Mentee: Krystina Quow, MD
Mentor: Ginette A. Okoye, MD
Howard University Medical Center
With the support of the Skin of Color Society Observership Grant, I had the opportunity to have an away elective at Howard University Department Dermatology. During my three-week rotation, I had the opportunity to work with the Howard residents along with attendings, including Dr. Ginette Okoye, Dr. Cheri Frey, Dr. Ellen Pritchett, and Dr. Maren Shaw. Given the lack of black female dermatologists at my home institution, having the opportunity to learn from four during this rotation provided guidance and mentorship prior to my transition to my post-residency career. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this experience prior to the completion of my residency training.
This experience strengthened my ability to evaluate and treat diseases in skin of color. I was particularly grateful to learn about cosmetic dermatology in skin of color patients where I was able to observe the use of laser, chemical peels, platelet rich plasma, and injectables. I also improved my understanding of barriers to care which will ultimately allow me to serve as a better advocate and partner with my patients.
I was particularly impressed with the residents who welcomed me as one of their own and went above and beyond to make sure I felt included. My most memorable and rewarding patient encounters were the alopecia patients. Through my experience I now feel more confident in counseling my hair loss patients with regard long term course of their diagnosis and treatment options. Following the elective, I brought what I learned back to home institution and gave a well received grand rounds on hair loss topics. I have drawn from my experiences in my current practice and am excited to continue to grow my interests in skin of color dermatology.