Neda Shahriari, MD, is a dermatologist and Associate Physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Dermatology.

Neda Shahriari, MD, FAAD

The Medical Sisterhood: Leadership and Sisterhood in Dermatology, With Neda Shahriari, MD

, host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, welcomes her real-life sister, Neda Shahriari, MD, dermatologist and associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School. Together, the 2 leaders in the field offered an honest look at their parallel journeys in 

, the realities of balancing professional and personal life, and the importance of mentorship among women physicians.

The sisters begin by reflecting on their paths into medicine. Mona Shahriari knew early on that she wanted to become a doctor, while Neda Shahriari explored other healthcare fields before ultimately finding dermatology to be the ideal combination of visual learning, patient care, and immunologic science. Although she initially resisted following in her sister’s footsteps, Neda Shahriari eventually discovered that the specialty was the right fit on her own terms.

Their conversation moves into the challenges of navigating careers in medicine while raising young children. Both had their first children within days of each other, an experience that allowed them to share the unique physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of pregnancy, maternity leave, and returning to practice. They discuss how that shared experience provided a source of understanding and support, helping them manage demanding clinic schedules while maintaining their well-being and patient care standards.

Mona and Neda Shahriari also delve into the concept of mentorship—particularly the idea of sisterhood-based mentorship that emphasizes mutual support and growth over hierarchy. They highlight the value of building trusted, collaborative relationships where women can learn from one another through shared experiences. Neda Shahriari offers insights into forming these professional “chosen sisterhoods” early in residency or at conferences by connecting with mentors and peers who align with one’s values and goals.

The episode also includes lighter moments, with anecdotes about being mistaken for one another at meetings and the everyday advantages of having a sibling in the same specialty. Through humor and candid reflection, the 2 speakers shed light on the shared realities of women in dermatology while underscoring the value of professional connection, collaboration, and community in medicine.

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In this episode, sisters and dermatologists Mona and Neda Shahriari discuss mentorship, motherhood, and the meaning of sisterhood in medicine.

Neda Shahriari, MD, FAAD

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