WDS Young Physician Spotlight Interview – Julia Baltz, MD
Julia Baltz, MD is a Fellowship trained Mohs surgeon with a special interest in nail diseases and nail surgery working in private practice in Rhode Island. She runs the yearly in person nail surgery course at the AAD and teaches residents and fellows in her nail clinic.
How did you become involved in the WDS and what benefits do you think WDS membership provides for residents/young physicians?
As a resident, I was nominated by Mary Maloney to be the resident member of the WDS board during her tenure as WDS president. My year on the board was an incredible way to dive into this organization. I continued my involvement on the RYPC as a member and later chair. WDS membership allows resident and young physicians unprecedented mentorship opportunities. The WDS feels more like a family than most professional organizations. Senior members are always thrilled to help out newer members through formal and informal mentorship channels; all you have to do is reach out!
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?
During training I didn’t have a clear plan in mind of private vs academics; rather I wanted a career path that aligned with my values of being clinically curious, giving back to my community, and taking excellent care of patients. This led me to choose a hybrid career model working in private practice as well as part time in an academic center. Both have their rewards and both their respective challenges. Larger healthcare systems – private or academic – often have more resources but making changes can be more cumbersome.
Advice to young physicians regarding leadership?
Leadership is as much an acquired skill as an innate trait. Start with small opportunities to lead and build your skill set. Pay attention to the leaders who you wish to emulate. What traits do they exemplify? How do they lead a team? Equally important, pay attention to those leaders who you don’t find as effective. Where do you think they are falling short? What changes to their leadership style might make them more effective? Be humble and ask for feedback throughout your leadership journey.
Who were/are your mentors?
I have had incredible mentorship throughout my career. Dr. Mary Maloney has been both a mentor and friend since I started residency. She continues to be the person who I turn to for guidance.
What are you working on now? What future goals do you have?
Each clinic day is an opportunity to become a better physician, and I think of my clinical experiences as the backbone of my career growth. I aim to continue to ask clinical questions so I can contribute to patient care and the knowledge base of our specialty through clinical research.
Do you have advice to young physicians on achieving work/life balance?
Work life balance is one of the most challenging aspects of a career in medicine and something that I continue to struggle with. I recommend defining your values and the non-negotiable aspects of your personal and professional lives that contribute to your emotional health and mental well-being. Once these have been clearly defined, make your commitment to protecting them known to your colleagues, friends, and family. This will allow you to create clear boundaries and stick with them.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am most content in nature and try to optimize my free time outdoors with my family, close friends, and animals.
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