The Importance of Mentorship 

After attending the Society for Pediatric Dermatology pre-AAD meeting this past March in San Diego and hearing Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, speak, I was quick to register for his upcoming YoungMD Connect mentoring session. Learning from Dr. Eichenfield and several other leaders in pediatric dermatology while at the conference sparked inspiration and the desire to make a meaningful impact in dermatology. As many aspiring dermatologists will attest, and as Dr. Eichenfield underscored, the path to dermatology is challenging. However, this session affirmed that it is a path well worth pursuing. The informal Q&A format of the YoungMD Connect mentoring session afforded the opportunity to pose open-ended questions and receive thoughtful responses from Dr. Eichenfield, often enriched by a personal story or anecdote, and always imparting valuable advice, wisdom, and encouragement for each of us to carve our own path in dermatology. Presented here are my six key takeaways, and I hope others can benefit from Dr. Eichenfield’s invaluable insights.

1. Embrace your community.

Throughout the session, Dr. Eichenfield answered our questions while warmly recounting stories about his colleagues-turned-friends and the memories he has made traveling for dermatology conferences and events with his family over the years. He described the pediatric dermatology community as a global brotherhood and sisterhood of friends, highlighting how these relationships have enriched his career and personal life. In addition to the gratification of caring for patients and their families, he finds great fulfillment in the opportunities for travel, meeting new people, and collaborating within the field of pediatric dermatology. He went on to describe how welcoming the founders of pediatric dermatology were in his early career and how that temperament has continued to thrive and expand. Connecting with others who share the same dedication and have devoted their lives to a similar cause makes returning to patient care even more rewarding and enjoyable.

2. There are many paths to your desired goal.

Dr. Eichenfield shared that his journey in medicine began in the field of pediatrics. After completing a pediatric residency and chief year, he pursued dermatology, a decision that not only helped him become a better pediatric dermatologist, but also allowed him to translate what he learned to primary care physicians and pediatricians. Contributing to the advancement of general healthcare has been among the most rewarding aspects of his career. His story reassured us that the path to dermatology may not be linear; however, the diverse experiences along the way significantly enrich one’s career journey. 

3. Do what gives you the most pleasure and fulfillment. 

Something that has always drawn me to dermatology, and a point that Dr. Eichenfield echoed, is the flexibility to pivot and pursue what brings you joy throughout your career. He encouraged us to think about what gives us the most pleasure and fullness in our work and move toward that. A mentor once asked him, “What are you having fun doing? What are you having less fun doing? How can you set up your activities so you can do more of the ‘fun’ part?” He defined “fun” as engaging in work that is enjoyable and enriching, and he urged us to maximize the time spent pursuing those activities.

4. Be a team player.

The culture of medicine has evolved from individualistic to team-oriented over the years. Dr. Eichenfield emphasized the importance of delivering optimal care to patients and their families through teamwork, and that one of the greatest skill sets you can bring to dermatology is being a team player. He advised us to observe our mentors closely, studying their interactions and individual styles. By doing so, we can learn valuable lessons and enhance our own interpersonal skills and professional relationships, enabling us to think and act like team players on the way to dermatology residency and beyond.

5. If you have the opportunity to visit or rotate at a different institution, take it.

Choosing a career in medicine offers the gift of lifelong learning. Dr. Eichenfield emphasized the immense benefits of visiting other institutions, sharing that he has always gained new insights and perspectives from every visit. He consistently brings these fresh viewpoints back to his own institution. He encouraged us, especially during our training as medical students, residents, and fellows, to take advantage of opportunities to spend time at different institutions. This opportunity for growth and learning never truly ends, and we should continuously seek to learn from others throughout our careers.

6. Find your niche, because patients will come.

I expressed my strong interest in vulvar dermatology to Dr. Eichenfield, and he was supportive of finding a niche and developing expertise in an area of dermatology. He observed that as physicians become more specialized, patients will naturally seek them out. Following your own path in dermatology and developing your passion ultimately enhances the care you provide to your patients. 

As Dr. Eichenfield concluded his thoughts on the future of pediatric dermatology, I felt a familiar sense of inspiration reminiscent of the March conference. The mentoring session with Dr. Eichenfield felt like spending time with a longtime friend, family member, and trusted mentor all at once. His passion for dermatology is infectious, and I look forward to the opportunity for all of us budding dermatologists who participated in the YoungMD Connect session to build a community of our own and contribute to the field of dermatology. n

Maria J. Etcheverry, BS, is a medical student at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.