Meagen McCusker, MD, discusses trusting instinct over rigid planning and why female physicians should lean on each other during career transitions.
Meagen McCusker, MD, MS, medical director of Integrated Dermatology of Enfield & Simsbury, discussed the emotional rewards of
McCusker and Shahriari opened by reflecting on why dermatology remains such a fulfilling specialty, noting that visible improvement, such as clearing psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, creates an intimate bond between physician and patient.
McCusker said that patients tend to remember how they were made to feel more than the specific treatment provided, and that this emotional connection, along with loyalty among staff, is central to building a successful practice.
The conversation shifted to how physicians approach major transitions, such as leaving academic medicine to start a private practice. Shahriari described herself as a planner who prefers a clear backup strategy before making big decisions.
McCusker said her own approach was more spontaneous, explaining that she committed to building her own practice before working out every detail, trusting instinct over a rigid plan. She said that embracing some uncertainty ultimately motivated her to follow through.
Asked for advice for physicians who feel pressure to have everything perfectly prepared before taking a professional leap, McCusker pointed to the value of female mentorship. She said women in medicine are sometimes less likely to seek career advice from one another due to a perceived sense of competition.
McCusker also encouraged listeners to ask trusted female colleagues to review their work or offer guidance. She said women often understand how to build each other's confidence and can offer a different, valuable perspective during moments of uncertainty.
Editor’s note: Neither speaker had any relevant disclosures of note. This episode was summarized with the help of AI tools.
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