Ami Dalal

I graduated from PA school in 2005 and was interested in dermatology, but I wasn't able to get a full-time job in dermatology right away, so I started with weight loss surgery at Tufts in Boston. A year later, I moved to New York City and worked at Cornell in weight loss surgery as well, where I stayed for five years. I learned a lot during that time and felt like people were getting healthier by getting off their diabetes and high blood pressure medications. However, I still had an interest in dermatology and felt like I couldn't be as autonomous in surgery because the surgeons really do most of the work. I did a lot of counseling for nutrition and pre- and post-op work, but I wasn't able to do as much procedural work. So I knocked on dermatologists' doors in New York City until one dermatologist said I could start in two weeks. In 2013, I ended up working with Skin and Surgery Specialist of New York and New Jersey with Dr. Goldberg. Since then, I've been working in dermatology, and I think it was a great move for me. I've become really specialized and have been able to treat so many people. I specialize in skin of color as well. I was also able to become a speaker for pharmaceutical companies to help teach other PAs and providers in dermatology about different medications and how I use them. I've become a big part of the dermatology community by getting so involved through the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistance, speaking at conferences, and being involved in the professional, clinical, and teaching aspects of dermatology.