We recently connected with Patricia K. Perry, M.D. and have shared our conversation below.
Patricia K., so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I believe the initial key to finding my purpose was being brutally honest with myself and in accepting the true nature of my personality. A lot of self-reflection and being open to change was also a must in finding my purpose. When I entered medical school, I believed that I was going to become a psychiatrist. I had carried this belief since my teen years. This was a result of my keen interest in mental health and a great deal of positive reinforcement from family and friends regarding my ability to assess and encourage effective resolutions to emotional challenges they were facing. During my psychiatry clerkship, I decided that the way psychiatry was being practiced would not allow for it to be a rewarding career choice for me. I re-evaluated my choice, was honest with myself and changed direction. As a result, I did some thorough soul searching and investigation into other specialty areas and found that dermatology was a better option for me. It enables me to have autonomy in how I practice, the intellectual challenge of diagnosing skin disease, as well as an opportunity to perform procedures. The options it has afforded me come with the opportunity to have a more expansive professional life and one that is more compatible with my personality.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been practicing dermatology as a solo practitioner since 2002 and have maintained my practice in Burbank, Ca since 2008. I have been in the game long enough to have found a great niche that suits my personal style of providing care. I see myself as a healer who has a very well stocked medicine bag. My bag is filled with empathy, compassion, 22 years of experience, and an excellent skill set. I take a very broad holistic approach to my medical practice and am always open to new ways of doing things. I have taken the didactic skills from medical school/ residency, added my years of learned observation from practice and life experiences to use as ways to help others. I am very proud of how expansive my medical bag has become. I always remind my patients that they don’t leave their skin at the door when they arrive at my office. Although our primary focus is a skin issue, they are treated as a whole, unique being and are encouraged to manage their own health in that way.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are curiosity, empathy and diligence. Curiosity has resulted in my having a passionate desire for learning and exploration. Seeking knowledge through reading and traveling has allowed me to be as comfortable in a major city in the U.S., as I would be in a village in West Africa or a kibbutz in Israel. This comfort level comes in handy when experiencing the diversity of skin types I treat. Empathy has also been extremely instrumental in being an effective healer. Being able to immediately assess a patient’s mood and bring out what may be bubbling underneath the surface helps in my thoroughness as a healer.
Diligence has also been a major key in being able to achieve my goals, build and maintain a private medical practice. Currently, fewer than 6% of physicians in the U.S. are in solo/private practices and that rate is dropping annually. Being a ‘dinosaur’ hasn’t been easy, but it is very rewarding. I would advise those who are early in their journey, to set lofty goals, remain humble when reaching them and be willing to work your butt off!
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I was younger, I was more apt to allow myself to remain immersed in doubt about if I would ever be able to overcome the challenge of what I was experiencing. With age and experience comes wisdom to know that remaining calm in the face of duress will always avail one of the best and most timely outcome. Staying mired in fear, angst and doubt prolongs the agony, results in poor decisions and wastes precious time. When I am overwhelmed, I first acknowledge it. I then take time to explore my thoughts and feelings about what is causing me to be overwhelmed and attempt to address them in a way that will maintain balance and a positive outlook. Maintaining optimal physical, emotional and spiritual health is also something I strive for. That way, when I’m hit with a challenge, I will be in the best shape possible to address and overcome it.
All contacts must be made through Dr. Perry’s office. No replies from Dr. Perry will occur through social media
Contact Info:
- Instagram: patriciakperrymd
- Linkedin: Patricia K. Perry, MD
- Other: Please indicate that I can be found at my office. Contact information: Patricia K. Perry, M.D. 2625 West Alameda Ave Suite 504 Burbank, Ca 91505 Phone: 818-559-7546 skinclear@yahoo.com ( for Business inquiries only)
Image Credits
Exclusive rights to photographs: 1. John Dlugolecki ( first image- headshot) 2. Patricia K. Perry, M.D. ( last four images)
