Keeping all the balls in the air
Dermatologists who are also parents seek, and find, ways to manage it all successfully.
Being a parent is a full-time job. And when you have a full-time job on top of that — such as managing a dermatology practice — it can feel like you’re juggling several balls while donning multiple hats. Finding the right balance for you is key to finding success and fulfillment both at home and at work.
Janelle Nassim, MD, FAAD, director of Friday’s session, U012 – Our Top Tips: Pearls From Our Practices and Parenthood, has two children herself, so she knows a little something about managing the work-life balance. She said one of the solutions is to have support from those around you.
“Dermatology is an incredible career, and we are fortunate to work in a field with supportive colleagues who have walked this path before us,” she said. “It’s vital to share not only our successes but also our struggles and the strategies we’ve found for building fulfilling lives and careers.”
Striking a balance
When her second child was born, Dr. Nassim, who is assistant professor and director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Indiana University, said she experienced a postpartum coronary artery dissection, which led to a heart attack the week she returned to work. That experience dramatically altered her perspective as both a doctor and a mother.
“It was a card I never expected to be dealt in life,” she said. “Thanks to the gut instinct that so many of us moms have, and excellent medical care, I recovered and am doing well. But the experience brought a profound shift in perspective. Life is fragile, and everything can change in a moment.”
One of the biggest lessons Dr. Nassim said she learned from the experience is that happiness and satisfaction in life cannot come from work alone.
“As physicians, we are conditioned to be achievement driven. In dermatology, we’re fortunate to work in a field with such high career satisfaction, but fulfillment can’t come solely from work,” she said. “It is just as important to feel balanced and satisfied in life outside of medicine — and balancing it is not easy.”
Finding support from your colleagues can go a long way toward achieving that balance. One way to do this, said Dr. Nassim, is using social media, which can make it easier to connect. But it does not always reflect the reality of what people are experiencing in their lives.
“Social media might show a highlight reel, but real life is messy and complicated and it’s OK to lean on each other for support, advice, and solidarity,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from colleagues who have shared their insights and experiences. After my health scare, I’ve become more passionate about seeking out and sharing the true luxuries of life: time, health, connection, and joy.”
Making it work at work
Latanya Benjamin, MD, FAAD, FAAP, president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS), said it is important to have a meaningful community where physicians can connect with other supportive colleagues. Dr. Benjamin, who is also a solo private practice owner in Coral Springs, Florida, said it can be difficult managing a busy day in the clinic while wearing multiple hats.
“The demands are high and managing responsibilities efficiently is key,” she said. “Staying organized, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a healthful balance are the keys to making it all work. Ultimately, the goal is to provide the best cutting-edge medical care, even amid a demanding schedule, making for a truly gratifying day.”
Dr. Benjamin said that one of her tricks to a successful work-life balance is learning to keep things running smoothly at work. And for her, that means making sure patients feel heard and driving compliance.
“One of my top tips revolves around communication — particularly the art of conveying treatment plans for patients of all ages,” she said. “As a pediatric dermatologist, I’ve found that my success rate stems from ensuring that my patients and caregivers leave the office with a clear understanding of their treatment, feeling empowered and hopeful. This approach not only strengthens the parent-patient-doctor relationship, but also enhances compliance, which is essential for long-term outcomes.”
(Left) Janelle Nassim, MD, FAAD, and (right) Latanya Benjamin, MD, FAAD, FAAP
Managing responsibilities at work is one thing, but balancing that work with parenthood is a challenge that is on the next level, especially for single mothers. Dr. Benjamin said combining self-care, home chores, and parenting in a fun way is key to making home life less overwhelming. She said it is important to integrate everything — whether it’s making chores a family activity or finding creative ways to fit in self-care without feeling guilty.
“One of my key life hacks is creating a schedule in which you are not overbooking yourself,” she said. “You need to know the real meaning of saying ‘yes’ and learn how to lean into your support system. When you lean into support, it makes everything much more manageable.”
It may seem like you’d have to be a seasoned circus performer or even a superhero to make this all work, but Dr. Benjamin said to let go of that notion when you are tackling a new task or goal.
“Everything does not have to be perfect to start,” she said. “Just make sure the first step you take is a meaningful one,” she said. “Don’t settle for just ticking off another easy, low-yield task on your to-do list. The first step should be something that truly moves the needle forward for you, lightens the emotional load, and makes a real impact.”
In today’s world, anxiety is on the rise and the pace of life has accelerated to the point where most people are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities. Dr. Benjamin said that’s why finding balance between work and home is more critical than ever before.
“In such a fast-moving environment, balance becomes a necessary tool for preserving our well-being,” she said. “We often feel like we don’t have permission to pause, but it’s vital to recognize that we need to take time to tend to our mental, physical, and emotional health — not just as another ‘to-do’ item, but as a way to sustain the kind of fulfilling and enjoyable life we all deserve.”
“Balance isn’t a luxury,” Dr. Benjamin added, “it’s essential for long-term happiness and success in both our personal and professional lives.”
Other presenters at the session included: Jennifer Lin, MD, FAAD; Sandy Tsao, MD, FAAD; Janelle Vega, MD, FAAD; and Fei-Shiuann Yang, MD, FAAD.
