Drawing On Experience: Early Career Advice from a Skin Care Expert

In a recent YoungMD Connect mentorship event, Dr. Mona Sadeghpour, co-founder of SkinMed Institute and a graduate of Yale University School of Medicine, shared valuable insights with an eager group of dermatology residents. Her talk covered many of her experiences as a resident and an assistant professor and the medical director at the University of Colorado Skin, Laser, and Cosmetic Surgery Center. Dr. Sadeghpour described how the unpredictable journey and unexpected changes she experienced during the COVID pandemic led her to private practice. She also reflected on the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, offering a comprehensive view of her experiences.

Explore Employment Options

Dr. Sadeghpour began the session by emphasizing the importance of thoroughly looking into potential employers, as well as connecting with former employees. She recounted her first job and the challenges it presented, particularly when the work environment did not align with her personal beliefs and ideals. To provide an opportunity to assess a workplace culture without being bound by non-compete clauses, she recommended job seekers explore locum tenens positions as much as possible before committing to a permanent role. She warned that once a non-compete has been signed, one will be committed to a practice that may or may not be a place one could call “home.” Dr. Sadeghpour also pointed out that it is vital to establish a healthy work environment, since ultimately what matters is not how much one makes, but where one’s mind and heart would want to stay.

Fellowship or Private Practice?

While addressing a resident’s inquiry about choosing between fellowship and practice, Dr. Sadeghpour shared the story of her path in completing the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS)-accredited fellowship in laser and cosmetic surgery at SkinCare Physicians in Boston. She said her decision to pursue a fellowship was borne of her curiosity and love of learning, which led to an interest in the physics and science behind the procedures and an in-depth understanding of current laser technologies. Dr. Sadeghpour also emphasized the value of fellowship programs that conduct clinical drug trials, which allow early exposure to next-stage treatments. She also touched on the importance of mentorship, crediting the 2019 ASDS meeting in Texas and the guidance she received from a mentor for influencing her decision to pursue a fellowship.

On Knowing Your Limits

Dr. Sadeghpour said some of the best advice she had received from a mentor was to understand one’s own biology and personality traits. She also mentioned how crucial it is to cultivate the mindset of an entrepreneur when setting up a private practice, acknowledging that aspiring physicians are not taught to be entrepreneurs. Practical business knowledge is essential to being successful, and one must be willing to take risks, be open to innovation, and be prepared for uncertainty. She also highlighted challenges faced by physicians as private practice owners, including possible issues with employees and complying with different state legal environments. Lastly, she stressed the significance of championing physician-led teams and being mindful of the legal landscape within each state.

Attendees of this mentoring session were encouraged learn from the experiences of practicing professionals and equip themselves. with the proper skills to navigate the diverse responsibilities of entrepreneurship. Dr. Sadeghpour’s enthusiasm to share her own experiences and address the concerns of aspiring medical professionals was very much appreciated, making the latest session an extremely informative, enjoyable, and, above all, valuable talk.