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Maeran, Physician at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon: Advize Career Interview
A circuitous yet ultimately successful journey, beginning with undergraduate research and culminating in opening a thriving dermatology practice, is detailed in this interview.
The interviewee's career path highlights the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and building strong patient relationships.
A day in the life involves a mix of surgical and medical dermatology, administrative tasks, and the constant challenge of diverse diagnoses. Success in this field requires strong interpersonal skills, medical expertise, and business acumen.
The interviewee emphasizes the collaborative nature of the industry, the rewards of impacting patient lives, and the importance of resilience in overcoming obstacles, particularly for first-generation college students and women navigating male-dominated fields.
Opportunities for undergraduates exist as medical assistants or scribes, paving the way for future roles in patient care or within practice management.
The interviewee's story emphasizes the value of challenging coursework, research, and seeking mentors to guide career decisions and achieve long-term goals.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Maeran Landers
Physician
Advanced Dermatology of Oregon
Pomona college
University of Pennsylvania medical
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare
Medical
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of A Dermatologist At Advanced Dermatology Of Oregon
Maeran's career path, beginning with undergraduate research in molecular biology and plant physiology, then progressing through a PhD in immunology during medical school, demonstrates a circuitous journey. After exploring pediatrics and infectious disease, a dermatology sub-internship revealed a passion for the field, leading to a residency, private practice, and eventually opening their own successful office—"it's been a kind of a convoluted path, but every step...prepared you for the next decision".
Main Responsibilities of a Physician at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon
Maeran's primary responsibility as a physician surgeon at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon is "taking outstanding care of patients," but this role also encompasses managing the day-to-day operations of their own practice, including "financial decisions, hiring, firing, and all the HR stuff."
A Day in the Life of a Physician at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon
A dermatologist's day is "a pretty long clinical day," starting around 7 AM with skin cancer surgery and continuing with a mix of medical and surgical dermatology patients of all ages throughout the day, including multiple surgical blocks. The day concludes around 4 PM, followed by one to two hours of administrative tasks.
Most Important Skills For A Physician At Advanced Dermatology Of Oregon
For a dermatologist, building "that real strong connection with patients and to build that trust" is paramount, given the intimate nature of the exams. Beyond this crucial interpersonal skill, mastery of dermatological knowledge, diagnostic abilities, surgical techniques, and cosmetic procedures are also essential for success in this multifaceted field.
Favorite Parts of Being a Dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon
Maeran, a dermatologist, most enjoys the "sacred relationship" built with patients over many years, seeing "generations of a family" and sharing "intimate" moments that extend beyond dermatological care, offering and receiving advice on a wide range of personal matters. This deep connection, rather than just treating skin conditions, is the most valued aspect of the career.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Physician At Advanced Dermatology Of Oregon
Maeran's biggest challenge as a dermatologist is the "diverse, incredible breadth of different diagnoses," ranging from "a melanoma the size of a pinhead" to "blisters all over the body." This medical complexity is coupled with the demanding entrepreneurial aspects of running their own practice, encompassing "personnel, office management, and hiring," requiring constant problem-solving and decision-making in both medical and business domains.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Dermatology Industry as a Physician
Dr. Maeran's passion for dermatology stems from "the collaborative spirit of medicine," encompassing strong patient relationships built on shared care ("bringing a patient into their treatment"), and a supportive network of colleagues who share challenging cases and mentor future generations. This collaborative environment, combined with the deeply rewarding aspect of improving patients' health and potentially saving lives, makes the career "super rewarding on multiple levels."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Dermatology Industry According To A Physician At Advanced Dermatology Of Oregon
Dermatologists are often "very visually oriented" and "creative people" drawn to the field's pattern recognition challenges, but also possess intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills. This is because, while a significant portion of dermatology is routine, "there's also like the 10%, which is like so esoteric," requiring lifelong learning and collaboration with similarly astute colleagues to address rare conditions.
What A Physician At Advanced Dermatology Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Dermatology Industry
Maeran, a physician, stresses the crucial role of mentors in navigating a career, advising that "lifelong mentors who really know you" can guide important decisions and provide support through challenges. This guidance, the physician reflects, is invaluable in overcoming obstacles and achieving career goals.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Physicians
Dr. Maeran of Advanced Dermatology of Oregon suggests entry-level positions like medical assistant or scribe, advising undergraduates to "get the foot in the door" with roles such as medical records or reception, then progressing to patient-care roles. This hands-on experience, "especially for the summer or after college," helps determine long-term career interests before pursuing graduate programs in health sciences.
Significant Career Lesson From a Physician at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon
Maeran, a physician, learned that setbacks—even harsh criticism like being told "you don't have what it takes"—should not define a career path; the most important lesson is to maintain resilience and focus, finding "a path forward" despite failures, viewing setbacks as opportunities for redirection towards one's goals.
College Experiences that Helped a Physician at Advanced Dermatology Oregon Succeed
To prepare for a successful career in medicine, Maeran emphasizes taking "challenging courses" to maximize learning and utilizing college resources for internships and research. Further, building a strong foundation includes seeking opportunities for recognition, such as publications or presentations, to demonstrate initiative and leadership, ultimately strengthening relationships with mentors and future colleagues.
How Identity Has Influenced a Physician at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon's Career
Navigating a career as a first-generation college student and Asian American woman presented unique challenges, including the lack of familial guidance on educational and career paths and significant financial hurdles to overcome; the experience of "getting creative about getting scholarships or work study," and subsequently starting their own practice, required overcoming additional obstacles in a male-dominated business world, proving that "anything is possible as long as you put your mind, heart, and soul into it."
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