Young Physician Spotlight: Mara Weinstein Velez, MD, FAAD

Mara Weinstein Velez, MD, FAAD is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY. 

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

Ten years ago I had the honor of meeting WDS Founder, Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, at the Cleveland Clinic where I completed my Dermatology Residency training. I was inspired by her story and eager to learn more in addition to joining my co-residents who were already active WDS members. Initially, I applied to be on the various committees and then took the role of resident liaison which allowed me to help promote the organization, serve in a leadership position for our program and further the mission of the WDS.

Through my years of service and dedication to the society, so many doors have opened for me and I am grateful. I now serve on the WDS Board of Directors.

The benefits of being a member are unmatched. In the past year alone, the WDS has provided a steady stream of educational webinars, virtual networking events, virtual service opportunities, research scholarships and diversity initiatives. We were able to shift with the changing landscape brought on by the pandemic and come out stronger at the (hopeful) end.

At what point did you decide that you wanted to do academics versus private practice? What's the biggest challenge you've faced in academia?

The job search after residency or fellowship is no easy feat. Just like finding that perfect home, the first step is settling on a location which may be a challenge in itself. Is your spouse or significant other also in training with a time commitment? Are you expecting a baby? …and many more situational type things to consider when searching.

The next step is to do your research. What programs are available in your city/town? Reach out to the ones where you may have a connection, ask around to see who is hiring and interview with as many as you can. Even if you are swaying toward academics or vis versa, it is important to meet the other Dermatologists in the community and make your presence known. Not only is it a good career move, it is collegial and appreciated since you are bringing your unique training to the area and can be an asset to others. If you are staying in the city where you trained, it is still a good idea to meet the other local Derms personally.

As you interview and learn about other practices, both academic and private, you will start to realize what work environment is the best fit for you. Make a list of the positives and negatives of your top 2 places – if you have doubts you can always ask for a second meeting. I find this approach does not limit your options to either setting and gives you the opportunity to learn as much as you can about both work environments early in your career.

My personal path was carved out entirely by the advice above. I started in a Private Equity backed Private Practice Group in NYC after completing a Cosmetics Fellowship in Boston. We moved because my husband was starting his second Fellowship in Thoracic Pathology at MSKCC. After his training, his job search led us to Upstate (Rochester) NY. As soon as I realized we were not staying in the city, I reached out to many of the practices in Rochester, met Dermatologists in the community and decided that academics would be the best fit for me. The biggest challenge in academics is the EMR!

Advice to young physicians regarding leadership?

“No one is you and that is your superpower” -Dave Grohl. Leadership starts with you. Invest in yourself as a leader and engage as often as you can in discussions surrounding leadership. Take virtual leadership training courses and attend conferences (both within and outside of Dermatology) that have leadership as a focus. If you consider yourself a “natural” leader or have held many leadership positions in the past, there is always room to improve, and learn from each other’s mistakes. As a young physician, it can be difficult to know when to “lean in” and when to be an active observer. Start small (taking on smaller projects/roles), be a good listener, ask a lot of questions, learn how to appropriately delegate, stay organized and most importantly – remain humble. I’ve found that doors open when you least expect them to. Don’t limit yourself to the field of Dermatology. Volunteer to lead as a classroom parent or a board member of your local Alumni community – every experience will strengthen your capabilities as a leader and help to diversify your interpersonal interactions. I would not be where I am today without my mentors, sponsors (see below) and my personal ambition.

Who were/are your mentors?

Mentorship is one of the most important aspects of career development and success. Mentors come at different points of your journey and they all serve a slightly different purpose. My mentors very early on were my parents (Audre DaCosta, DDS and the late Robert Weinstein, DDS) – although they were also my biggest fans, they guided and encouraged me but also weren’t afraid to intervene if necessary to give me a dose of reality or redirection. They set the stage for what a good mentor/mentee relationship could look like outside the home.

I started medical school in the Caribbean (where I met by husband!) and transferred to a US medical school during my third year. I quickly realized the value of mentorship in this scenario as a result of poor counseling during my undergraduate years and lack of guidance in my initial decision making but every experience affords an opportunity to learn, grow, overcome, and teach others.

During the WDS Forum in 2020, we teased out the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. We need both mentors and sponsors in our careers because they serve different roles but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be different people. Toni Patterson, a career mentor says that a mentor serves as a guide, talking you through issues, encouraging you and giving you support when needed. The value of a sponsor is in turbocharging your career by promoting you and helping you obtain key roles quickly, even before you think you are ready.

With that said, I am incredibly thankful to have received both mentorship and sponsorship from Bob Brodell (Medical School), Wilma Bergfeld & Melissa Piliang (Residency & beyond), Wendy Roberts & Tina Alster(Formally through the WDS), Jeff Dover, Michael Kaminer, Ken Arndt &Tom Rohrer(Fellowship), Diane Berson (Job searching, career as a Young Physican), Alice Pentland (Academic Career), Sabrina Fabi & Shino Bay Aguilera.

What are you working on now? What future goals do you have?

In the past year, I’ve taken on quite a few roles and responsibilities which I am very proud of, including founding the Multicultural, Procedural Dermatology Clinic for the URMC Residency Training program, formalizing my Directorship of the Cosmetic and Laser Dermatology Center in addition to becoming the Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the Department.

Research continues to be a very important part of my career and I have a few IRB approved investigator initiated research projects ongoing. I plan to continue to do research and delve further into my work on using lasers and energy-based devices safely in darker skin types.

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

In the past year, we have seen a major shift due to the restrictions and realities surrounding the pandemic including more time spent at home (with family and kids), virtual school, less time travelling to conferences or going on vacation, basements/rooms transformed into home gyms and more rooms serving dual purposes as a space to zoom & sleep (in the case of your bedroom office). This was and still is – a tough situation. Here are the lessons I’ve learned:

You have to prioritize yourself, health and personal well-being first. Without a healthy, happy and rested mom, wife, friend, peer or colleague (whichever role you assume) you cannot give your best to fulfill that role. Set aside an hour each day for your “me time.” Make sure everyone in the house in on the same page and that you have child care if needed.

The second priority is your family. Don’t over schedule yourself so that you don’t have time to spend with your family. I try my best not to “bring work home” which was easier pre-COVID days but still, make a conscious effort to be off of my phone & social media and fully present when it’s time to focus on the kids.

The third priority is your work. Remember you can say yes without saying yes. I did not come up with this myself… Early in your career it’s important to say “yes!” to opportunities that present in order to learn, challenge yourself and grow in your career. I would caution overcommitting and over “yessing” to the point where you cannot put your all into each project. Say yes to the things that you are passionate about, and have time to throw your best self into. The other things can wait, you can always express your interest and circle back after you meet other deadlines!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I’ve explored more trails, parks, slopes and neighborhoods this past year then ever. Similar to many of you, the pandemic drove us outside as a family and we took advantage! Check out @drmaraweinstein for a snapshot of my free time!

I also love to spend time volunteering in the local community. I believe it’s so important to give back and set that example for my children.