If you are like me, you came into medicine with preconceived notions of what it means to be a healthcare provider. I wanted to practice small-town family medicine, where I thought the most significant opportunity to impact patients existed. While I don't refute the realities of that scenario, life has a way of molding our perspectives and guiding our career trajectory.
While we all have unique journeys that led us to dermatology, mine started as a student working on a master's research project on a disease called 'psoriasis,' a diagnosis that still fascinates me today. Its unique physical descriptors and signs piqued my interest as a budding PA and drew me into the specialty of dermatology. My mom likes to point out how apropos it is that I ended up as a dermatology PA, as she worked as a medical assistant for a dermatologist while pregnant with me. I like to think that she prepared me for my future career as I secretly listened to all her patient interactions.
Undoubtedly, our lives as healthcare providers are more complicated in 2021 than they were a generation ago. Yet, despite Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), changing reimbursement models, regulatory burdens, and a seemingly endless pipeline of new therapies, our overall job hasn't changed. Our calling is to offer comfort, hope, and healing to our patients, which is a great privilege and honor. I encourage you to approach each day with awe and appreciation for the gift you experience as a healer of others.
Matthew Brunner PA-C is a dermatology PA at Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center in Stockbridge, GA. When he isn't busy working, he enjoys traveling with his spouse and relaxing with his two dachshunds.
