Name:
Sandy Skotnicki-Grant
Where do you live?
Midtown Toronto
Profession:
Dermatologist
Please explain what you do in your job:
As a dermatologist, I usually see 40 to 50 patients a day. This includes babies, children and adults with various skin conditions.
Current job:
I think I have three jobs: dermatologist, mom and business owner.
List of accomplishments:
I think my best accomplishments are my three children and my marriage. After that, my career. I love being a dermatologist. Lastly, my business. I always wanted to have a large dermatology centre that was more than just a dermatology office. My clinic is a centre for learning, education, teaching, training, and of course seeing patients for both severe skin disease and cosmetic issues.
How do you measure success in your profession?
That's a hard one.
I think often the people with the most public relations support are looked at as being the best or most successful. This is because everyone knows them. Some of the dermatologists that I would consider to be successful are the ones no one would have heard of. They do research, advance education, are advocates for change and they teach training residents. I consider a successful dermatologist to be an excellent clinician, diagnostician and dedicated to continuing education.
How did you get your start in your chosen career?
I always wanted to be a surgeon. In medical school I stumbled into dermatology. In this speciality you do it all: surgery, elderly, babies, teens, laser, allergy, cosmetic and more, and I was hooked. Most people have no idea what dermatologists do: it is an amazing, challenging and diverse career.
When did you decide this is what you want to do for a living and what was the 'moment'?
During my undergrad, I realized I loved science and people so medicine was a natural path. I am also driven and competitive, so medicine was a challenge. Dermatology was too as it was tough to get into.
What did you have to do in order to get involved with this profession?
Lots and lots of hard work, studying and a bit of luck.
Pros and cons of this job:
Pros: Very little overtime or call as we call it in medicine. It's a great speciality for a mom.
Cons: Not enough dermatologists. That makes it hard as people wait a long time to see us and get upset. We essentially work for the government, which is no fun.
Skills required for this job:
Being a good listener, having dedication to continuing education and patience.
What can youth expect if they want to pursue this job?
Well you need to work hard to get into medical school then do really well in medical school as there are usually only 10 spots per year.
Percentage of people who actually succeed in this field:
I think anyone who makes it through medical school and dermatology training is a success.
Salary range:
$150,000 to $1 million annually; it really varies.
Advice to youth who are thinking about pursuing this field:
Work hard at school. Volunteer at hospitals and try to get involved in some medical research.
Anything else you would like to say?
Medicine is a wonderful and challenging career for woman. Don't be afraid of hard work.
I have friends who are older and don't really like their careers. They look back and wish they had done another degree or some more training. I went to university for 12 years.
It seems like a long time but I will have 30 to 40 years doing a job I absolutely love. School can be a drag but the rewards of an amazing profession are worth it. We live in an age where youth want it all at 20 - like Britney Spears. I don't think it is reality. You need to work hard for it.