Today we’d like to introduce you to Alyssa Spiegel.
Alyssa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
From the time I was in high school, I always knew I wanted to work in the field of medicine, but at the time, I didn’t know exactly with path I would take. At the University of Texas, I was pre-med/pre-dent with a nutrition focus but defined my career path my junior year when I decided I wanted to become a Physician Assistant. After graduation from UT Austin, I started a three year Master of Physician Assistant Studies program at The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth.
After graduation, I moved to Washington, DC and started my dream career in Dermatology. I am forever grateful to my mentor, Lisa Renfro MD, for hiring a new graduate to train in the field of dermatology and Mohs surgery. After a two year stint in DC, I landed my dream job in Dallas with Dr. Jennifer Cather, a well-respected thought leader in the field of derm. Over the past nine years, I have been with her, we have collaborated on many interesting cases, participated in clinical trials for new dermatology drugs, and grown a successful aesthetic business as well. We serve patients from near and far, as I have lots of patients that drive many hours to see me! I practice all general dermatology as well as aesthetic medicine, including Botox, fillers and lasers.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The most difficult struggle was finding a job in my dream field of dermatology. It is the most sought after specialty and I am forever grateful for the opportunity in DC that was the perfect segway to the job in Dallas. Weekly, I have young PA students reach out to me for advice about getting into derm and I always say be persistent!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Dermatology Physician Assistant, I perform skin cancer screenings, evaluate rashes, treat acne and any other dermatological conditions. I also am lucky enough to be able to blend my passion for medical dermatology with my love of aesthetic medicine, so I also perform Botox and filler injections, chemical peels and lasers. What sets Mindful Dermatology apart is we are a multi-faceted group. We have our medical division, research division, and aesthetic division, all powered by three strong women! If you have a severe skin condition, we have the ability to take care of that, always being on the cutting edge with new emerging treatments, but we can also handle all your beauty and skincare needs. We are really a one-stop shop!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
If you want to become a Derm PA, shadowing a dermatologist or Derm PA is a good first step. Also, if a dermatology practice is willing to hire you as a medical assistant, this is an awesome opportunity to get hands-on patient care hours while gaining experience in the field of your passion. The opportunities in this field are small, as no one leaves, but persistence and dedication will pay off.
Contact Info:
- Email: Appointments@mindfuldermdallas.com
- Website: Mindfuldermdallas.com
- Instagram: @thedallas_derm_pa
