Patients seen and lessons learned

Abstract

Patients can have a profound influence on physicians. Indeed, my decision to become a dermatologist was influenced by the experiences I (JJW) had with 2 patients. The first patient had a severe dermatologic condition and emphasizes the continued need for medical dermatology. The second patient demonstrates the importance of evaluation and treatment of cutaneous conditions by a skin specialist. Dr Tyring, the senior author, has been my mentor for the last 4 years, cultivating my interest in academic dermatology with a focus on medical dermatology.