Mentor Leandra Barnes, MD with mentee Brianna Camera Watson, BS
Stanford University
My experience at Stanford Dermatology working under Dr. Leandra Barnes was a fantastic experience. As a mentor, Dr. Barnes spent this month getting to know me as a mentee and helping me navigate the field of dermatology, especially as a rising third-year medical student. She gave life-changing advice and support about topics outside of medicine, such as living in the opposite country from my family; tips on organization, especially regarding research; or even new foods to try at Trader Joe's. It meant a lot that she took the time to learn who I was and my passions and motivations. Despite being her busy schedule, she always made me feel that my conversations with her were a priority rather than a burden. By the end of my time at Stanford, I had developed a genuine and lifelong relationship with Dr. Barnes, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Some of my favorites were observing Dr. Barnes in the Skin of Color Clinic and during her days in dermatology surgery. The Hidrentitis Suppurtiva Clinic really drove home the importance of my research project, while the days on Dermatology Surgery highlighted my passion for wound healing. I love dermatology surgery and will pursue this field as my career. We had a great case where most of the posterior scalp was deroofed due to Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. I presented this case and another one at Grand Rounds, which the residents and faculty received very well. I received compliments on the presentation for my final week and a half at Stanford. However, I also want to highlight the importance of Dr. Barnes' mentorship in my successful presentation. She ensured that I was well prepared by setting aside multiple times to go through the presentation and a four-hour block to review presentations. The guidance on how to do a successful Grand Rounds presentation is a tool that I will continue to carry with me.
The organization of my time at Stanford was a mixture of working on my research project and observing a variety of clinics. Dr. Barnes ensured to create a schedule that allowed me to be exposed to areas of dermatology that I had no previous knowledge of. This exposure was a blessing and allowed me to hone my passions and career possibilities that I had not thought of before my experience. For example, I got to rotate in the vulvar dermatology clinic. It was an incredible experience to work with a pioneer in the field who gave so much advice and support. Also, I got to experience the supportive dermato-oncology department, which was unique. Learning about the types of rashes that certain chemotherapies can cause is knowledge I would not have acquired this early in my career if I had not had this exposure.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Barnes allowed us to attend the Karasek Lecture, where all the Dermatology faculty presented their research. It was a great way to learn about the work in the labs at Stanford and present a poster on the Skin of Color Program at Stanford. This was also a great opportunity to network and meet people in the department. Also, we attended the Stanford Health Fair, where we presented another poster. I met one of the VA dermatologists there, and she allowed me to shadow her during my last week. This meant so much to me because I am a VA scholar and will be working in a VA after residency, and I have never rotated in a VA facility. Thus, I got a glimpse about into what my life as a VA dermatologist will be like in the future. I loved my time at the VA, and my mom said she had never heard me be so excited; this confirmed that I chosen the right career path.
I would like extend a heartfelt thank you to the Skin of Color Society, Dr. Barnes, and the Stanford Department of Dermatology for the experience of a lifetime.