis Foundation Walk for Awareness, extensive church leadership and service, leading the development of my medical school’s honor code, and running the student government elections.
Skin all day? I have discovered that no medical specialty is exempt from looking at skin. As a skin patient for 16 years, I have dedicated myself to learning to look at the skin carefully as well as develop the skills necessary to care for my patients “whole self.” My background in psychology has dramatically influenced my ability to show compassion and understanding of how individuals experience their perceptions. I have come to understand better that an individual is more than the color or manifestation of their skin and how faulty first impressions can be.
Smart? Depends on the definition. The uncommon but original definition of smart is something that causes hurt, pain, or stinging. That certainly doesn’t describe me. I prefer the characterization of lively, nimble, agile, alert, active, or energetic. I have channeled this version of smarts in the BYU Men’s Chorus, playing the piano and singing for my church, dancing on the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble, playing in the KCOM championship intramural basketball game as well as playing horse, duck, and all other creatures at the request of my 2 daughters. The most common use of the word smart reveals one's intelligence – synonymous with bright, sharp, or expert. It may take me a few times to memorize a paragraph or the prophylactic treatments of an AIDS patient with a CD4 count of <100, but with determination, dedication, and using my strengths as a visual learner, I become smarter every day. The knowledge and experience I have gained allow me to excel in my coursework, take on the rigors of a master’s degree, and receive high honors in elective medical Spanish courses during medical school.
Specialize. Some of the best advice I ever received before medical school when reconsidering my dream to be a doctor, came from my father, “there will always be a need for a good doctor.” From that point on, I have worked diligently to become that kind of doctor. I acted as if each rotation was the field wanted to go into, working diligently to learn and do as much as possible. This has helped me start my path toward becoming the best physician I can be, no matter the specialty I choose. I have expanded that effort, adhering to the scout decree to “do your best,” outside of medical school by doing my best in my community, church activities, and interactions with family and friends.
Run my own practice? It started in high school; I began keeping a file of things I wanted to implement in my medical practice one day. I expanded that idea by adding thoughts and experiences with preceptors to a list I carry in my Palm Treo. My later experience as an office manager helped steer me on a path to combine my medical education with a degree in business and health administration. This has given me opportunities to teach others about good business practices, lead office staff in policy and process revision, implement and train staff on the use of electronic medical records, and install hardware and software applications for improved office efficacy and superior patient care. I become excited as I think of ways to motivate individuals and teams, and how to make things more effective and efficient. My coaching, extensive reading, and Franklin Covey conference experiences have given me additional tools to interact effectively with others and my patients. Medicine today requires an understanding of insurance, safe business practices, human and resource management, and the ability to implement information technology to improve and expedite medical care. This experience will help me during my internship, residency, and the rest of my life as a physician.
A good lifestyle? A life full of habits, customs, and behaviors contributing to true happiness for one's self and others is my goal. This will be accomplished in my life by contributing to society through political and civic affairs, using my knowledge and training to lead groups and teach in the community. In contributing to society, I will be determined in my dedication to raising my family to be honest, courteous, and likewise contributory. My desire for a good lifestyle stems from my elation to see others smile and find hope. I look forward to participation in clinics for the less fortunate, as well as assisting those with Spanish language barriers in obtaining health care as well as learning about their own health.
A little luck? In terms of luck, I believe we’re all given unexpected opportunities in our lives – luck is when preparation meets opportunity. From a revered leader, “Pray as if everything depended upon God, and act as if everything depended upon me.
Why do you want to be a dermatologist?
Where do I begin? I already have.
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