Men, Medicine, and Their Female Mentors

Video Version Only on HCPLive!In the latest episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, spoke alongside James Q. Del Rosso, DO, research director of JDR Dermatology Research and president of the American Acne and Rosacea Society, to discuss the empowerment of women in medicine, the impact of male and female role models for clinicians, and more.After introducing Del Rosso, Shahriari highlighted her friendship with Del Rosso and their careers in the field of dermatology. She asked Del Rosso to discuss various elements of his extensive career in dermatology and his journey toward becoming a clinician. Del Rosso described his family’s history, including his own Italian-American heritage and his early life in Brooklyn, New York. Del Rosso noted his own access to an array of intelligent role models in his youth, with both male and female figures helping him to shape his future.Del Rosso touched on various elements of his early career, pointing to his own choices regarding choosing a medical school that fit both his academic and financial needs. He expressed satisfaction at his choice to attend Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine over other academic institutions, highlighting his positive experiences with such figures as Wilma Bergfeld, MD.Over the course of the episode, the conversation shifted to the unique benefits of having had a variety of influential female role models in one’s younger years. Del Rosso noted that, as a young person, his mother, aunts, and grandparents all set strong examples for him. Shahriari spoke with Del Rosso about his familial history prior to his career in dermatology. Specifically, she spoke to Del Rosso about the profound role his aunt and sister had in his life and in helping to shape him as an individual.The discussion between Shahriari and Del Rosso further evolved into a conversation regarding pressures faced by women in the field of dermatology and the empowerment of female colleagues by male allies. Del Rosso commented on his own challenges in persevering throughout his career in medicine. The conversation was punctuated with a point about resilience in one's own career, continuing to move forward regardless of the varying opinions and views of others.Tune in monthly on HCPLive for empowering conversations that will help you build a fulfilling career and life! All episodes of The Medical Sisterhood will be available in a video format via HCPLive.com, with audio-only version available via Apple and Spotify.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!