First things first… graduation countdown is officially at 49 days. FORTY NINE DAYS!!! I have also officially registered for the PANCE (Physician Assistant National Certification Exam) and will be taking it bright and early on January 7th. I still remember when I got my acceptance letter and it’s hard to believe this time in PA school is coming to an end, but then again I’m SO ready. I just finished up my 11th rotation which happened to be one of my favorites so let’s take a peek into the life of dermatology!
I have been interested in this field ever since starting PA school so I knew early on that I wanted it as an elective. I did the legwork and established a new site for Campbell students in Charlotte. I knew I would like it but y’all… I absolutely LOVED it and I could totally see myself being a dermatology PA. Hair, skin, nails… sign me up!
I find skin conditions very fascinating and believe that skin cancer prevention is so important. Whether it’s shaving off a suspicious mole, doing an annual skin exam, cutting out a cyst, or freezing off a wart, there are SO many procedures to perform. I love being hands-on and this is one of the reasons why I knew I would love this field.
I love derm because I love providing education to patients. If something pops up on your skin, you tend to notice because it’s an external thing. People want to know what’s going on and even though many things they might notice are benign (like seborrheic keratoses) it’s important to give them reassurance on the benign things and to educate them about their skin so they know what to look for in the future.
Another advantage of working at my office was getting the chance to see MOHS surgery. You’ve probably heard of this term but just in case you haven’t, MOHS is done when a patient has basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma (the non-melanoma skin cancers) usually on the face, but can be done anywhere on the body. A dermatologist takes out tiny bits of tissue and immediately looks at them under a microscope to see if all the cancer is there and determine if there are free margins (aka make sure there’s not more left in the skin). This is done to conserve the skin because some skin cancers on the face are larger than you’d think, so the idea is to get rid of the cancer by taking the least amount of tissue.
Ps. Sorry this might be a little graphic for some, but I just wanted y’all to visualize what I was talking about!
The reconstruction is the amazing part. Any medical professional knows that stitching up a circle is not exactly ideal. The MOHS surgeon usually removes a circular area but when it’s time to close, they usually make a bigger linear incision or even use a type of flap to make the skin come together more naturally. They use teeny tiny sutures and the results are phenomenal- you can’t even tell where some patients had their MOHS surgery.
I’m a little sad that this rotation is over because everyone in the office was just so nice and welcoming, and so were the patients. On today’s schedule is our summative OSCE where we have to evaluate a standardized patient (in front of a faculty member this time), order tests, come up with a diagnosis & treatment plan, and discuss that with the patient. Basically, take on the full role of a PA 🙂 Next week will be dedicated to board review so it will be nice to have a little break from working plus it’s always good too see my classmates a little more. Thanks for reading this PA school update and hope y’all have a great weekend!!
Don't hate me for saying this, because I know GREY'S is not what people in the medical field enjoy being compared to, but the episode when they discover DERM always makes me smile. I love my dermatologist, she's the best! Have a fabulous weekend!
OMG I was not prepared for that picture lol! I'm so excited that you're so close to graduation!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Such an amazing rotation, I think this would have been one of my favorites as well! Have you looked into dermatology as where you'd like to plant your roots/specialize? Congrats on registering for your exam, and being super close to the finish line. You've got this gurlie!
Happy Friday <3
Green Fashionista
I'm glad you liked this rotation. My husband just had Mohs done and it is a crazy process, but I'm SO glad that the reconstruction is what it is now!
so interesting
kisses
I keep saying that if I had to go back to school I would want to go into dermatology. My dermatologist is amazing and has helped me with so many skin problems and I would love to be able to do the same for toher!
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Love your medical posts!! I think you would make an amazing dermatology PA! Have a wonderful weekend!!
You will definitely be a wonderful dermatologist. Thanks for sharing, this was interesting. Xo, Ellese
Rock.Paper.Glam.
If I ever move to CLT, I would definitely choose you as my dermatologist!! This field seems so interesting and love reading your medical posts 🙂 have a great weekend!
Dermatology is SO important and I'm so glad you're loving it. Are you back in Raleigh next week?!? xo, Champagne&Suburbs
Wow!! This is so fascinating..I love medicine wish I was in the field and not in engineering instead..may be in the next life..but thanks for sharing this,detailed procedures with images(however gory) always fascinate me. I can imagine your excitement for graduation..Good luck!!
I didn't do a derm rotation but considered it! Not sure how much I would like derm… it does sound so neat though!
So interesting! I have always been fascinated with skin and how it works. I need to go see a dermatologist just to get all my freckles and moles checked. And that reconstruction is so amazing!
Zelle
Southern Style
Aw! So happy that you are so close to finishing! This is all so exciting!
xo,
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