Residents Give High Marks to WDS Member Renewal Retreat at The Old Mill Inn

Dr. Leslie Carter, Dr. Denise Aaron, and Dr. Michelle Spenny in Toronto in June for the WDS Member Renewal Retreat. The trio ventured into the city to see the sites.

Editor’s Note: Twenty-one residents received scholarships to attend the WDS Member Renewal Retreat in Toronto, Canada, June 18-20. Below are letters received describing the experiences of Jodie Eisner, MD, a Resident from Charlottesville, VA and Residents Leslie Carter, MD and Michelle Spenny of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH

JODI EISNER, MD RESIDENT FROM CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA

As this was my first Women’s Dermatologic Society experience, I was unsure and nervous about what to expect. Would it be stuffy, would people be friendly, would a resident feel out of place? I arrived at the first evening’s dinner and all of my doubts were soon cast aside. I was immediately greeted by a smiling, friendly face by the name of “Suzanne”. No title, no last name, no pretense. She introduced me to her friend “Jean” and then further introductions and small talk continued throughout the evening. I was put at ease, and I found myself in instant conversations with these fascinating women. It wasn’t until later that I realized the many accomplishments of this dynamic group. But, that did not matter tonight. We were all women with a common bond, and we were there to support and learn from each other. It was this refreshing sentiment that permeated the weekend and made it a wonderful experience.

I learned many important lessons from the weekend. The speakers were fantastic. I have already put into work my “power stance” and watched the peculiar reactions of my male colleagues! From Dr. Janet Mills’ presentation I learned to observe the different cultural cues that males and females give off. I have tried to use some of those non-verbal communications to my advantage in dealing with office interactions.

Dr. Helen Meldrum’s discussion of verbal cues was an excellent compliment to the first talk. After the weekend, I realized that there are many small changes in my behavior that may make a big impact on the efficacy of my communications.

The weekend also gave me a moment to reflect and revisit some of my personal goals for the upcoming year. I am entering my chief residency year, and I hope to be an effective leader and teacher. The skills that I learned in the workshops were extremely helpful. However, the time to relax, meditate with yoga, and talk with other female mentors was equally as instructive. I will work hard to preserve this renewed energy in the coming year.

Perhaps the most important part of the weekend for me was the opportunity to speak with so many different types of dermatologists and to hear their stories. How they got where they are, what they like and don’t like, and why they continue to do what they do. I met some great role models. I also had an opportunity to meet some of my peer residents and make contacts with them. I think that these are extremely important support networks to begin building as early as possible.

In addition to the skills that I learned in the sessions, I think that the 2004 retreat will contribute to my future career by giving me a “place”. One of the other women made a point about feeling “alone” out there when she left residency. I was encouraged to see that a group of women can help to provide the support for one another needed to thrive. I want to continue my activity in the WDS in the future.

-- Jodie Eisner, MD, Charlottesville, VA

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The WDS retreat in Toronto was an incredible experience for me. I was truly inspired by all of the extremely accomplished women in dermatology who were eager to share their experiences, mentor, and encourage each other and especially us residents. One of the most valuable things I learned is that there are many different practice structures and each has its own pros and cons.

Hearing the personal insights of many women in different practice situations was so helpful in thinking about how I want to structure my own practice, take care of patients, and live my own life as a doctor, wife and mother.

Again, thank you for inviting me to attend.

-- Leslie Carter, MD, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH

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Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this year’s WDS Retreat in Toronto. Your generous scholarship made it possible for me to attend, and I greatly appreciate it. The retreat proved to be a wonderful opportunity to network with successful female dermatologists from around the country.

This was particularly useful for me as I am beginning to think about postresidency plans. My only exposure to staff dermatologists in the past had been in an academic setting and it was refreshing and encouraging to meet so many happy, accomplished private practice dermatologists.

Also, the guest lecturer was dynamic and I now find myself watching my own body language more carefully.

Most of all, I was impressed with the sense of community shared by the attendees and was comforted to feel a part of this group.

I hope to attend many WDS retreats and activities in the future.

-- Michelle Spenny, MD, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH High Marks

WDS Renewal Retreat at THE OLD MILL INN
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