How long have you been in dermatology and what’s your favorite thing about it? I’ve been working in dermatology for seven years now, and I love it. It’s a great mix of skin checks, acute conditions, and procedures—and there’s always something interesting to keep me on my toes!
Tell us about your training? I trained at OHSU, Oregon’s academic health center, where I had the privilege of learning from an incredible group of dedicated professors and preceptors. They really instilled in me the importance of lifelong learning, and I’m very grateful for the education I received there. More recently, I returned to school at Princeton to earn a second master’s degree focusing on domestic policy and health policy. I hope to use this training to advocate for improved healthcare access and equity for all, as well advocating for the PA profession.
What advice would you give to a new Derm PA? Know what you don’t know, and read as much as you can! Find mentors who are happy to discuss cases with you and are excited about teaching--it’s so important to ask lots of questions and to have more experienced physicians or PAs to discuss tough cases with. If your clinic has a journal club, join it!
What’s your favorite single product? Sunscreen! My typical go-to is a tinted physical sunscreen with zinc oxide. That said, I went to France last summer and tried out several different chemical sunscreens, and I was very impressed! Europe has more options for sunscreen filters than the United States, largely due to how sunscreens are regulated here. Chemical UV filters like Mexoryl and Tinosorb are very effective against UVA rays but unfortunately aren’t available in the U.S. yet (hurry up on those approvals, FDA!). Needless to say, I stocked up and brought an absurd amount of sunscreen home with me.
What do you do for fun? I love to get outside to ski, mountain bike, or trail run whenever I can. I also love reading, writing, and travel—but most of all, I love spending time with my three-year-old daughter. She’s the best.
