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62 | GRAVITAS MAGAZINE GravitasMag.com Favorites and Inspirations at was probably one of the greatest challenges for me after residency. I think for young doctors coming out now, they're told you have to join a big group. You can't survive in private practice. It's not feasible. I was told that so many times but, and as bad as it sounds, joining those big factory dermatology groups felt like selling my soul a little bit. I didn't want someone else to tell me how much time I can spend on my patients or how I had to treat them. I found LA Plastic Surgery Center through a shared accountant and listened to what she had to say and what she was offering and it just seemed like a great fit. It was risky because there was no dermatology existing in the practice so I kind of had to start everything. How can women dominate in medicine in medicine and overcome barriers? I think some of the challenge is getting your name out there and I think women who are already in this area, by supporting each other, it is an important thing to do. To see who's new and help shift business to them to help support people who are coming into the area. I've been lucky enough to have women in the area who have done that for me. Some of the primary care physicians in the area have been very supportive of me. I think that's the biggest challenge is networking. I think medical schools are now much more focused on their applicants being well-rounded. ey almost are searching for people who have empathy and who are good with patient interaction. Schools are teaching that much more than they used to. How do you mentor the next generation of women physicians? I am an associate critical faculty member right now at Florida State, so some of those medical students do work with me who are interested in dermatology. I have high school and college students who are with me and it's been all women. I like being able to mentor young women as they decide what they want to do with life. ey may not choose dermatology but it's good to explore every option before you make a decision. What changes does the next generation of doctors, especially women, face in medicine? I think government regulation in medicine is getting more and more stringent. Even for me coming out compared to people five years ago, there's been a big change in just how involved government is in the day- to-day paperwork and requirements. ere is a lot more behind the scenes stuff required by the government and I do think it's probably going to continue to get worse. I do think there are more women coming out of medical school today as physicians. e tide is kind of shifting as some of the older physicians are retiring and there are more women in medicine, which is a wonderful thing. I actually saw some recent articles and one of them said traditionally, female physicians are more empathetic. ey tend to listen and read more, and use what they learn to help with their patients — not that male physicians are anything shabby. I think that it will be a good thing for patients to have more women doctors. Favorite Actress: Jennifer Lawerence Favorite Movie Tied between Anchorman and Dirty Dancing Favorite Book Pillars of the Earth

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