In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Dr. Mona Shahriari from Yale University speaks with Dr. Amy Spizuoco, a dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and Mohs surgeon based in New York City. They discuss Spizuoco’s career path, her leadership experiences, and advice on building a career in dermatologic education and public speaking.
Spizuoco began her dermatology training in Arizona and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at the Ackerman Academy, becoming the first osteopathically trained physician to do so. She later opened her private practice, True Dermatology, in March 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic began. She talks about the challenges she faced and the rapid digital changes that helped her adapt.
A key focus of the conversation is how Spizuoco’s osteopathic training influences her clinical work. She explains that osteopathic principles of holistic and preventive care shape her approach to dermatology. The talk then shifts to her journey as a national lecturer and key opinion leader, highlighting her leadership roles in the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and her work organizing and speaking at major conferences.
The two doctors also address the lack of female representation in the lecture circuit. They offer practical tips for physicians wanting to become key opinion leaders. These include being professional and responsive, gaining strong clinical experience, starting with local speaking events, and delivering engaging presentations in any setting. Spizuoco emphasizes the power of being authentic and using humor to connect with audiences. She also shares how she overcame imposter syndrome and found her voice as a speaker.
The episode ends with encouragement for female physicians to pursue public speaking with confidence, preparation, and passion.
Related Topics:
