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Melinda Gooderham, MD, MSc, joins The Medical Sisterhood to discuss balancing mentorship, leadership, and family, as well as the empowerment of women in the medical field.
In this edition of HCPLive's The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, welcomed Canadian dermatologist and global thought leader Melinda Gooderham, MD, MSc, the Medical Director of the SKiN Centre for Dermatology, for a candid and inspiring conversation on building a high-impact career in dermatology while navigating the complexities of leadership, motherhood, and self-doubt.
00:00 Introduction of Dr. Gooderham
01:09 Early experiences in medical field journey
04:03 Challenges in joining the clinical trial space
08:42 Tips for on-stage charisma during presentations
10:53 Advice on becoming a global speaker
12:48 Ways to balance work travel with free time
17:21 Tips for self-care during travel for work
20:21 Dealing with imposter syndrome
25:08 Balancing family obligations with travel
27:27 Final thoughts
Gooderham recounts her journey from a competitive Canadian dermatology residency match to founding the first and only dermatology clinic in Peterborough, Ontario. What began as a solo community practice evolved into a clinical research hub after she entered trials to bring innovative therapies—especially biologics—to underserved patients. She reflects on being one of the few women in the early days of clinical research and how mentors empowered her with presentation coaching, trial expertise, and encouragement despite early doubts about her fit in the field.
A core theme of the episode is public speaking and professional presence. Gooderham shares how storytelling, emotional resonance, and patient transformation are key to delivering impactful presentations. She offers tangible tips: rehearse frequently, leverage tools like PowerPoint’s rehearsal coach, and never underestimate the power of audience connection. She and Shahriari discuss the value of feedback, coaching, and continuous learning—reinforcing that even seasoned speakers benefit from support and revision.
The conversation then turns to global visibility and the hidden costs of travel and work-life balance. Gooderham shares honest reflections on mom guilt, logistical challenges, and deciding which opportunities align with her goals in career and in life. Despite glamorous perceptions, she underscores that late nights, missed birthdays, and travel unpredictability are part of the job—and preparation and self-care are essential.
Gooderham also offers advice on building a digital presence, encouraging younger physicians to embrace LinkedIn for visibility while overcoming imposter syndrome and self-promotion hurdles. She closes with a touching reflection on the impact her work has had on her daughters—particularly her youngest, recently selected to a women’s leadership council—underscoring the ripple effect of visible female leadership.
This episode may serve as a reminder that authenticity, passion, and perseverance can pave the way for a fulfilling and transformative career in medicine.
Editor’s note: This episode summary was edited with the help of artificial intelligence tools.
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