HCPLive Dermatology Podcasts

In the April episode of The Medical Sisterhood podcast, host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, is joined by Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Airia Comprehensive Dermatology, for a candid discussion centered on career evolution, entrepreneurship, and redefining success in medicine.Key Timestamps:0:00 Introduction of Dr. Kiracofe2:06 Career background4:40 What sparked the Airia Foundation's beginning?9:44 Helping patients with key issues12:08 Mentorship experiences19:19 Simple steps for clinicians to get involved in the community26:17 Final thoughts on women in leadershipWant to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In the latest episode of The Medical Sisterhood podcast, host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, is joined by Elizabeth A. Kiracofe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Airia Comprehensive Dermatology, for a candid discussion centered on career evolution, entrepreneurship, and redefining success in medicine.Their conversation highlights the personal and professional inflection points that shape a physician’s path, particularly for women navigating leadership, ownership, and work-life integration. Key Timestamps:00:00 Introduction of Dr. Kiracofe02:06 Career background04:40 What sparked the Airia Foundation's beginning?09:44 Helping patients with key issues12:08 Mentorship experiences 19:19 Simple steps for clinicians to get involved in the community26:17 Final thoughts on women in leadershipWant to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

For dermatologists and the dermatology community, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting has earned the reputation as a platform the next wave of practice-changing advances in the field. The 2026 AAD annual meeting served as a prime example of why, with more than a dozen phase 2 or phase 3 trials headlining the conference—showcasing new data in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and more.In this special edition episode of ABCs in Dermatology, hosts Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, of Yale School of Medicine, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD, of US Dermatology Partners, break down a trio of late-breaking trials from the meeting and share their perspective on additional data of note across multiple disease states.TOGETHER-PsA TrialOn March 28, 2026, Eli Lilly announced positive phase 3b results from the TOGETHER-PsA trial evaluating concomitant ixekizumab (Taltz) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) versus ixekizumab alone in adults with active psoriatic arthritis and obesity or overweight.In the randomized, open-label trial of 271 participants, the combination arm met the primary endpoint, ACR50 response plus ≥10% weight reduction at 36 weeks, in 31.7% of patients versus 0.8% with ixekizumab monotherapy, with improvements in disease activity, fatigue, physical function, and cardiometabolic markers also favoring the combination. Adverse events in the combination arm were generally mild to moderate and consistent with the established profiles of each agent, with nausea, diarrhea, and constipation among the most common.Eli Lilly indicated detailed findings will be discussed with regulators, though no submission timeline was disclosed.Part A of the Phase 2 APEX TrialOn March 23, 2026, Apogee Therapeutics announced positive 52-week maintenance data from Part A of the phase 2 APEX trial evaluating zumilokibart, an extended half-life anti-IL-13 monoclonal antibody, in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.Based on the trial's maintenance phase, EASI-75 response was maintained at week 52 in 75% and 85% of week 16 responders receiving every-3-month and every-6-month dosing, respectively, with deepening of response observed across lesional and itch endpoints in the full treated population through 52 weeks. Zumilokibart's extended half-life design supports dosing as infrequently as twice yearly, compared with up to 26 annual injections for currently available therapies, with a safety profile consistent with other agents in the IL-13 class.Part B 16-week induction data are expected in the second quarter of 2026, with phase 3 initiation in moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis planned for the second half of 2026.LATITUDE Psoriasis Phase 3 StudiesOn March 28, 2026, Takeda announced positive phase 3 results from the Latitude PsO 3001 and 3002 trials evaluating zasocitinib, a once-daily oral selective TYK2 inhibitor, in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.In the randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active comparator-controlled trials, 71.4% and 69.2% of zasocitinib-treated patients achieved sPGA 0/1 at week 16 versus 10.7% and 12.6% with placebo and 32.1% and 29.7% with apremilast (P <.001), with PASI 75 responses observed as early as week 4 and more than 90% of week 40 responders maintaining response through week 60. The safety profile was consistent with phase 2b data, with upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis, and acne among the most common adverse events and no new safety signals were identified.Takeda plans to submit a New Drug Application to the FDA starting in fiscal year 2026.Relevant disclosures for Bunick include AbbVie, South Beach Symposium, Almirall, Apogee Therapeutics, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, LEO Pharma, US, Novan, Novartis, Ortho Dermatologics, Palvella Therapeutics, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Timber Pharmaceuticals, and UCB. Relevant disclosures for Ackerman include AbbVie, Alumis, Amgen, Arcutis, Beiersdorf, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Dermavant, Galderma, L'Oréal, Novartis, Sun Pharmaceutical, and UCB.

The 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting convenes in Denver with a scientific agenda promising to showcase the latest advances and breakthroughs in dermatologic care. In this preview episode of ABCs in Dermatology, hosts Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, of Yale School of Medicine, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD, of US Dermatology Partners, survey the landscape ahead of the meeting and walk through the sessions each will be presenting on-site.HOST SESSIONS AT AAD 2026Session: Acne & Rosacea Date: Friday, March 27, 2026Session SummaryBunick reframes antibiotics in acne as anti-inflammatory agents rather than antimicrobials—a distinction he argues is clinically meaningful for patient adherence and prescribing confidence. The talk addresses antibiotic stewardship, the role of narrow-spectrum agents such as sarecycline in preserving gut microbiome integrity while retaining full anti-inflammatory efficacy, and the understudied pathophysiologic distinctions between teenage and adult female acne. Sarecycline's inability to cross the blood-brain barrier, minimal vestibular disturbance, and lowest resistance profile among tetracyclines are highlighted as precision-medicine advances entering the acne space.Session: Mechanism of Action, Safety & Systemic Inflammation in JAK InhibitionDate: Monday, March 30, 2026Session SummaryBunick presents a comprehensive reappraisal of JAK inhibitor safety and systemic inflammation, anchored in what he describes as a widespread misreading of the ORAL Surveillance study. Because the trial used an active comparator only—with no placebo arm—it cannot support conclusions about absolute cardiovascular risk for either tofacitinib or TNF-alpha inhibitors. The session will present transcriptomic evidence linking psoriasis and atopic dermatitis to shared atherosclerotic risk pathways, introduce his "diaper to diaper" hypothesis tracing systemic inflammation from growth stunting in pediatric AD to cardiovascular disease in adults, and close with a five-year comparative analysis of JAK inhibitor and IL-13-targeted safety data.Session: Gross & MicroscopicDate: Friday, March 27, 2026Title: Maintenance of IHS4 Response to Upadacitinib in Moderate-to-Severe Hidradenitis SuppurativaSession SummaryAckerman presents maintenance-of-response data for upadacitinib in moderate-to-severe HS using the IHS4 severity scoring system—extending previously published week-12 results to week 40 across patients achieving IHS4 55, 75, and 90 response thresholds. Durability is framed as the defining clinical imperative in HS: even patients without active lesions carry substantial anticipatory psychological burden between flares. Ackerman positions JAK1 inhibition as mechanistically well-suited to HS given its broad reach across the disease's heterogeneous cytokine architecture, and signals optimism for the emerging oral and adjuvant JAK inhibitor pipeline—including abrocitinib and povorcitinib—as the field moves beyond its current injectable-only approved options.

In the inaugural episode, co-hosts Lindsay Ackerman, MD, of US Dermatology Partners, and Chris Bunick, MD, PhD, of Yale School of Medicine, introduced the podcast and the philosophy behind it.The series, titled Ackerman-Bunick Conversations in Dermatology, or ABCs in Dermatology for short, aims to translate complex and rapidly evolving clinical and scientific developments into practical insights for practicing clinicians. New episodes will be released monthly, with video available on HCPLive and audio distributed through Spotify and Apple Podcasts.The conversation began with each host reflecting on their path into dermatology. Ackerman described early exposure to cutaneous oncology research at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was drawn to the field’s range. Dermatology, she noted, uniquely spans infectious disease, malignancy, genetic disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions. That breadth, combined with the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients, helped shape her decision to pursue the specialty.Bunick traced his interest back to doctoral research in nucleotide excision repair, where his work on the XPC protein introduced him to the biology of non-melanoma skin cancers. A later clinical rotation, along with mentorship from a program director at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, reinforced his decision to move from laboratory science into dermatology.A central theme of the episode was the growing importance of molecular literacy in everyday clinical practice. As therapeutic options expand, Bunick emphasized, clinicians increasingly need to understand and communicate the mechanisms behind treatment choices. Explaining the “why” behind a therapy, he noted, helps patients and families feel more confident and engaged in care. Ackerman discussed her focus on advancing medical dermatology, particularly through clinical trials involving rare or underserved diseases. Her work includes research in congenital ichthyosis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and other conditions that currently lack FDA-approved therapies. Both hosts described the current moment as one of rapid therapeutic progress, with biologic and targeted treatments reshaping outcomes for diseases that historically had limited options.The episode also addressed the doctor-patient relationship. Ackerman and Bunick stressed the value of genuine human connection in clinical care, noting that trust and clear communication can reduce patient isolation and improve engagement with treatment plans.Looking ahead, the hosts previewed upcoming topics for the series, including genodermatoses, women’s health in dermatology, and controversial or underexplored clinical questions. The next episode, a preview of the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, is scheduled for release on March 23.

In the March episode of The Medical Sisterhood podcast, host Mona Shahriari, MD, is joined by Natasha Mesinkovska, MD, PhD, a dermatologist and researcher at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, for a wide-ranging conversation on visibility, resilience, mentorship, and the art of commanding a room recorded in recognition of Women's History Month.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In the February episode of The Medical Sisterhood podcast, produced by HCPLive, hosts Mona Shahriari, MD, and guest Jennifer Hsiao, MD, discuss the invisible labor faced by female physicians, particularly mothers.They explore the mental checklists, calendar management, and the constant juggling of professional and personal responsibilities. Hsiao shares her experience as a dermatologist and mother of two, highlighting the challenges of maintaining work-life balance and the societal expectations placed on mothers.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this first episode of The Medical Sisterhood from January 2026, the podcast opens with a candid and timely conversation about advocacy, autonomy, and the quiet breaking points many women physicians experience within modern medicine.Hosted by Mona Shahriari, MD, of Yale School of Medicine, the episode features Kristi B. Hawley, DO, founder and owner of The Derm Institute of West Michigan, whose journey as a dermatologist, practice owner, and physician advocate offers a powerful lens into the systemic challenges facing clinicians today.Together, Shahriari and Hawley reaffirm The Medical Sisterhood’s mission—to create space for honest dialogue, shared strength, and collective action among women physicians.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this end-of-year episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, brings together a powerhouse panel of women leaders in dermatology for a wide-ranging conversation on education, leadership, authenticity, and balance in medicine.Joining Shahriari are Kavita Mariwalla, MD, president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery and a double board-certified Mohs surgeon and dermatologist in private practice; Nazanin Saedi, MD, associate professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals; and Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale University School of Medicine’s Department of Dermatology.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this holiday-themed episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, welcomes Angela Lamb, MD, associate professor of dermatology and vice chair of clinical operations and strategy at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Together, they examine the realities of balancing clinical responsibilities with family life during one of the busiest—and often most emotionally taxing—times of the year.Both physicians remind listeners that balancing leadership, motherhood, and medicine is not about achieving perfection but about embracing community, intention, and compassion—especially during the holidays.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this special episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, welcomes her real-life sister, Neda Shahriari, MD, dermatologist and associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School.Together, the 2 leaders in the field offered an honest look at their parallel journeys in dermatology, the realities of balancing professional and personal life, and the importance of mentorship. Through humor and candid reflection, the 2 speakers shed light on the shared realities of women in dermatology while underscoring the value of professional connection, collaboration, and community in medicine.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, is joined by her colleague and practice partner Amy Y. Chen, MD, a fellowship-trained dermatologist at Central Connecticut Dermatology and Middlesex Health.Together, the 2 physicians open up about the shared challenges of navigating demanding medical careers while raising young children, offering candid insights and practical strategies for clinician mothers. Both physicians reflect on how motherhood has deepened their empathy for patients, particularly those juggling similar demands.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, speaks with Laura K. Ferris, MD, PhD, a Clayton E. Wheeler, Jr. Distinguished Professor and chair of the University of North Carolina Department of Dermatology, about her unexpected path to departmental leadership, the lessons she has learned in her first year as chair, and her advice for women physicians navigating academic medicine.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, is joined by Amal Elkady, MBBCh, a physician-leader with deep roots in dermatology, immunology, and the pharmaceutical industry. Together, they explore the less-traveled path from academia to industry—a move Elkady made not out of frustration, but from an expansive desire to impact more patients worldwide.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

In this edition of HCPLive's The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, welcomes Canadian dermatologist and global thought leader Melinda Gooderham, MD, MSc, the Medical Director of the SKiN Centre for Dermatology. The interview features a candid and inspiring conversation on building a high-impact career in dermatology while navigating the complexities of leadership, motherhood, and self-doubt.Key Timestamps00:00 Introduction of Dr. Gooderham01:09 Early experiences in medical field journey04:03 Challenges in joining the clinical trial space08:42 Tips for on-stage charisma during presentations10:53 Advice on becoming a global speaker12:48 Ways to balance work travel with free time17:21 Tips for self-care during travel for work20:21 Dealing with imposter syndrome25:08 Balancing family obligations with travel27:27 Final thoughts

Video Version Only on HCPLive!In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, associate clinical professor of Dermatology at Yale University, is joined by her colleague Amy Spizuoco, DO, a dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and Mohs surgeon based in New York City. The conversation explores Spizuoco’s professional journey, her experiences in medical leadership, and insights into building a career in dermatologic education and public speaking.Spizuoco shares her early training in dermatology in Arizona, followed by her dermatopathology fellowship at the Ackerman Academy, where she became the first osteopathically trained physician to complete the program. Her comprehensive clinical background led her to open her own private practice, True Dermatology, in March 2020—just days before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global shutdown. She reflects on the unique challenges and unexpected digital advancements that emerged during this period.A central theme of the episode is the influence of osteopathic training on clinical practice. Spizuoco explains how osteopathic principles, particularly holistic and preventive care, have informed her approach to dermatology. The discussion transitions to her path to becoming a national lecturer and key opinion leader (KOL), including leadership roles within the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and her contributions to organizing and speaking at national conferences.Shahriari and Spizuoco candidly discuss the underrepresentation of women in the lecture circuit and offer advice for physicians aspiring to become KOLs. Key takeaways include the importance of being professionally responsive, prioritizing clinical experience, starting with local or regional opportunities, and always delivering high-quality, engaging presentations—regardless of the setting. Spizuoco underscores the value of authenticity and humor in connecting with audiences, and shares her perspective on overcoming imposter syndrome and finding her voice as a speaker.The episode concludes with encouragement for aspiring female physicians to embrace public speaking opportunities with confidence, preparedness, and passion.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

Video Version Only on HCPLive!In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, sits down with Jennifer Soung, MD—Director of Clinical Research at Southern California Dermatology, practicing dermatologist, educator, and founder of the LEADderm meeting—for a candid, inspiring conversation about career evolution, representation, and the transformative power of community in dermatology.Soung reflects on her early trajectory from training at Mount Sinai and UC Irvine to establishing a thriving clinical research center in an underserved area of Santa Ana. She shares how early experiences with underrepresentation and balancing motherhood with professional ambitions shaped her approach to leadership.The conversation flows from personal anecdotes—such as Soung’s thoughts on shifting from first names to full titles to allow for greater respect in male-dominated settings—to formative reflections on Soung's mentorship under pediatric endocrinologist Francine Kaufman, MD, who modeled a career blending clinical practice, research, and advocacy. Shahriari shares how Soung’s presence on the podium early in her own career served as a powerful model of representation, affirming that leadership can look different.A focal point of their dialogue is LEADderm, a dermatology conference Soung created to address gaps in gender and ethnic diversity among academic and industry leaders. Beyond clinical science, LEADderm emphasizes emotional intelligence, sponsorship, and authentic work-life integration—topics traditionally underrepresented at major meetings.Soung outlines the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, advocating for actionable steps to elevate others. The episode closes with a preview of the 2024 conference and a call to foster inclusive leadership through community, visibility, and purposeful connection.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

Video Version Only on HCPLive!The latest episode of The Medical Sisterhood, recorded live at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2025 Annual Meeting, brings together host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, and guests Latanya Benjamin, MD, and Lindsay Ackerman, MD.Ackerman is known for her work as a dermatologist and the founder of Medical Dermatology Specialists Phoenix, now a part of US Dermatology Partners. Benjamin is known for her work as a pediatric dermatologist, former professor of medicine at Stanford University, and the owner of her practice Young Skin.Shahriari, Benjamin, and Ackerman held an inspiring conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the evolving role of women in dermatology. The discussion highlights personal journeys, overcoming professional hurdles, and fostering a culture of empowerment for the next generation of female dermatologists.Ackerman shares her passion for complex medical dermatology and the deep fulfillment she finds in patient care and mentorship. She introduces Skintelegent Productions, an initiative dedicated to sharing patient stories and raising awareness of dermatology’s critical role in medicine. She discusses the challenges of launching this project, including financial and logistical hurdles, but underscores the importance of staying the course and embracing discomfort to drive change.Benjamin, a pediatric dermatologist and the outgoing Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS) President reflects on her unexpected leadership journey. She candidly shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of running an organization, supporting members through personal and professional struggles, and advocating for mental health and mentorship initiatives. Her presidency prioritized listening to members, fostering inclusivity, and pushing for meaningful change in the dermatologic community.The conversation delves into the unique challenges women face in medicine, including gender bias, being underestimated, and navigating professional interactions. Dr. Shahriari shares her experiences advocating for herself and others, emphasizing the importance of amplifying female voices in male-dominated spaces. The panelists encourage young dermatologists to take risks, push boundaries, and surround themselves with strong mentors.A recurring theme is the power of intentionality—understanding that every "yes" comes at the cost of something else. The panelists urge women in dermatology to prioritize their passions, set boundaries, and uplift one another. They emphasize that true success is not about doing everything but about making a meaningful impact where it matters most.This engaging discussion offers invaluable insights into the power of sisterhood, resilience, and redefining success in dermatology.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

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!

Video Version Only on HCPLive!In this 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, is joined by Shadi Kourosh, MD, MPH, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Pigmentary Disorder and Multiethnic Skin Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, to discuss advocacy, mentorship, and the empowerment of women in medicine.After introducing herself, Kourosh reflects on her path to legislative advocacy, which began with patient-centered initiatives through organizations like the National Psoriasis Foundation. She emphasizes physician-patient teams' power in conveying healthcare policies' real-world impact to lawmakers. From addressing insurance step therapies to advocating for sustainable physician reimbursement, her efforts highlight the critical role of education in influencing health policy. She notes how many lawmakers lack a nuanced understanding of medical issues, making physician input essential.Use this link to view US News and World Report article, titled "Medicare is Breaking. Senior Citizens are Paying the Price.", authored by Kourosh referenced in this recording.The conversation shifts to empowering women to engage in advocacy despite time constraints. Kourosh encourages leveraging local opportunities, such as district meetings with legislators, joining committees remotely, or supporting initiatives via social media. She underscores how impactful contributions can start with small actions, like responding to pre-drafted advocacy emails from professional organizations.The episode closes with a heartfelt reminder about the value of friendships and collegial support in navigating challenges, preventing burnout, and fostering career growth. Kourosh advises physicians to invest in building and maintaining strong professional relationships, as collaboration and community are key to resilience and success in medicine.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

Video Version Only on HCPLive!In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, speaks with Susan Taylor, MD, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, two leaders in dermatology, about mentorship, professional growth, and the realities of balancing personal and professional responsibilities as women in medicine.Taylor, a professor and vice chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Perelman School of Medicine, shares how her mentor inspired her to develop the subspecialty of skin of color dermatology. She emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks and planning strategically to focus on impactful work, such as her recent completion of a new edition of Dermatology for Skin of Color.Stein Gold, director of Dermatology Clinical Research at Henry Ford Health System, discusses her role in pioneering clinical trials and how early encouragement from a mentor to present her findings at national meetings shaped her career. She advises women to embrace opportunities, even when they feel unprepared, and reflects on the critical importance of prioritizing family.The discussion highlights how women bring unique perspectives to dermatology, including holistic patient care and multitasking abilities. Both guests address imposter syndrome, stressing the importance of recognizing one’s competence and embracing challenges. Their insights provide actionable advice for young female physicians navigating their careers while striving to balance personal fulfillment.Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!

Video Version Only on HCPLive!In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, is joined by Alexandra Golant, MD, medical director of the Dermatology Faculty Practice and the program director of the Dermatology Residency Program at Mount Sinai, to discuss the complexities of balancing motherhood and a medical career. Golant, who also serves as an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, shares her journey in medicine, the challenges of raising 4 children, and the importance of accepting imperfection in both personal and professional roles.The conversation highlights the reality that women often feel pressured to "have it all," but Golant emphasizes that prioritizing tasks and finding personal balance are essential. The episode also touches on the power of female mentorship, learning to say no without guilt, and how creating a strong support network can help women thrive in male-dominated fields like medicine.Later, both Shahriari and Golant reflect on their own experiences with work-life balance, discussing how flexibility, camaraderie, and self-care can prevent burnout. By normalizing the struggles women face in medicine, the episode offers relatable advice and encouragement to physicians juggling career demands and family life.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!

Video Version Only on HCPLive!In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, sits down with dermatologist Tina Bhutani, MD, codirector of the Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center and director of the Dermatology Clinical Research Unit at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), to explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, particularly among women in medicine. Bhutani, who also serves as an associate professor of Medicine at UCSF, reflects on her personal experiences, sharing how her journey into dermatology was marked by setbacks, self-doubt, and a persistent fear of not belonging—even after securing a faculty position at UCSF, one of the top dermatology programs in the country.Together, Shahriari, 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, and Bhutani dive into the ways imposter syndrome manifests, from overthinking every comment in meetings to feeling like accomplishments are due to luck rather than merit. Bhutani shares practical strategies for overcoming this mindset, including self-coaching, leaning on peer mentors, and recognizing the unique value each woman brings to the table. The episode emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another in professional spaces, particularly in male-dominated fields, and to celebrate personal milestones and successes.Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to confront self-doubt, build confidence, and foster supportive networks to navigate the pressures of medicine. Shahriari and Bhutani also discuss how creating a community—like the one they hope to build with The Medical Sisterhood—can empower women physicians to thrive.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!

Video Version Only on HCPLive!The latest multimedia series from HCPLive, The Medical Sisterhood is a monthly podcast spotlighting the unique issues confronting women who pursue careers in medicine created by Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research.In our introductory episode, Shahriari shares her journey as the daughter of Iranian immigrants and reflects on her experiences as a female physician striving to find her place in a male-dominated field. Shahriari delves into her decision to create a new platform tailored to the needs of women in medicine after realizing that the traditional "seat at the table" often falls short for women. The Medical Sisterhood was born from her desire to build a supportive community for female physicians, where mentorship and shared experiences empower listeners to overcome professional and personal hurdles.Shahriari previews upcoming topics, including work-life balance, debunking myths about having it all, navigating leadership roles, and addressing unconscious gender biases. She also introduces her "Four Fs" framework—fun, family, fame, and fortune—as a tool for evaluating opportunities. With insights from trailblazing women, panel discussions, and unfiltered advice, "The Medical Sisterhood" aims to inspire women in dermatology and beyond to pursue their aspirations without compromise.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!