Zoe Robertson

I attribute my success to my inability to settle when it comes to my career. Re-directing my career path has been fueled by my desire to experience both professional achievement and emotional fulfillment. I have built my career through resilience, persistence, and a willingness to overcome challenges that test my capabilities. One of my proudest accomplishments was graduating with honors from the George Washington University master’s program, despite initial doubts surrounding the chance of my success compounded by my lack of nursing or medical degree. That experience ultimately reinforced my mindset that determination, perseverance, and staying true to my goals can turn doubt into meaningful success. Career paths are not always straight and smooth; sometimes, they require forging through unkind terrain!

I can't recall what the best career advice I've ever received was, but I know a lot of people gave me advice along the way! I can tell you that Dr. Eric K. Cha (my first plastic surgery job) provided me with numerous invaluable lessons ranging from how and why surgical procedures were performed to patient communication etiquette. He emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations with patients while providing compassionate, knowledgeable care. I've reflected on those lessons, throughout my career, and in the development my own communication and management styles, at my current practice, David Abramson, MD.

I would advise young women entering my industry to remain curious, open-minded, and willing to learn from everyone, regardless of their position or educational background. Some of the most valuable insights come from people who work below you in the organizational hierarchy, because they offer perspectives and practical knowledge that cannot always be learned in a classroom. Broaden your professional circle, listen to different viewpoints, and recognize that every person you encounter has something valuable to teach you.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is addressing misinformation about plastic surgery on social media, where unrealistic expectations are constantly disseminated. It's not uncommon for patients to mistakenly believe they can undergo surgery one day and immediately return to normal activities, such as wearing a bikini (and flying to Mexico to wear it!), the next. Educating patients about realistic recovery timelines and setting appropriate expectations is essential. I also see an important opportunity to recognize and better value non-practitioner roles, including office/practice managers, receptionists, insurance/billers, to name a few, whose contributions are critical to the success of a practice. Every member of the practice's team plays an important role, and creating and maintaining a culture that respects and supports each position will lead to better staff retention (and happier staff) increasing positive patient experience and potentially patient outcomes.

Professionally and personally, an important value to me is self-worth, of which skills like resilience, adaptation and determination can be fine-tuned and built upon. My career journey has taught me that challenges and setbacks don't define my potential. I spent 10 years completing my AAS degree while navigating family and life circumstances and later faced initial doubts about my admission to a master’s program, due to my lack of credentials/experience. Using those doubts as motivation rather than discouragement, I remained committed to my goals and ultimately graduated with honors. Belief in self, prompted belief in others. One office initiative that I am especially proud of achieving, with Dr. Abramson, is working with front desk staff to maneuver the obstacles to their educational advancement while working full time. Three (out of four) of Dr. Abramson's receptionists have obtained degrees during their employment with us! As a matter of fact, I received my graduate degree during my employment with Dr. Abramson and even Dr. Abramson earned himself an additional degree last May- his MBA!