Why Dermatology?

It’s challenging. Maybe it’s from working in the ER or as an EMT or in remote South American villages, but I want to be in a field where I work day-to-day with a wide range of complex problems.

Patient impact. The skin is the largest and most visible organ. Not only can I provide life-saving care by treating serious conditions like melanomas or rare skin diseases, but I can improve patients’ overall health, confidence and happiness by treating conditions that aren’t so easily concealed.

Lifelong learning. All doctors have to commit to lifelong learning, but dermatology is a complex specialty. Skin conditions can be the manifestation of many different underlying conditions, and many lack research. These are the kind of challenges I find intimidating, but rewarding.

Daniel Paul Ashley is smiling in the center of a group of people. They are all wearing medical scrubs. In front of them is a table covered in medical supplies and equipment.