Visibility, Mentorship, and the Emotional Toll of Pediatric Dermatology, With Lisa Swanson, MD

In a recent episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD spoke with pediatric dermatologist Lisa Swanson, MD about mentorship, representation in medicine, and the emotional realities of caring for children with chronic skin disease.

Early in the conversation, Swanson reflected on the influence female physicians had on her while growing up. She noted that both her aunt and her longtime dermatologist were women physicians who helped shape her understanding of what was possible in medicine. Swanson credited her own dermatologist, Suzanne Connolly, MD, as one of the people who inspired her to pursue dermatology, recalling annual skin checks growing up in Arizona.

Shahriari emphasized the importance of visibility and confidence for young girls interested in medicine, referencing a quote Swanson often shares: “If you can see her, you can be her.” The pair discussed how seeing women succeed in medicine can influence young people long before they fully understand professional credentials or career paths.

The conversation then shifted to Swanson’s journey into pediatric dermatology. Although she initially entered dermatology residency without plans to subspecialize in pediatrics, Swanson explained she quickly realized she felt happiest during her pediatric dermatology rotations. She described the decision to pursue a pediatric dermatology fellowship as unexpected, even to her family, but said she now cannot imagine practicing any other specialty.

Shahriari shared that she nearly pursued pediatric dermatology herself and praised the collaborative and compassionate culture often associated with pediatric dermatologists.

Much of the discussion focused on the emotional burden carried by pediatric patients and their families. Swanson explained that conditions such as atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata affect far more than the skin alone. Families coping with severe atopic dermatitis often experience sleep deprivation, stress, frustration, and even guilt related to the genetic component of disease, she noted.

Swanson also highlighted the emotional weight of alopecia areata consultations, describing how parents frequently fear how visible skin disease may affect their child’s future confidence and quality of life. She noted concerns about bullying, social isolation, and whether children will feel comfortable navigating the world with a visible condition.

Throughout the discussion, Shahriari and Swanson underscored the need for empathy in dermatologic care and the importance of recognizing the psychosocial impact of pediatric skin disease alongside its physical manifestations.

Editor’s note: This segment was summarized with the help of AI tools.

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