15 Tips from 15 Years in Practice

After 15 years in dermatology, I’ve learned lessons that go beyond textbooks. Here are 15 practical tips that can help students, new clinicians, and seasoned healthcare practitioners alike.

Documenting the history, ROS, and exam findings in detail is essential. Accurate notes support insurance and reimbursement, ensure coverage for medications and treatments, protect against legal issues, and promote professional courtesy when managing shared patients. Be sure to update medications, allergies, and pregnancy status at every visit, and clearly document the recommended follow-up timeframe. Consistent, detailed documentation safeguards both patient care and your practice.

Effective communication extends beyond patients - it includes your colleagues, medical assistants, and front office staff. How you interact with your team sets the tone for the entire office. Show appreciation by recognizing birthdays and accomplishments, and maintain open, respectful communication throughout the workday. Small gestures and consistent dialogue foster a positive work environment and improve team collaboration.

Establishing strong relationships with pharmaceutical reps and industry contacts can benefit both your practice and your patients. These connections offer product knowledge, education, and improved access to medications, including samples and rebates. It may open doors to advisory boards or speaking opportunities. It helps to understand various industry roles (such as MSLs, TLLs, FRMs).

The way others perceive you - patients, colleagues, and industry partners - matters. Patient satisfaction builds your reputation as a clinician, supporting a busy schedule and stronger patient retention. Positive impressions among other healthcare practitioners (MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, therapists) can lead to more referrals. In the professional world, a solid reputation opens doors to leadership opportunities, speaking engagements, and collaborations.

Cultivate a network of specialists and peers - rheumatologists, primary care providers, allergists, surgeons, and more. Strong professional relationships lead to faster patient referrals and allow for helpful curbside consults when needed. Collaboration within your own field, including supervising physicians, PAs, and NPs to share experiences and knowledge.

Networking is essential. Attend in-person conferences, join professional organizations, engage with your community, and remain open to new opportunities.

Stay current by attending conferences and industry programs, listening to webinars and podcasts, and reading medical journals. Consider additional education, such as CAQ certifications, diplomate programs, or advanced degrees. Leverage clinical tools and resources like UpToDate, VisualDx, and Open Evidence.

Provide patients with detailed, personalized handouts (utilizing EMR or AI to assist) for disease education. Refer them to support organizations or groups when appropriate, and provide clear pre- and post-procedure instructions. Effective communication is key to patient success: better counseling leads to fewer callbacks, improved adherence, and better outcomes.

Exams should be thorough and meticulous. Provide an appropriate workup, including cultures, biopsies, and labs when indicated. Cultivate critical thinking skills and avoid letting a patient’s expectations or a prior diagnosis lead you astray. Remember: while common conditions are common, always keep an eye out for unusual presentations (“zebras”) that could change the course of care.

Show patients the care and compassion that you would show to your own family. Be empathetic, make meaningful connections, find common ground, take a genuine interest in their lives (kids/grandkids/birthdays/travel). Avoid judgment and assumptions and be sensitive to their needs.

Do your part in educating yourself on the basics of billing, coding, and health insurance plans, including ICD-10 & CPT codes, deductibles, copays, formularies, and PBMs. Your patients expect you to have these answers, so going the extra mile of learning these concepts will save you and the patient money in the long run. 

Your verbal and non-verbal cues (posture, body language, and tone) can significantly impact the patient encounter. Whenever possible, sit at eye level, uncross your arms and legs, and monitor your tone of voice. Your presence should convey warmth and approachability, helping patients feel comfortable, respected, and heard.

A career in healthcare can be demanding and exhausting, so it’s essential to schedule time for self-care. Focus on adequate sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, prioritizing relationships with family and friends, and seeking support when needed. 

Give back to your community and profession through volunteering at local events, working at free clinics, or precepting and mentoring students. Sharing your knowledge and time not only benefits others but also strengthens your skills, builds professional relationships, and fosters a sense of fulfillment and purpose in your career.

Your title does not determine your ceiling. We are the future of healthcare and positively impact many lives. Know your worth and don’t hesitate to negotiate your contracts. Utilize your professional network for guidance. Be resilient and adaptable. The days can be rough, but each challenge is a chance to grow. Explore new opportunities such as leadership roles, conference planning, industry work, medical writing, practice ownership, education, social media, or other passion projects. The sky’s the limit!

Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, CAQ-Derm, DipACLM, is a physician assistant with Epiphany Dermatology in Peachtree City, GA. She enjoys fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine as well as spending time with her two sons. She joined the Elevate-Derm Alliance as an Advisory Board Member in 2024 and is the co-host of the SkinSync Podcast.