We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jasmine Yun, MD, MBA a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jasmine with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in the lessons I learned from my parents. They taught me that achieving your goals isn’t solely about intelligence—it’s about having the tenacity and drive to keep going, even when things get tough. My mom and dad were both young children during the Korean War, a time marked by extreme poverty and food insecurity. Their resilience and determination to create a better life for themselves and their future family have always been a source of inspiration for me.
After their arranged marriage in 1973, my parents immigrated to Los Angeles with the hopes of building a brighter future. My dad worked tirelessly at multiple jobs, from working at 7-Eleven to being a stock boy at a grocery store, and slowly worked his way up. When he was promoted to store manager, he received an acceptance call from Boston University for their anesthesia residency program. My mom, meanwhile, worked incredibly hard to learn English and adapt to a new culture while raising my two sisters and me.
Their example taught me that no matter where you start or what challenges you face, success comes down to putting in the effort and being persistent. Whether it was their struggle to establish themselves in a new country or their unrelenting pursuit of education, their work ethic became the foundation for my own. I’ve carried that same commitment into my career, and I believe it’s been a key driver in my ability to succeed.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a board-certified dermatologist with a subspecialty in dermatopathology, my work combines clinical dermatology with the fascinating world of microscopic skin diagnosis. I’m fortunate to have a diverse practice that spans a range of dermatologic care, including both medical and cosmetic dermatology. In my clinical practice, I see patients for everything from skin cancer prevention to treating chronic conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. I also have a strong focus on cosmetic dermatology, where I help patients address concerns related to aging skin. I find it incredibly rewarding to offer treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and laser therapies that not only enhance a patient’s appearance but also boost their confidence and self-esteem. The ability to combine science and artistry in cosmetic dermatology is something I truly love about my practice.
Another aspect of my work that excites me is my role in dermatopathology, where I analyze skin biopsy samples under the microscope to make diagnoses that guide patient care. Working with pioneers like Dr. A. Bernard Ackerman has given me a deep appreciation for the intricacies of skin disease at a microscopic level. It’s a part of dermatology that keeps me intellectually stimulated and deeply connected to the science behind our medical practice.
Overall, what excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make a positive impact across various areas of dermatology—whether it’s through cosmetic treatments, patient care, or diagnosing melanoma and other skin cancers. Each day presents new challenges and learning opportunities, and I feel incredibly lucky to be able to help patients look and feel their best while advancing the field of dermatology.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey, I believe the three qualities that have been most impactful in my career are hard work, altruism, and gratitude.
1. Hard Work
The foundation of any successful career, especially in medicine, is hard work. From the rigorous demands of medical school to the long hours spent in residency and fellowships, the journey to becoming a skilled dermatologist requires perseverance and commitment. My advice for those early in their journey would be to never shy away from putting in the hours and effort needed to grow. It’s the consistent work behind the scenes that leads to long-term success.
2. Altruism
Altruism has been central to my approach in both patient care and teaching. Whether it’s providing care to underserved communities in medical missions or dedicating time to mentor resident physicians, giving back and placing others’ needs at the forefront have been incredibly rewarding. For those just starting out, I encourage them to always remember the human aspect of medicine and to prioritize compassionate care. Altruism helps you stay grounded, stay motivated through tough times, and ultimately makes the work more meaningful.
3. Gratitude
Gratitude has been a powerful force in my life, helping me to remain humble and appreciate the opportunities I’ve been given. Being grateful for the patients I care for, the colleagues I learn from, and the mentors who have guided me has kept me motivated and inspired throughout my career. Practicing gratitude not only brings personal fulfillment but also strengthens resilience during challenging moments.
In sum, I believe hard work, altruism, and gratitude are qualities that will serve anyone well on their journey. For those starting out, cultivating these qualities from the beginning will provide a solid foundation for personal and professional success. And, above all, remember that medicine is both a journey and a privilege—embracing these values can make the experience even more rewarding.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in further enhancing my leadership and mentorship capabilities. As Chair of the Fellow In-Service Assessment Committee for the American Society of Dermatopathology, I’ve had the opportunity to take on a larger role in shaping the future of dermatology education. Preparing the national exams for dermatopathology fellows has allowed me to sharpen my organizational, communication, and decision-making skills. Additionally, as a Clinical Associate Professor at USC Keck School of Medicine, I’ve focused on refining my approach to teaching resident physicians. This year, I’ve seen a marked change in how dermatopathology fellows engage with the exam material and improve their scores and their ability to diagnose skin cancer. I’m incredibly passionate about education, and these experiences have reinforced my commitment to shaping the next generation of dermatologists while continuously evolving my own leadership style.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vdyderm.com
- Instagram: vdyderm
- Facebook: vdyderm
- Linkedin: Jasmine Yun
- Yelp: Jasmine Yun, MD; Van Dyke Yun Dermatology
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