2016
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, August 1, 2025
This was the year I first lectured on measles. Fueled by a growing trend of “vaccine hesitancy,” several outbreaks of measles had been observed across the U.S. in the preceding few years and having trained after the widespread adoption of the highly effective measles vaccine, I — like many of my colleagues — never saw a case of measles during my decades of practice. I put together a lecture in part for my own remedial education, as well as to teach my residents, whom I feared might actually see measles again. Measles as an endemic disease was declared successfully eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Sporadic cases still occurred, but these could be traced to exposure outside the U.S. Herd immunity prevented larger outbreaks and promised to continue to do so as long as vaccination rates remained high; unfortunately, because measles is highly infectious, a 95% vaccination rate is needed to effectively confer herd immunity. Rates that were already starting to decline took a fatal hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, when access to vaccination was limited worldwide. Resurgence of measles and other vaccine-preventable infectious diseases was predicted and, unfortunately, seems to be coming true. Over 750 cases of measles have been reported in Texas during an outbreak this year, with infections spreading into surrounding states. Outbreaks of other infectious diseases, including pertussis, are also being reported. I never imagined I would see measles, but at the rate we are going, it is likely that some of us will see it at some time in the future. We, along with the AAD’s Emerging Diseases Task Force, hope to make you more prepared for this eventuality, so you will know it when you see it.
Do you still wear a white coat at work? If so, you might be in a minority. For many years, the white coat was emblematic of our profession and wearing it was de rigueur for all physicians. Its popularity waned somewhat in recent years after concerns were raised about the risk of coats spreading infectious diseases, and the COVID pandemic pretty much sealed the deal. Scrubs became the preferred attire and many physicians kept them. I personally love wearing scrubs (they are as close as I can get to wearing pajamas to work!). Many offices have adopted scrubs as their uniform, and the growing number of high-end scrubs companies suggest that this trend is widespread. Whether you choose scrubs, a white coat, or even both, it is nice to have options these days!
Although solo practice these days attracts a smaller number of our colleagues than in years past, those who choose this practice model celebrate the benefits it provides, foremost of which for many is autonomy. However, running a practice is not easy and it has long been known that we do not adequately prepare our graduates with the necessary skills during their residency training. Nonetheless, over 25% of dermatologists still choose solo private practice and several were willing to share their words of wisdom with us this month. If you are just entering practice or perhaps are considering a career change, I hope you will appreciate their words of wisdom and encouragement. They make it seem doable!
August has always been a month of mixed feelings; as a child, I loved the last few weeks of summer vacation but dreaded returning to school. As an adult, August is the doldrums of summer. But there are plenty of excuses to celebrate, and if you are a skywatcher, the Perseids meteor show peaks midmonth. I hope you take some time to enjoy.
