How many years have you been in business in NYC?
A lifelong New Yorker, I left for college but returned for medical school at Columbia and did my residency fellowship in micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology at NYU where I have been practicing since for the past two years.
How did you get your start and what was your initial inspiration?
When I was little my mom used to get me and my siblings to wear our sunscreen by telling us that my grandfather had a skin cancer on his nose that required them to build a new nose for him through surgery on his forehead. Having always been interested in science and medicine since a child, my first elective in medical school, I went to Sydney, Australia — the country with the most skin cancer in the world - to visit my now husband and do a rotation in dermatology. I was hooked from then on, it felt like I had found my calling; I loved taking care of people and also doing procedures with my hands, and was fascinated by the science, technique, and art of skin cancer surgery and reconstruction. Now, as a Mohs micrographic surgeon, I know why my grandfather had this procedure done, and perform nasal reconstruction routinely. I am inspired to take the best care of people and focus on my research in high risk skin cancers.
What do you feel differentiates you from others in your field?
Practicing at an academic center allows me to both take excellent care of my patients and also continue my research examining high risk skin cancers. Specifically my work focuses on squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common skin cancer in the United States, which rarely can behave aggressively and result in bad outcomes. I am interested in trying to figure out better staging guidelines and new treatment options. I want to know which tumor will go on to behave aggressively and in which patients so that we can better treat these patients and their tumors.
What do you feel gives you longevity in this big city with so many options?
NYC is an incredible city, couldn’t love it more. Taking some time away for me is essential and I often find this time early am, waking up at 5:00 AM to get to my favorite workout class at 6:00 so I have some time for me each day to reset and recharge.
How do you positively impact your clientele?
I strive for excellence, and am always there for my patients. If you are having an issue, I want to be the person you are able to reach and communicate with about any concerns. Having a skin cancer can raise a lot of issues regarding health and also one’s appearance, so I try and be there for my patients. We are a team and I won’t let any of my patients be steered towards bad decisions regarding themselves or their care.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Taking care of people.
What is your favorite secret NYC spot?
Cha Cha Matcha is my favorite weekend treat. I love their turmeric ginger matcha.
How do you benefit mommies?
I help moms feel great about their skin. I also help them by removing harmful skin cancers that can eventually continue to grow and spread, some of which can be fatal. My goal is to help educate patients to protect their skin from harmful UV damage and to feel like they are putting their best selves forward. We want to age gracefully and prevent sun damage which causes both skin cancers and can accelerate the aging process. I also want my patients to feel good in their skin and feel happy with the face they present to the world, it’s such a satisfying job to help people and make them feel good.
What is the most memorable feedback a client has given you?
I’m humbled every day to get to take care of people at a vulnerable time, being a patient is the hardest part I think. I remember when I first started, a patient said, “hey you’re consent says ‘he will perform’ you Dr Stevenson are a wonder woman and ‘she will perform the procedure.’”
Pay it forward and name your top colleagues in the same field or related field
Always inspired by my mentors Dr. Carucci, Dr. Hale, and Dr. Karen who trained me. They are incredible doctors and human beings, and have taught me so much.
What is the best advice anyone's ever given you? Or what is your "mantra" / words to live by?
Look forward and do your best. And be grateful, it’s always good to remember all the good we have going for us.
As moms, the day can escape us, what is your best time-saving trick?
I try to be efficient, and allot specific tasks to specific time windows. I often find the busier I am the more capable I am at doing more because tasks often fill the time you give to them. And I love the program Things on my iPhone lets me keep track of what I need to do today, for a certain project, or any specific task and lets me plan reminders that show up in real time.
How can our readers get in touch?
They can visit my website or call at 212-263-7019