Maximizing the Dermatology Team

At the start of the second day of Dermatology Week 2023, Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, FAANP, and Linda Stein Gold, MD, opened their session, “The Dermatology Team,” by asking what are some key takeaways that make for a successful dermatology practice?

Dr Aldridge shared that the true key is finding the right match based on the physicians’ and the rest of the dermatology team’s personalities. She added that it is important, regardless of who is on the dermatology team, for everyone to feel part of a team and respected. This helps physicians practice in a safe and productive environment being supported by all members of the team in which everyone’s talents are brought into the practice. She stressed it is important within the team that everybody is utilized to their absolute best.

“They are practicing at the highest level of their training, and you are maximizing each and everyone's individual strengths and expertise whether that is from the front desk person to every single member of the team,” she stated.

Dr Stein Gold agreed with Dr Aldridge, adding that the only way to keep together as a great team is through communication. She suggested regular weekly or monthly staff meetings to build up a safe place for the team that shows their opinions and constructive criticism are valued.

“The only thing that actually makes us better is if people feel safe that they can bring up good constructive criticism,” she noted.

She also added that the key to having highly trained staff is for the team to work at the top of their knowledge base. This means constantly reeducating. For example, building on medical assistants’ jobs so they are not just putting patients in a room. This would expand their duties into greeting the patient to find out how they are doing and looking at if they have had a biopsy so these results can be pulled before the physician meets with the patient. “If [the patient is] on a treatment, ask them how they are doing. You are a member of the team as well,” she concluded.

For more meeting coverage, visit the Spring Dermatology Week 2023 newsroom.

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Reference
Aldridge L, Stein Gold L. The dermatology team. Presented at: Dermatology Week 2023; May 3-6, 2023; Virtual.