We all know.
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, October 1, 2024
Ask any of us and we will confidently claim that no one knows more about skin, hair, and nails than a board-certified dermatologist. Unfortunately, social media offers an “open mic” for anyone with an opinion — and it turns out, there are many out there peddling advice on a wide variety of dermatologic topics. Some of the advice is good; some is not, and the public does not seem to be particularly adept at distinguishing between competent and potentially dangerous care. The AAD stepped up several years ago with the “Your Dermatologist Knows” positioning campaign. Members and staff actively engage with the public, correcting misinformation when found, as well as providing our own social outreach targeting young women between ages 25-35 to help them recognize that the best source of dermatology information is a board-certified dermatologist. How is the campaign going? Our feature article this month will catch you up on the progress. The numbers look good, and I have really loved seeing the videos and clips from our social media correspondents! If you haven’t already done so, follow the AAD on your favorite social media channels!
The power of one — somewhat of a recurring theme this month. Unity in our specialty is the prime directive for AAD President Dr. Seemal Desai, who has been traveling extensively promoting the importance of dermatologists working together to ensure the future of our specialty. The AAD has a singular legislative priority this year in Medicare physician payment reform. Perhaps it is apt that we address another type of union that many of us never expected to see involving physicians: labor unions. While resident physicians have led the charge to unionize, a growing number of employed physicians are realizing potential benefits offered by joining a union, which might include better wages, non-cash benefits, and improved working conditions. It’s a paradigm shift for a profession to participate in what has traditionally been associated with hourly labor; however, if the trend continues for physicians to work as employees rather than owning their own practices, it is likely that more of us will have the opportunity to be represented by a union. As with many things, there are potential upsides and downsides. We share these in our feature on the status of physician unions. It will be interesting to see if and how they grow in our profession in years to come.
We are all skilled at caring for our patients, but how are we as patients? Speaking solely for myself, I do far better in the former role. Knowing too much can be a liability when the roles are reversed, and the loss of control can be challenging for those of us who are used to being in charge. Several of our colleagues generously shared their experience as patients with us in our final feature this month. While few would choose illness, there can be an upside even to being sick. Seeing the health care system through the patient lens may make for more empathetic and understanding physicians.
We are now fully into autumn, when the end-of-the-year time warp seems to start, and both the days and years seem to get shorter. Take some time to enjoy the falling leaves and cooler temperatures. And, of course, there’s always pumpkin spice to be found!
