Dermatology: Featured Alumni - Reflections from Robert Lester

Looking back on my career of over 50 years both as a dermatologist and a hospital administrator, I know that I chose the right profession. To work as a physician is a privilege. Practiced at the highest level, it has the potential to provide one with profound satisfaction and many interesting and engaging challenges. When I was asked to write the inaugural alumni column for the Dermatology Newsletter by Dr. Piguet, I struggled with what words of wisdom I, as a dermatologist now out of practice for many years, could pass on to my younger colleagues.

Whenever I attend clinical meetings, I am amazed at the advances that have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of skin diseases and applying advanced diagnostics and new therapies. Although it is virtually impossible to predict the future of dermatology, I can say with some confidence that it will likely change profoundly before today’s residents even finish their training. Advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, diagnostic methods, gene therapy and robotics will displace many of the traditional roles of doctors. My current concern is that as we advance the science of medicine, we will relegate the importance of the art of medicine.

Based on this concern, here are five lessons that I was never taught during my medical training but have learned over the years which I hope will be of help to you as you progress in your career:

1. Take pride and pleasure in caring for people, not just treating disease.
2. Never forget the effect you have directly and indirectly on your patients. Do not underestimate your ability to impact outcomes by providing respectful, empathetic and compassionate care. How you prescribe treatment may often be as important as the treatment you prescribe.
3. No matter how competent and careful you may be, you will make mistakes and some of these may be injurious to your patient. Never try to brush mistakes under the rug. Communication of such errors to your patients in an honest and caring fashion is the best course of action.
4. The practice of medicine can be extremely stressful and physician burnout has become an increasing problem. Always remember to pace yourself and to look after your own health.
5. It is quite likely that at the beginning of your career you may have trouble determining the direction you want your career to take and may not be able to see what you can accomplish. Finding a mentor, someone who is living the life you want to live, may help shape your career and realize your potential.

I hope these reflections prove useful to you in the years to come, and I wish for you a long, satisfying and successful career.