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".
Medical Research, Physician Career Path, Entrepreneurship in Medicine, Dermatology Specialization, Higher Education in Medicine
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 & Wellness
Medical
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Research experience in college and NIH helped develop scientific thinking and interest in medicine
2. Pursuing a combined MD/PhD program, then realizing clinical medicine was a better fit
3. Starting a private dermatology practice after residency and the challenges/rewards of entrepreneurship
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Please include any internships or jobs you had before your current role.
In college, I majored in molecular biology and conducted undergraduate research. I worked with a professor for a summer and then, during my sophomore year, I interned at Pepperdine University studying plant physiology. My junior year, I spent a summer at the NIH (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) doing research.
These research opportunities helped me explore specific biological problems I was interested in. They developed my scientific methods and thinking, and really sparked my interest in medicine. After college, I went on to medical school.
While in medical school, I also pursued a PhD because I was considering becoming a physician-scientist. I completed extensive research for my doctoral degree in immunology. I participated in combined programs, doing four years of medical school and three years of a PhD program, graduating after seven years.
During my medical school years, I began to realize that laboratory research, grant writing, and basic science weren't what I truly wanted to do. I felt a stronger pull towards clinical medicine. So, I undertook several one-month rotations in different specialties.
I was particularly interested in pediatrics and infectious disease. However, I didn't particularly enjoy those rotations. A mentor suggested I try dermatology, as it encompassed adult and pediatric medicine, as well as infectious disease.
I absolutely loved my one-month sub-internship in dermatology. That experience led me to become a dermatologist. I then completed my residency at Oregon Health and Science University.
After graduating from residency, I worked for a private practice dermatologist for about a year. Then, I opened my own practice, which I've been running for almost 20 years. This involved becoming a business owner and entrepreneur, which was another learning curve.
My path was somewhat circuitous, but I feel each step prepared me for the next career decision. When you've explored various options, the decisions you make feel right. My journey was indirect, but now I'm in private practice, specializing in dermatology.
I have a busy practice with two physician assistants and am looking to hire another dermatologist. It took a considerable amount of time to reach this point, but I truly enjoy my career and running my own practice.
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