This interview is one in a series of interviews with recipients of the 2020 ACGME Awards. The awardees join an outstanding group of previous honorees whose work and contributions to graduate medical education (GME) represent the best in the field. They will be honored at the upcoming ACGME Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 27-29 in San Diego, California.
David C. Leach Awardee Marjon Vatanchi, MD is an assistant professor and director of nail surgery and special procedures at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.
ACGME: How did you become involved in medicine, and in academic medicine specifically?
Vatanchi: All my medical education was conducted at large academic centers with a robust collegial environment. In this environment, I was able to pursue multiple research interests and became involved with giving lectures, writing academic papers, and teaching medical students. For those who love a teaching and educational setting, this is a thrilling environment to work in.
ACGME: What does receiving this award mean to you?
Vatanchi: I am humbled to be recognized by colleagues and proud to know the award is being given for my contributions to community education. For three years, I volunteered at local community health fairs in Brooklyn, New York, teaching medical students and hundreds of local residents about the dangers of skin cancer. Through these efforts, we were able to bring awareness of acral lentiginous melanoma to the community and encourage regular skin checks.
ACGME: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Vatanchi: It is delightful when patients tell me they have felt heard. In addition to receiving diagnosis and treatment, patients want to know that they are seen and have been heard. Every patient has a story to tell. Many times this surrounds their illness; however, sometimes they have an unrelated stressor or burden they carry with them they want to share. When a patient tells me a personal anecdote about their life, I do not change the topic. Even if it has nothing to do with dermatology, I allow them to finish their story. I have found this to be cathartic for the patient. Patients are very grateful to have someone to speak with. In allowing them a few minutes to speak about their lives, patients relay their gratitude and leave the visit feeling lighter and happier.
ACGME: What is the most challenging?
Vatanchi: Dealing with insurance companies. Dermatology is about 1 percent of the physician workforce. Being part of a small specialty means that less research and development has been done on treatments for dermatological conditions. Therefore, it is common for dermatologists to prescribe medications “off-label.” This means that we prescribed FDA-approved medications for purposes that the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] did not approve the medication for. This is vital in dermatology. Without doing this, it becomes difficult to treat complex dermatological issues. Many times, to prescribe these medications, I have to contact insurance companies and advocate for my patients. Most of the time I am successful; however, I have had patients who have been declined important medications by their insurance.
ACGME: What advice do you have to residents or fellows who may be interested in pursuing a career in academic medicine?
Vatanchi: If you have elective time in your last year of residency, consider spending a week at your desired institution. If research, teaching, or attending conferences is important to you, make sure you relay that information to your future institution. If you have dedicated time to pursue your interests, you will be happier in the long run and avoid burnout.
ACGME: Is there anything else you would like to add I haven’t asked about?
Vatanchi: I am genuinely grateful to have the opportunity to heal and educate patients. It is the highest privilege to have them give me their trust and allow me to care for them. There is nothing more gratifying than helping others, and I am proud to serve every single person who entrusts me with their health and well-being.