Dr. Zalaudek is a board certified dermatologist and since 2008 associate professor in the division of dermatology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. She is vice-coordinator of the skin cancer unit at the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova - IRCCS in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and co-director of the Master of Science in Dermoscopy and Dermato-Oncology at the Medical University of Graz.
Her main work and research field is in skin cancer screening and includes skin imaging techniques, such as total body mapping, dermoscopy, digital dermoscopic monitoring, in vivo and ex vivo reflectance confocal microscopy and clinical dermato-oncology, including topical and systemic treatment of skin tumors.
Dr. Zalaudek has published more than 280 scientific articles and she frequently lectures on these topics nationally and internationally. She was awarded “Best Researcher” of the Medical University of Graz in 2008.
Dr. Zalaudek is secretary-elect of the International Dermoscopy Society, board member of the European Academy of Dermato-Oncology and since April 2013, editor-in-chief of Dermatology Practical & Conceptual.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. There are many aspects in which my work gives me pleasure, but I will summarize them into 3 main parts: First, I enjoy the daily interaction with my patients. Working primarily in skin cancer screening requires not only expertise and passion for clinical morphology but needs also a good proportion of empathy. During my work, I often visit individuals who are anxious and concerned about having moles. Although these individuals should see their dermatologists on a regular base, it does not automatically imply that they are sick. Recent research suggests even the contrary: Many moles appear to be protective against the process of skin aging and reduction in bone density. Accordingly, I try to change their fears into something positive. And when they leave my room with a smile on their face saying, “See you next time” I feel I did something good. Yet, the other mission of my work in skin cancer screening is to detect skin cancer as early as possible. It is a pleasure to see the relief coming to a patient’s face when explaining that the lesion has been diagnosed early enough so that a simple treatment has resulted in complete cure.
Second, I enjoy working in a team. I am in the lucky situation to work in a team of great colleagues in which profession, respect, collegiality and friendship stand above any individual’s needs. Even though we run a busy clinic and work hard, we all leave the clinic looking forward to the next working day together.
The third part of my profession that I really like is related to research and teaching. It is great to share experiences, teach colleagues and discuss ideas with them. Due to this part of my work, I have met colleagues in and from almost all continents of the world, many of whom became true friends.
Q. Are an understanding and appreciation of the humanities important in dermatology and why?
A. Besides professional knowledge and expertise, humanity is among the most important requisites in medicine including dermatology. We should not forget that any patient, who enters our room, seeks help from us. For patients with chronic skin problems, for example, it helps often more to listen and to comprehend their complaints than prescribing continuously new treatments.
Q. What is your greatest regret?
A. One of my first patients, who died from metastatic melanoma when I was a first-year resident, always asked me if research has revealed any new treatments that could help him. I regret that he died too early before research discovered some of the new drugs and promising treatments that are available today for the treatment of advanced skin cancer.
Q. Who was your hero/mentor and why?
A. I learned my passion for clinical morphology from Professor Helmut Kerl, who was the chair of the dermatology department at the Medical University of Graz when I did my dermatology residency. I still remember when he told me, “If you don’t know the diagnosis, think about granuloma annular.” Years later, I was able to impress a handful of colleagues with this diagnosis, who discussed for many hours about strange appearing skin lesions in a patient. Besides his profound knowledge and expertise in clinical dermatology and particularly in dermatopathology, he always stood behind his collaborators and he was liberal enough to support individual projects even if he was not fully convinced about the success. I owe a lot to him, both personally and professionally.
Q. Which patient had the most effect on your work and why?
A. At the beginning of my residency, I treated mainly patients with advanced melanoma and at that time, little successful treatments were available, so that I saw many of them dying from the disease. I soon realized that early skin cancer detection is the key to reduce skin cancer mortality as skin cancer, when detected at early stage, is highly curable. Therefore, I feel that the patients with advanced disease influenced most my decision to concentrate my work and research on early skin cancer detection and skin cancer screening.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?
A. I received great advice from 3 men, who are linked to my personal and professional life: First, from my father, who is a surgeon, I learned that every single person in a team — irrespective of their position in the hierarchy — contributes equally to the success of the team. Collegiality and respect stand above any type of hierarchy. Second, from my former chair: He advised me to treat any patient how I wish a doctor would treat my loved ones. I try to apply this advice to each of my patients. Third, from my partner, who is also a dermatologist: He taught me the value of solving a patient’s problems.
Q. With which medical figure in history would you want to have a drink with and why?
A. There are so many famous personalities in history that I find it hard to choose. However, there are also so many young and talented dermatologists, and I would find it interesting to hear more about their ideas and future plans.
Q. What is the greatest political danger in the field of dermatology?
A. There are several political dangers in dermatology, but I will highlight just 2 of them: First, a great danger in dermatology is related to “defensive medicine” due to the fear of potential medical-legal issues. If saving one’s own skin becomes more important than taking the responsibility to cure the skin of our patients, we should give up our profession.
The second great danger that I see in dermatology at least in some European countries is related to nepotism. Nepotism describes basically the practice of favoritism toward close friends or relatives regardless of their professional merit. Nepotism is a serious problem in academia, and clashes with the social norms at the base of science. It results in a complete stagnation of any progress in both, patient care and academia. In this context, I like to cite the following phrase: If you grew up without the figure of a father, you will not feel the need to replace this figure. Politics and dermatological societies should recognize this as a serious problem as successful progress in our discipline strongly depends on the quality of education we offer in the future. n
Dr. Barankin is a dermatologist in Toronto, Canada. He is author-editor of 6 books in dermatology and is widely published in the dermatology and humanities literature.
In dermatology, we are fortunate to have many insightful practitioners and great teachers and mentors. Some are bright stars in our special universe – others unsung heroes. All of these colleagues have much to share, from wisdom to humor to insights into dermatology and life. This column allows us to gain insight from these practitioners and learn more about them.
Dr. Zalaudek is a board certified dermatologist and since 2008 associate professor in the division of dermatology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. She is vice-coordinator of the skin cancer unit at the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova - IRCCS in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and co-director of the Master of Science in Dermoscopy and Dermato-Oncology at the Medical University of Graz.
Her main work and research field is in skin cancer screening and includes skin imaging techniques, such as total body mapping, dermoscopy, digital dermoscopic monitoring, in vivo and ex vivo reflectance confocal microscopy and clinical dermato-oncology, including topical and systemic treatment of skin tumors.
Dr. Zalaudek has published more than 280 scientific articles and she frequently lectures on these topics nationally and internationally. She was awarded “Best Researcher” of the Medical University of Graz in 2008.
Dr. Zalaudek is secretary-elect of the International Dermoscopy Society, board member of the European Academy of Dermato-Oncology and since April 2013, editor-in-chief of Dermatology Practical & Conceptual.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. There are many aspects in which my work gives me pleasure, but I will summarize them into 3 main parts: First, I enjoy the daily interaction with my patients. Working primarily in skin cancer screening requires not only expertise and passion for clinical morphology but needs also a good proportion of empathy. During my work, I often visit individuals who are anxious and concerned about having moles. Although these individuals should see their dermatologists on a regular base, it does not automatically imply that they are sick. Recent research suggests even the contrary: Many moles appear to be protective against the process of skin aging and reduction in bone density. Accordingly, I try to change their fears into something positive. And when they leave my room with a smile on their face saying, “See you next time” I feel I did something good. Yet, the other mission of my work in skin cancer screening is to detect skin cancer as early as possible. It is a pleasure to see the relief coming to a patient’s face when explaining that the lesion has been diagnosed early enough so that a simple treatment has resulted in complete cure.
Second, I enjoy working in a team. I am in the lucky situation to work in a team of great colleagues in which profession, respect, collegiality and friendship stand above any individual’s needs. Even though we run a busy clinic and work hard, we all leave the clinic looking forward to the next working day together.
The third part of my profession that I really like is related to research and teaching. It is great to share experiences, teach colleagues and discuss ideas with them. Due to this part of my work, I have met colleagues in and from almost all continents of the world, many of whom became true friends.
Q. Are an understanding and appreciation of the humanities important in dermatology and why?
A. Besides professional knowledge and expertise, humanity is among the most important requisites in medicine including dermatology. We should not forget that any patient, who enters our room, seeks help from us. For patients with chronic skin problems, for example, it helps often more to listen and to comprehend their complaints than prescribing continuously new treatments.
Q. What is your greatest regret?
A. One of my first patients, who died from metastatic melanoma when I was a first-year resident, always asked me if research has revealed any new treatments that could help him. I regret that he died too early before research discovered some of the new drugs and promising treatments that are available today for the treatment of advanced skin cancer.
Q. Who was your hero/mentor and why?
A. I learned my passion for clinical morphology from Professor Helmut Kerl, who was the chair of the dermatology department at the Medical University of Graz when I did my dermatology residency. I still remember when he told me, “If you don’t know the diagnosis, think about granuloma annular.” Years later, I was able to impress a handful of colleagues with this diagnosis, who discussed for many hours about strange appearing skin lesions in a patient. Besides his profound knowledge and expertise in clinical dermatology and particularly in dermatopathology, he always stood behind his collaborators and he was liberal enough to support individual projects even if he was not fully convinced about the success. I owe a lot to him, both personally and professionally.
Q. Which patient had the most effect on your work and why?
A. At the beginning of my residency, I treated mainly patients with advanced melanoma and at that time, little successful treatments were available, so that I saw many of them dying from the disease. I soon realized that early skin cancer detection is the key to reduce skin cancer mortality as skin cancer, when detected at early stage, is highly curable. Therefore, I feel that the patients with advanced disease influenced most my decision to concentrate my work and research on early skin cancer detection and skin cancer screening.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?
A. I received great advice from 3 men, who are linked to my personal and professional life: First, from my father, who is a surgeon, I learned that every single person in a team — irrespective of their position in the hierarchy — contributes equally to the success of the team. Collegiality and respect stand above any type of hierarchy. Second, from my former chair: He advised me to treat any patient how I wish a doctor would treat my loved ones. I try to apply this advice to each of my patients. Third, from my partner, who is also a dermatologist: He taught me the value of solving a patient’s problems.
Q. With which medical figure in history would you want to have a drink with and why?
A. There are so many famous personalities in history that I find it hard to choose. However, there are also so many young and talented dermatologists, and I would find it interesting to hear more about their ideas and future plans.
Q. What is the greatest political danger in the field of dermatology?
A. There are several political dangers in dermatology, but I will highlight just 2 of them: First, a great danger in dermatology is related to “defensive medicine” due to the fear of potential medical-legal issues. If saving one’s own skin becomes more important than taking the responsibility to cure the skin of our patients, we should give up our profession.
The second great danger that I see in dermatology at least in some European countries is related to nepotism. Nepotism describes basically the practice of favoritism toward close friends or relatives regardless of their professional merit. Nepotism is a serious problem in academia, and clashes with the social norms at the base of science. It results in a complete stagnation of any progress in both, patient care and academia. In this context, I like to cite the following phrase: If you grew up without the figure of a father, you will not feel the need to replace this figure. Politics and dermatological societies should recognize this as a serious problem as successful progress in our discipline strongly depends on the quality of education we offer in the future. n
Dr. Barankin is a dermatologist in Toronto, Canada. He is author-editor of 6 books in dermatology and is widely published in the dermatology and humanities literature.
In dermatology, we are fortunate to have many insightful practitioners and great teachers and mentors. Some are bright stars in our special universe – others unsung heroes. All of these colleagues have much to share, from wisdom to humor to insights into dermatology and life. This column allows us to gain insight from these practitioners and learn more about them.
Dr. Zalaudek is a board certified dermatologist and since 2008 associate professor in the division of dermatology at the Medical University of Graz, Austria. She is vice-coordinator of the skin cancer unit at the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova - IRCCS in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and co-director of the Master of Science in Dermoscopy and Dermato-Oncology at the Medical University of Graz.
Her main work and research field is in skin cancer screening and includes skin imaging techniques, such as total body mapping, dermoscopy, digital dermoscopic monitoring, in vivo and ex vivo reflectance confocal microscopy and clinical dermato-oncology, including topical and systemic treatment of skin tumors.
Dr. Zalaudek has published more than 280 scientific articles and she frequently lectures on these topics nationally and internationally. She was awarded “Best Researcher” of the Medical University of Graz in 2008.
Dr. Zalaudek is secretary-elect of the International Dermoscopy Society, board member of the European Academy of Dermato-Oncology and since April 2013, editor-in-chief of Dermatology Practical & Conceptual.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. There are many aspects in which my work gives me pleasure, but I will summarize them into 3 main parts: First, I enjoy the daily interaction with my patients. Working primarily in skin cancer screening requires not only expertise and passion for clinical morphology but needs also a good proportion of empathy. During my work, I often visit individuals who are anxious and concerned about having moles. Although these individuals should see their dermatologists on a regular base, it does not automatically imply that they are sick. Recent research suggests even the contrary: Many moles appear to be protective against the process of skin aging and reduction in bone density. Accordingly, I try to change their fears into something positive. And when they leave my room with a smile on their face saying, “See you next time” I feel I did something good. Yet, the other mission of my work in skin cancer screening is to detect skin cancer as early as possible. It is a pleasure to see the relief coming to a patient’s face when explaining that the lesion has been diagnosed early enough so that a simple treatment has resulted in complete cure.
Second, I enjoy working in a team. I am in the lucky situation to work in a team of great colleagues in which profession, respect, collegiality and friendship stand above any individual’s needs. Even though we run a busy clinic and work hard, we all leave the clinic looking forward to the next working day together.
The third part of my profession that I really like is related to research and teaching. It is great to share experiences, teach colleagues and discuss ideas with them. Due to this part of my work, I have met colleagues in and from almost all continents of the world, many of whom became true friends.
Q. Are an understanding and appreciation of the humanities important in dermatology and why?
A. Besides professional knowledge and expertise, humanity is among the most important requisites in medicine including dermatology. We should not forget that any patient, who enters our room, seeks help from us. For patients with chronic skin problems, for example, it helps often more to listen and to comprehend their complaints than prescribing continuously new treatments.
Q. What is your greatest regret?
A. One of my first patients, who died from metastatic melanoma when I was a first-year resident, always asked me if research has revealed any new treatments that could help him. I regret that he died too early before research discovered some of the new drugs and promising treatments that are available today for the treatment of advanced skin cancer.
Q. Who was your hero/mentor and why?
A. I learned my passion for clinical morphology from Professor Helmut Kerl, who was the chair of the dermatology department at the Medical University of Graz when I did my dermatology residency. I still remember when he told me, “If you don’t know the diagnosis, think about granuloma annular.” Years later, I was able to impress a handful of colleagues with this diagnosis, who discussed for many hours about strange appearing skin lesions in a patient. Besides his profound knowledge and expertise in clinical dermatology and particularly in dermatopathology, he always stood behind his collaborators and he was liberal enough to support individual projects even if he was not fully convinced about the success. I owe a lot to him, both personally and professionally.
Q. Which patient had the most effect on your work and why?
A. At the beginning of my residency, I treated mainly patients with advanced melanoma and at that time, little successful treatments were available, so that I saw many of them dying from the disease. I soon realized that early skin cancer detection is the key to reduce skin cancer mortality as skin cancer, when detected at early stage, is highly curable. Therefore, I feel that the patients with advanced disease influenced most my decision to concentrate my work and research on early skin cancer detection and skin cancer screening.
Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received and from whom?
A. I received great advice from 3 men, who are linked to my personal and professional life: First, from my father, who is a surgeon, I learned that every single person in a team — irrespective of their position in the hierarchy — contributes equally to the success of the team. Collegiality and respect stand above any type of hierarchy. Second, from my former chair: He advised me to treat any patient how I wish a doctor would treat my loved ones. I try to apply this advice to each of my patients. Third, from my partner, who is also a dermatologist: He taught me the value of solving a patient’s problems.
Q. With which medical figure in history would you want to have a drink with and why?
A. There are so many famous personalities in history that I find it hard to choose. However, there are also so many young and talented dermatologists, and I would find it interesting to hear more about their ideas and future plans.
Q. What is the greatest political danger in the field of dermatology?
A. There are several political dangers in dermatology, but I will highlight just 2 of them: First, a great danger in dermatology is related to “defensive medicine” due to the fear of potential medical-legal issues. If saving one’s own skin becomes more important than taking the responsibility to cure the skin of our patients, we should give up our profession.
The second great danger that I see in dermatology at least in some European countries is related to nepotism. Nepotism describes basically the practice of favoritism toward close friends or relatives regardless of their professional merit. Nepotism is a serious problem in academia, and clashes with the social norms at the base of science. It results in a complete stagnation of any progress in both, patient care and academia. In this context, I like to cite the following phrase: If you grew up without the figure of a father, you will not feel the need to replace this figure. Politics and dermatological societies should recognize this as a serious problem as successful progress in our discipline strongly depends on the quality of education we offer in the future. n
Dr. Barankin is a dermatologist in Toronto, Canada. He is author-editor of 6 books in dermatology and is widely published in the dermatology and humanities literature.
