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A Conversation With Jeffrey M. Cohen, MD
© 2024 HMP Global. All Rights Reserved.
Any views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and/or participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policy, or position of The Dermatologist or HMP Global, their employees, and affiliates.
Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
A. Being an academic dermatologist is a true joy for me, but seeing patients with severe inflammatory skin disease get better is the most rewarding part of my work. The ability to relieve constant itch, embarrassment, and limitations on the activities patients need and want to do is truly inspiring.
Q. Are an understanding and appreciation of the humanities important in dermatology and why?
A. Absolutely! As physicians, it is essential that we remain connected to our patients. This increases satisfaction with our work and reduces burnout. It also promotes trust, which improves the physician-patient relationship. An appreciation of the humanities can help dermatologists adopt an approach to patient interactions that considers the entire human being and life experience. In college, I took several philosophy and history courses and have consistently appreciated this aspect of my education. These have become durable interests that have helped me feel grounded and relatable.
Q. Who was your hero/mentor and why?
A. I have been extremely fortunate to have had many great professional mentors, but overall, the most important mentor I have had is my father. Through example, he has instilled in me an understanding of the importance of sacrifice, commitment, honesty, and integrity. He has always taught me to do what I felt was the right thing, to never give up on a goal, and to remain true to my priorities. These invaluable lessons continue to serve me well in both my professional and personal life.
Q. Which patient had the most effect on your work and why?
A. Many of my patients have made profound impacts on my development; however, a man I met a few years ago who had struggled with atopic dermatitis since childhood immediately comes to mind. Despite regularly seeing dermatologists and diligently using topical medications and phototherapy, his skin never cleared. He had resigned himself to the idea that he would need to deal with eczema for his entire life and never be able to wear what he wanted or shower without stinging. When I discussed with him the possibility of achieving clear skin with dupilumab, he said he thought this would be impossible. Now, years later, he has achieved and maintained completely clear skin and is no longer limited by his eczema. Every time he comes for an appointment, he says it is a miracle. This patient, and others like him, have consistently energized me to work hard to continue to optimize treatment for inflammatory skin disease.
Q. Which medical figure in history would you want to have a drink with and why?
A. Dr Marion B. Sulzberger made so many foundational contributions to the field of dermatology that have a direct impact on much of what dermatologists do every day. Having been a dermatology resident at NYU, I saw a portrait of Dr Sulzberger in our didactic sessions every morning and was consistently reminded of his various contributions. He has been described as a dynamic thinker who was passionate about advancing the field of dermatology. Beyond scientific and clinical contributions, he also played an important role in developing dermatology societies that remain active and important in our specialty today. It would be an honor to be able to learn more about how he thought and hear about his passion for dermatology.
