Investing in financial literacy
Learn how to boost profits, protect assets, and pave the way for stronger fiscal outcomes.
SUN12 – Investing and Finance for Dermatologists
7:30–8:30 a.m. | Sunday, July 13
Regency B
A new session debuts Sunday morning on a topic that may not be conventional but is more relevant than ever. In SUN12 – Investing and Finance for Dermatologists, William Posten, MD, FAAD, FACMS, will provide pragmatic strategies for managing both personal and professional finances.
Dr. Posten is a Mohs surgeon at Advanced Dermasurgery Associates, affiliated with Platinum Dermatology, in Dallas, as well as managing partner at Oakhaven Capital and operating partner at Aspire Capital. He brings a dual perspective — as a seasoned physician and active investor — on the financial tools and proficiencies that can elevate dermatologists’ financial trajectories.
“Finance is critical in dermatology, perhaps more than we’re taught to realize,” Dr. Posten said. “Our specialty offers high earning potential, but we face mounting pressures, such as declining reimbursements, increasing consolidation, and rapidly evolving practice models. Understanding how to manage and grow wealth effectively is no longer a luxury; it’s a survival skill.”
William Posten, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Dr. Posten will begin the session by demystifying asset types, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and structured products, and explain their historical performance. One common misconception? That real estate is a foolproof wealth builder.
“Many physicians overestimate real estate returns and underestimate the power of long-term equity investing,” he said.
Per the principle of compound trust, Dr. Posten advises dermatologists to invest as early as possible. Even small contributions can produce large yields over time.
He also urges people to be honest about how much and which kinds of financial aspects they should administer. Taking on too much, or too little, can be detrimental.
“Too many dermatologists outsource their financial decision-making to advisors without a clear understanding of what’s happening,” he said. “Physicians don’t need to become full-time investors, but they do need to understand basics, like tax strategies, risk management, and leverage. This will help to make informed choices, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize the value of their hard-earned income.”
According to Dr. Posten, complacency is the greatest financial challenge that dermatologists face. A fruitful salary does not automatically equate to financial security. The most successful physicians are those who take an intentional, involved approach to saving, spending, and investing. Conversely, he said the biggest opportunity lies in applied knowledge.
“A dermatologist who learns to invest intelligently, even at a basic level, can build wealth far more reliably than trying to see more patients,” he said. “Your most powerful financial asset is not your clinic volume, it’s your brain.”
For dermatologists who are ready to level up their financial fluency, Dr. Posten recommends accessible resources, including websites like Investopedia and Yahoo Finance, AI chatbots, and curated communities like the Dermatology Investment Group on Facebook. He also suggests reading The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel.
“Finance doesn’t need to be intimidating or outsourced entirely,” he said. “With a few core principles and discipline to stay engaged, dermatologists can make smart decisions that compound over time and buy something truly valuable: freedom. Freedom to work less, retire early, or just sleep better at night.”
