Derms share what they are thankful for this year

Helen M. Torok, M.DWith 2015 coming to a close and Thanksgiving around the corner, we asked Dermatology Times editorial board members and fellow dermatologists what makes them grateful, when they look back on the year. Here’s what they had to say.

“In 2015, I give thanks for being able to offer and keep up with technology, insurance changes, ICD-10 introduction, continued growth in our practice, good health and my great family. But above all for living in the USA!”

Medina, Ohio, dermatologist Helen M. Torok, M.D.

Roy G. Geronemus, M.D

“I am thankful to two key people in my life who passed away this year. The first is my father, Alfred Geronemus, my role model and hero who was the ultimate raconteur, intellect and family man. The other is Dr. Frederic Brandt, with whom I worked in New York and knew for 35 years. Fred's spirit, humor, skills and knowledge will never be forgotten. I am also thankful to my family for reminding me that there is more to life than work, and my colleagues and staff at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York for helping me establish and maintain an extraordinarily exciting and stimulating dermatology practice.”

New York City dermatologist Roy G. Geronemus, M.D.

Seth L. Matarasso, M.D“There is virtually not a day that passes that I truly do not appreciate how very fortunate I am! I have an extraordinary family, and we all enjoy good health. I live in the amazing city of San Francisco where daily I get to go the gym or run, swim or bike in unsurpassable topography and then practice what I consider …the ideal specialty of dermatologic surgery. And of paramount importance, I am so incredibly thankful for my staff that has spent over 25 years with me. They make my work and my life remarkably more enjoyable. I am a very grateful for all of this and do not take my good fortune for granted.”

San Francisco-based dermatologist Seth L. Matarasso, M.D.

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Ranella Hirsch, M.D“My husband and children.”

Boston, Mass., dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D.

Philip Werschler, M.D.

"I am thankful for all of the new treatment options that have been made available for patients with melanoma and also with autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. Additionally, I am thankful for the clinical investigators who, through their tireless efforts, have shepherded these products through the FDA approval process. I am also thankful that the pharmaceutical industry has dedicated their resources to the development of new treatment options for overlooked dermatologic diseases, even when it may not be financially rewarding, as in the case of hidradenitis. On a personal note, I am thankful that our new office and medical complex is finally completed, and we now have the ability to offer expanded access for many indigent patients to leading edge clinical trials. Finally, I am thankful that dermatology as a specialty is so supportive of volunteer efforts by its members such as camp Discovery, skin cancer screening clinics, and other community service efforts.”

Spokane, Wash., dermatologist Wm. Philip Werschler, M.D.

Patricia Farris, M.D.

Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D.“I am grateful for all the opportunities that dermatology has given me to experience, grow and contribute in a meaningful way.”

Dermatologist Patricia Farris, M.D., Metairie, La.

“I am grateful for my wonderful office staff, who are a joy to work with and an important part of our office success!”

Dermatologist Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D., High Point, N.C.

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Tina S. Alster, M.D

“I am grateful for the opportunity to practice in a profession that is not only intellectually stimulating, but also provides me with the ability to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I am also thankful for my family, patients, colleagues and students, from whom I continue to learn and who inspire me to expand my perspectives and horizons. I look forward to a new year of exciting discovery and collaborative growth on both a personal and professional front.”

Washington D.C. dermatologist Tina S. Alster, M.D.

Ronald G. Wheeland, M.D

“I'm grateful for having had a chance to work with some of the most talented, brightest and interesting medical students, residents, fellows and colleagues in existence! They provided me the stimulation and challenges that made my career both fun and exciting. Collectively, they will never be forgotten, especially since I truly believe that I learned a lot more from them than I gave in return.”

Tucson, Ariz., dermatologist Ronald G. Wheeland, M.D.

Joel Schlessinger, M.D“As a specialty we have to be thankful for the wonderful field we have and the incredible colleagues we have in that field. We should never take this for granted. Part of the reason that we have stellar happiness ratings and job satisfaction ratings is the contributions to our success that happen when everyone is goal oriented and innovative and that is probably what makes dermatology the profession it is. I am also thankful for my family and my staff. They support me in so many ways and are the best part of our lives.”

Omaha, Neb., dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, M.D.