What Word Best Describes 2017?

Weren’t we all preparing for the holidays in 2016 about a week ago? Time flies when you’re helping patients. That’s why it’s important to occasionally hit the pause button, mentally rewind and take stock of your professional life.

To that end, we asked dermatologists to reflect on 2017, and summarize it using just one word (or two) with a brief explanation. How would you answer that question?

Here is what four of your colleagues said.

NEXT: "Winded

“WINDED”

Tina Alster, M.D.

Director, Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery

Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Georgetown University 

There have been so many new developments in technologies (microneedling, PRP, picolasers, etc.) as well as changes in the delivery of care (practice buyouts, etc.) that have kept practitioners busier than ever. It has been a whirlwind of professional activities that have left me breathless. 

NEXT: "Regenerative aesthetics"

“REGENERATIVE AESTHETICS”

Phil Werschler, M.D.

Founding Member, Spokane Dermatology Clinic

Founding Member, Werschler Aesthetics

I think 2017 will be the year that regenerative aesthetics will be seen as going mainstream. 

Stem cell treatments, PRP, PRF, SVF, etc., have been around medicine for some years. This has been especially true in orthopedic surgery, wound healing, neurology, neurosurgery and pain management, where they broadly fall under the moniker “regenerative medicine.”

Regenerative aesthetics is a type of personalized medicine that uses a person’s own cells, growth factors, scaffolding and such to enhance, rejuvenate and repair the effects of aging, damage, abuse and other factors that detract from appearance. 

As they say, “we are our own supermarkets.”

NEXT: "Quick"

“QUICK”

Joel Schlessinger, M.D.

Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon

Chief Editor, Cosmetic Surgery, Practical Dermatology Magazine

President, LovelySkin.com

What a whirlwind this year has been. With all the healthcare changes and issues with MOC, Obamacare and MIPS, my team has been busy getting ready for things that may never happen. They did a great job and we are prepared for all eventualities, but it seems to have taken up a good part of the year just preparing.

NEXT: "Great"

“GREAT”

Helen Torok, M.D.

Dermatologist, Trillium Creek Dermatology and Surgery Center

The enthusiasm and hope that has filled this whole year personally and professionally are most encouraging and promising. The hope is to make our lives great again, and our practice of dermatology great again.