Young Physician Spotlight: Kanya Ferguson, MD, FAAD

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Kanya Ferguson, MD, FAAD is a Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Iowa.

Focus: Diversity and Inclusion, skin of color, delivering care to underserved communities, Mohs surgery

Location: Iowa City

Education:

Obtained Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Missouri. Completed Dermatology Residency and Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Current position:

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology

University of Iowa Graduate Medical Education, Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Immediate past Chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Diversity Committee


How did you get involved with leadership positions?

I have had the opportunity, during my training and academic career, to work with a phenomenal group of mentors and sponsors. My mentors have helped provide guidance and support, while at the same time encouraging me to achieve at my highest level. My sponsors have helped identify opportunities for me that have ultimately lead me to pursue leadership positions in my areas of interest.


How did you get involved with the free medical clinic?

My involvement in the Free Medical Clinic is one of the activities that I am most proud of. I was a fellow trainee when a faculty member and I started a monthly dermatology clinic at our local free medical clinic. It has been heartwarming to see how much our faculty, resident and medical student volunteers and patient volumes have grown over the years. Every time I volunteer, I am reminded about the humble role that we play as physicians in serving all of our patients irrespective of their ability to pay.


What motivates you?

I am driven by my passion to care for patients.


Which difficulties did you face during your training and academic career?

Some of the challenges I have faced during my training and academic career center around trying to effectively manage my work – life boundaries. I have a passion for many aspects of dermatology and medicine, and find it challenging not to overcommit my time. In addition, as an underrepresented in medicine faculty member, there are additional hurdles that at times exacerbate existing challenges in academic medicine.


What are your future goals?

I hope to continue to grow as a physician, advance as an academic faculty member and contribute to my institution and specialty as a whole. I hope to champion causes that I am passionate about with the ultimate goal of increasing patient access to high quality dermatologic care. I hope to be a role model for my six-year old daughter who wants to be the “leader of the astronauts” when she grows up.


What advice do you have to residents and young physicians?

The stress of the pandemic has underscored the importance of building relationships, maintaining resilience and finding joy. My advice for young physicians is to be mindful of the importance of your own wellbeing.


How do you manage an appropriate work-life balance?

It takes continuous and intentional efforts to establish work – life boundaries. I commit to time mapping my week which helps me designate time for activities which reflect my work and personal life priorities. I outsource activities that take time away from my priorities (e.g. house cleaning). Finally, I remind myself frequently to be ‘in the moment’ when I have cherished time with my children, family and friends.

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