ADITI MENON
ELECTRONIC CAREER PORTFOLIO
A Look into My Life as an
Aspiring Dermatologist
ABOUT ME
My Story and How it Shaped My Aspirations
Growing up, I aspired to be a doctor, a dream that originated from my fascination of how people can help other people from unfortunate conditions. I loved helping people and having the ability to make a difference in their lives. Early on, from the age of four and throughout my elementary schooling, I was determined to be an OB-GYN, an aspiration inspired by movies and the doctors I saw who practiced this profession. My love for caring for babies started at this early age and I wanted to be an integral part of their delivery while helping mothers with birthing. However, in sixth grade, I experienced a persistent skin condition known as weeping eczema. This condition occurs when the skin becomes irritated and develops small areas of fluid buildup, often resulting in sensitivity and discomfort. At the time, I didn’t know what it was or how to properly care for my skin, which led me to try remedies from hot and cold showers to various face masks, in search of relief. Unfortunately, these extremes irritated my skin further. Later I realized that maintaining a balance and proper skincare routine was crucial for healing. This experience inspired me to pursue a career as a dermatologist because I did not want anyone else's ignorance to prolong effective treatment. My love and interest in the integumentary system and diverse skin conditions further propel my dream to become a dermatologist. Overall, I am deeply passionate about skin conditions and want to help patients heal and live without discomfort or pain through my medical practice.
RESUME
I will have completed 12 years in STEM and Magnet education by the time I graduate.
EDUCATION
SUMMARY
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I am a junior in high school who is striving to be a future dermatologist
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I have 10+ years of education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
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I have strong communication, critical thinking, and biomedical technical skills
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I am certified in Biomedical/Biotechnology courses
I am currently a junior in the Biomedical/ Biotechnology Magnet Program at Middleton High School.
PROFILE
My experiences have fueled my passion for dermatology and they have helped strengthen my understanding in the medical field.
EXPERIENCE
Video Overview
The skills I have learned through my courses and experiences will help me interact with patient in an effective manner.
SKILLS
I can get better opportunities with my certifications and knowledge.
CERTIFICATES
CAREER RESEARCH
What is a Dermatologist?
A dermatologist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails. As a dermatologist, I will focus on identifying and managing a wide range of concerns, from common issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis to complex conditions such as skin cancers. Additionally, I will perform surgical procedures and provide care to help patients address both medical and cosmetic concerns, ensuring their overall well-being and confidence.
CAREER RESEARCH
Statistics & Data
Job Demand
Currently, there is a high demand for dermatologists due to increasing cases of skin cancer, cosmetic treatments, and skin-related health concerns. Dermatology has a projected job growth of 7–10% over the next decade, similar to most other medical specialties. As awareness about skin health and demand for aesthetic treatments increase, this ensures career longevity.
Salary
Dermatology is one of the highest-paying medical specialties. The average annual salary is $300,000–$500,000+ depending on experience and location. Dermatologists in private practice can earn significantly more due to self-pay procedures.
Fun Stats!
Dermatologists are reported to be one of the happiest medical specialties with over 40% of dermatologists saying they are happy at work. This could be due to the work-life balance the job offers as it is more flexible than other specialties. In addition, dermatologists have high job satisfaction as they are able to directly interact with patients and see immediate results.
Hover Over Each State on the Map to See their Average Salary!
CAREER RESEARCH
Obstacles
As a person with allergies, there are some challenges I may face physically, mentally, and socially.
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Allergies
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As I have over 40 allergies, I will have to be cautious so that I do not come into contact with my allergens when going to medical conferences or on long clinical days. To ensure this I will have to research dining options or carry allergen-free meals in advance.
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Competition
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A dermatology residency is highly competitive as there are fewer spots for the program. To secure a position I will need to have high academic and extracurricular credentials as well as significant dedication. After becoming a board-certified dermatologist, I will still need to maintain my certification by continuing my education and completing self-assessments.
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Stress
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As dermatology is a competitive field, I will have to manage the stress that results from intensive programs and routines. In addition, patients will have high expectations for immediate results which are not always possible which can lead to pressure for these high standards. To manage this stress I can plan for programs and communicate effectively to patients about the treatment course.
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I attended a Nursing Simulation at the University of South Florida where I did "Stop the Bleed" training, performed intubation, and learned imaging through ultrasound.
CAREER-RELATED EDUCATION
Elementary School
2013
2008
Elementary School
From 2013-2019, I went to Lomax Magnet Elementary School. In this school I was in the Magnet program where I was taught with the STEM curriculum. In fifth grade I won the Thermo Fisher Scientific Award from the STEM Fair.
Middle School
2019
Middle School
From 2019-2022, I attended Williams Middle Magnet School's IB program, where I studied an advanced curriculum. I gained in-depth knowledge of DNA alterations and cell development, strengthening my passion for the human body. I also learned how environment, lifestyle, and diet impact skin and overall health.
High School
From 2022-2026, I have been attending Middleton High School where my education has primarily been based on Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences. I am currently in FBLA, HOSA, SNHS, and Theatre which have all helped my communication skills, knowledge in science and business.
High School
2022
Bachelor's Degree
2026
Bachelor's Degree
From 2026 to 2030, I will be pursuing my undergraduate education, majoring in Biomedical Sciences. This means I will take premedical courses such as biology, chemistry, physics, and anatomy.
Medical School
From 2030 to 2034, I will be in medical school. My goal is to earn an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) and complete clinical rotations.
Medical School
2030
Residency in Dermatology
2034
Residency in Dermatology
From 2034 to 2038, I will be in a residency program focused on dermatologic diseases, surgeries, and treatments. I will also gain clinical experience under supervision during this period.
Board Certification
In 2038, after completing my residency, I aim to pass the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) exam to become a certified dermatologist.
Board Certification
2038
CAREER-RELATED EDUCATION
Educational Enhancement
Since starting high school, I have been enrolled in the Biomedical/ Biotechnology Magnet Program. I am currently in my third year, and I have already taken the Agricultural Biotechnology Specialist Certification. By the end of this year, I take the Biotechnology Aptitude and Competency Exam, which will assess and certify the core skills I have acquired for the bioscience industry.
During the summer of 2023, I shadowed Dr. Rajendran, a general surgeon in India, to gain firsthand knowledge of the hospital setting and experience interacting with patients. I learned about the hospital system in India and the dynamics of doctor-patient relationships.
To further expand my experience, I volunteered at HCA Brandon Regional Hospital during the summer of 2024. During this time, I worked in the ER, NICU, and ICU, assisting nurses in caring for patients. Through this experience, I gained insight into the different systems and interworkings of a hospital.
These opportunities allowed me to gain valuable experience and understand the differences between hospital systems in various countries, as well as the advanced technology used for treatments. I will be continuing to strive for further opportunities to gain experience and overall I have developed a deeper understanding of doctors' dedication to helping those in need.
This year, my friends and I established Anxietea Talks, a passion project dedicated to addressing social anxiety among our peers. We have organized workshops and discussions to raise awareness and provide coping strategies in collaboration with mental health professionals. Our initiative has highlighted the significant impact of open dialogue and community support on mental well-being. We remain committed to enhancing mental health literacy in educational settings to ensure that students are equipped with the tools necessary for their success.
CAREER-RELATED EDUCATION
Career Research Project
My career research project includes in-depth interviews with the doctor I shadowed, as well as several other medical professionals I have had the privilege of meeting along my journey. These conversations have provided me with valuable perspectives on the field of medicine and the diverse paths within it. One key takeaway from these interviews was the importance of effective communication in building trust with patients. I learned that understanding a patient's concerns and actively listening can significantly impact their treatment experience and outcomes.
This summer, I am excited to embark on an internship at a private practice, which will allow me to expand my understanding of different medical environments. While I have primarily worked in hospitals thus far, I believe that immersing myself in a clinical setting will offer a unique glimpse into the daily workings of a dermatology practice. By observing and engaging in this environment, I aim to gain invaluable insights into the specific challenges and rewards that dermatologists face, ultimately better preparing me for my future career in dermatology. This experience will not only enhance my knowledge but also deepen my passion for the field, reinforcing my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of my future patients.
SKILLS & PROFICIENCIES
Strong Work Ethic
Dermatologists need to have a strong work ethic in order to treat patients to the best of their ability. As a dermatologist, I will need to research to assist my patients better and work will need to work productively to be able to treat many patients. Currently, I work on my school assignments to the best of my ability and I research for additional inquiries I might have about the subject. Additionally, I usually research dermatology in my free time to learn more about my future career and the skin conditions I may treat.
Time Management
Dermatologists hold patient consultations, attend conferences, and perform surgeries. As all of these tasks each take their own time, I will need to manage my time to maintain the preciseness and efficiency of my work. By managing academics, extracurriculars, and internships, I have implemented this skill into my daily life and will continue to improve this skill.
Leadership
As a dermatologist who will own a clinic, I will need to preside over my staff and make sure my clinic is operating appropriately. As a good leader, I will need to have empathy and honesty. I should become a haven for my patients, staff, and possible students so that they can feel comfortable and grow. As a leader in many clubs at my school, I am able to ensure that these clubs are run properly by completing tasks and delegating work. In addition, when someone comes to me with a mistake or issue, I always comfort them by honestly sharing my own experiences and relating to them. With this, students are able to turn their challenges into growth.
Organizational Skills
When I become a dermatologist I will need to have organizational skills in order to plan and treat patients accordingly. Currently, I have been able to use these skills in my academics by keeping my work and files in folders to ensure I submit the correct work for each class.
Bedside Manner
As a dermatologist I will need to exhibit good bedside manner to care and treat my patients in a positive way. When I was a shadowing intern for Dr. Rajendran I was able to put these skills to use as I interacted with patients and made them feel comfortable being in a hospital setting.
Accomplishments
*click on the accomplishment for a bigger picture
