A Conversation With Steven Glassman, MD

Dr Glassman is a full-time academic dermatologist at the University of Ottawa, having moved from his native South Africa to Canada in 2008. He underwent most of his medical training in Johannesburg, spending 1 year as a senior resident in dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Since becoming a dermatologist in 1997, Dr Glassman worked in both public and private health sectors in South Africa, supervising the training of 24 dermatology residents over 10 years. Since moving to Ottawa, he has continued the same type of work but in a very different environment, running outpatient dermatology clinics at The Civic, Élisabeth Bruyère and St Vincent’s hospitals, and is medical director of the phototherapy service at The Civic and Bruyère. Dr Glassman was program director from 2014-2019, managing the training of 16 residents in Ottawa. 

Q. What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?

A. The tremendous impact of new systemic therapies for psoriasis, chronic hand dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis has led to much satisfaction for both physician and patient, and I thoroughly enjoy seeing these patients in clinic. However, I would say that I enjoy most working with the dedicated nurses at the two phototherapy clinics here in Ottawa. We work as a team and see new patients and follow-ups together. I really appreciate this model of practice and realize how scarce it is these days. Patients are also immensely grateful for the service, which is far more than just “pushing buttons”. The nurses get to the know the patients at a deep and sincere level and are an integral part of patient management and decision-making. This model is also conducive to resident teaching and is to be encouraged wherever possible. 

Q. Are an understanding & appreciation of the humanities important in dermatology and why? 

A. Absolutely. We live in a global village, and the humanities broaden one’s horizon and allow one to understand and appreciate different cultures. This improves patient communication and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dermatology is a visual art as we detect, describe and interpret lesions and rashes. Appreciation of the humanities also improves critical thinking, analysis, and creativity, all of which assist diagnosis, management, and research of skin diseases. 

Q. Who was your hero/mentor and why?

A. Among many people in this role I would highlight my dad, who passed away 2 years ago. I never met a more sincere individual who felt his life duty was to help others. He became an architect, but I suspect he would have preferred to have done medicine. Perhaps, he influenced me in a subtle way to become a doctor. I will never forget instances in South Africa where he rushed to distressed people’s aid, putting his life in danger and pursuing his altruistic goal selflessly, whether the situation was a motor vehicle crash, public disorder, or use of threatening language. These were unfortunate but common occurrences at the time.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you have received, and from whom?  

A. Despite seemingly interminable obstacles and bureaucratic runarounds, Dr Jim Walker, division head of dermatology at the time, encouraged me to persist with my application to relocate to Ottawa. This process dragged on for 4 long years but was very worthwhile. I am eternally grateful to Jim for his advice and leadership these past 11 years.