An Interview with Lawrence J Green, MD, FAAD

An Interview with Lawrence J Green, MD, FAAD
Clinical Professor of Dermatology
George Washington University School of Medicine
Vice President Elect, American Academy of Dermatology

Interviewed by Dr. Amaris Geisler and Dr. Brianna Olamiju 

1.) How did you become involved in the WDS and what benefits do you think WDS membership provides for residents/young physicians?

I started volunteering with the WDS about 10 years ago, when Dr Adelaide Hebert, who was part of my class on the AAD Board of Directors filled me on how important a role the WDS plays in dermatology. Before that, I never really appreciated the value the WDS adds to our field. Many/Most of the recent leaders in dermatology have come through the WDS. I believe this is because the WDS fosters not just collegiality among all dermatologists, but it also uniquely encourages and provides opportunities for young dermatologists (and dermatologists to be) to get involved in our field. The WDS also encourages and provided opportunities for you to become a leader in dermatology, and in fact in anything you do in life in the future. 

 

2.) Are you in private practice or academics? At what point did you decide that you wanted to do private practice versus academics?

I am in private practice. However, for more than 25 years, I have also been a voluntary attending in dermatologic surgery clinic once or twice a month at George Washington University Dept of Dermatology. So, in a way I have my feet in both areas.

But, I decided to go out on my own after residency because I preferred to have more control over how and when I see patients. But being your own boss comes with a lot of extra stress in a way, because you are in the one in charge of all decisions your small business makes-and there are a lot 

 

3.) Advice to young physicians regarding leadership?

Becoming a leader best comes from years of experience. It is difficult, if not impossible, to know how to be an effective leader without personally spending time as a member of committees, work groups, etc for years. So, leadership development takes time. But I suggest, when you can make the time to get away from work and your personal life, get involved in organizations like the WDS, AAD, and ASDS. Getting to know my dermatologist colleagues from around the country is one of the most fun and rewarding things I have done. And as you get involved, and make the effort to stay involved, leadership roles will come. 

 

4.) Who were/are your mentors?

I don’t think there were formal mentorship programs like we have now for me to go through in my early career. But, I often sought out advice from dermatologists like Drs. Daniel Siegel, Mark Lebwohl, and Bill Henke. Dr Siegel was especially helpful in helping me learn and navigate ways to better become involved in dermatology and dermatology leadership.

But, today dermatologists who have become some of my best friends, I also consider mentors. Dr Hebert is certainly one of those. 

 

5.) What are you working on now?

I am working on some publications and lectures I plan to be submitting/giving in the near future. And of course, 4 days a week I am always seeing patients in my private practice and trying my best to take of their dermatologic needs. I am also again becoming more involved with the American Academy of Dermatology-this year as Vice President Elect and next year as its Vice President. 

 

5.) Do you have advice to young physicians on achieving work/life balance?

To me, work life balance is what makes you happy and wanting to go to work every day, and at the same time being able to step away and enjoy your personal life. When you are young, and starting a new business like I did, work takes more time. I used to work 5+ days a week for over 20 years. But, not everyone has the opportunity to work more than 5 days a week and at the same time have enough personal time for those who depend on you. So, in my opinion, achieving work/life balance needs to be individualized to your situation. And also keep in mind that your situation changes as you go through different stages in life. So, the work life balance that works best for you today, may not be best 5-10 years from now. 

 

6.) What do you like to do in your free time?

I feel free time means being social and enjoying the company of my family, friends, and especially my dermatologist colleagues from around the country. We are only on this earth for a short time, so why not take advantage of being with and learning from those you trust around you.