Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriella Vasile.
Hi Gabriella, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I always knew that I wanted to be a doctor. I grew up surrounded by physicians, my father and grandfather. I saw the impact they made on their patients each day, and I knew I wanted to do the same. The physician-patient relationship is special, people put their full trust in us to make decisions for their health.
In terms of becoming a dermatologist, my interest in skin disease was realized on a mission trip to South Africa in college. I met a young boy at an orphanage who had widespread vitiligo, I saw the impact it had on him emotionally, especially around his peers. I wanted to help him realize that he had nothing to be ashamed of, his vitiligo is what makes him unique. The skin is a huge part of one’s appearance, and often contributes to your first impression of someone. My passion is to help build self-confidence in others and make them feel their best, so I enjoy sharing skin tips and skincare products on my various social media channels.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Dermatology is an extremely competitive speciality to get into, and I had so much doubt along the way. I constantly had people tell me “you will never get into dermatology” without knowing anything about me. It’s also a challenge to not compare yourself to your peers during the process. Doing so causes fear and anxiety. I learned to take things a day at a time and stay focused on myself, not others. While I did explore other fields, I realized that dermatology is my true passion and I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. I was determined to get in and ignore the negativity surrounding me, and I worked hard enough to match into my top choice residency program!
The pandemic was definitely a challenge as well. We were faced with so many decisions, in a period of unknown. While we stopped all cosmetic and elective procedures, I did continue to perform skin cancer removal surgeries. It is important to remove skin cancer in a timely manner, specifically melanomas, so the office continued to function in the safest way possible. We wear clean exam rooms between patient, wear full PPE, and space outpatient schedules so there is zero overlap.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a dermatologist based in Miami, FL. I went to medical school in Philadelphia, and just completed dermatology residency in Miami. I also chose to do a 1 year fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and cosmetic dermatology, which I am currently completing now. I learn all aspects of dermatologic surgery and reconstruction during this year. We perform Mohs micrographic surgery which is a tissue-sparing technique used to remove skin cancer on delicate areas such as the face. We are also exposed to various cosmetics like toxin, filler, lasers, threads, and surgeries like liposuction and blepharoplasty. I am very fortunate to have this opportunity to become sub-specialized.
What matters most to you?
Having a relationship founded on trust with my patients. My ultimate goal is to provide quality care so they look and feel their best. I want people to feel safe in my care.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.destinationdermblog.com
- Instagram: gabvasile
Image Credits
Isaac Gill photography
