Young Physician Spotlight: Rebecca Vasquez, MD, FAAD

 

Interview by Stephanie Florez-Pollack, MD

 

Rebecca Vasquez, MD, FAAD is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at UT Southwestern (UTSW) Medical Center. She is the Assistant Chief of Service of Dermatology at Parkland Health and Hospital System since 2015.  She is also the inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) director of Dermatology, faculty sponsor for the Agape Clinic (a free dermatology clinic in Dallas staffed by Dermatology faculty and residents), and faculty sponsor for the Future Doctor Pipeline Program at UTSW. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Women’s Dermatologic Society and the Skin of Color Society, and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Association of Professors of Dermatology.

 

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

I initially became involved after I was asked to speak at one of their DEI panel discussions. It meant so much to meet individual members with shared interests and who were championing causes that were important to me as well. Since I have become a member, I have expanded my circle of support and made new friendships. I only wish I would have joined sooner to take advantage of resources as a resident/young physician (including mentorship, research, and community engagement opportunities).

 

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?

 I had every intention to head back to South Texas (Rio Grande Valley) and join a private practice in my community. Unfortunately, around the time I graduated, there was not an opportunity to join an existing practice. One of my mentors, as well as the chair of my department, encouraged me to consider a year in academia until I could find an opportunity to return to South Texas. Before their offer, I had never considered academia. I did not realize there were different tracks to consider. I joined as a Clinician Educator in 2015 and remain on faculty. I credit both my mentors and the chair of my department for encouraging me to consider academia and supporting me in this role. They created a space for me to continue to develop my interests (including working with communities that are underserved and addressing workforce disparities in medicine/dermatology).

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in academia includes the lack of URM women in similar positions. We need more role models to help support and inspire the next generation of dermatologists in academia.

  

Advice to young physicians regarding leadership?

Do not wait until you feel ready to apply for a leadership position! I wish I would have taken advantage of opportunities to participate in leadership earlier in my career. I often felt like I was not ready. Lean on the experience of your mentors and colleagues for advice and support when considering or serving in positions of leadership.

 

Who were/are your mentors?

I have many for the multiple facets of my career and personal life: Dr. A. Shadi Kourosh, Dr. Benjamin Chong, Dr. Heidi Jacobe, and Dr. Amit Pandya (among others).

 

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

I am working with colleagues (across institutions) on forming an expert group to increase awareness, inspire collaboration, and address inequities in the social determinants of health rooted in systemic inequities that help perpetuate healthcare and health disparities.

 

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

 I am still a work in progress. Some days I am better at being a mom than a dermatologist; other days, I feel like I barely see my kids but feel confident about my work as a dermatologist. I try to ask those who I know truly care about me (including my spouse) to gently remind me if I am ever drifting too much to one side. It helps to have peers/colleagues to also talk about issues regarding work/life balance. I find, most times, I have been too hard on myself, and my spouse/peers/colleagues help me see that.

 

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with family; eat, sing, and dance!