2023 Graduate Spotlight: Rachael Ward, MD, MPH

From improving the lives of our patients to research breakthroughs, every resident and fellow who has joined the Division of Dermatology has left an indelible mark on our program through their talent, curiosity, and dedication to exceptional care. 

As the Class of 2023 prepare to graduate and enter the next phase of their career, we asked our grads to reflect our their experience at UW Dermatology and their post-graduation plans.

Congratulations Dr. Rachael Ward! 

Rachael Ward, MD, MPH

2022-23 Co-Chief Resident
Area of Subspecialty Focus: General & Procedural Dermatology

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Graduate School: MPH in Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health
Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine
Internship: Campbell University

What is next for you after graduation?

I will be moving to Atlanta, GA and working in private practice.

What are your career goals?

My focus currently is on being the best provider I can for my patients. I would like to continue building my knowledge to provide effective treatments for my patients and continue to build on my surgical and cosmetic acumen as well. I would eventually like to settle down and transition to a leadership role in either academia and/or with the AAD, Skin of Color Society, and Women’s Derm Society.

What did you enjoy most about the training experience at UW Dermatology?

I enjoyed working and learning amongst the most compassionate, introspective, and smart group of people I have ever known.

What accomplishments in residency are you most proud of?

• Recruitment and mentorship of other underrepresented minorities in Dermatology
• Serving as chief resident
• Balancing being a new mother and resident and supporting other parents in the program
• Building a strong network of dermatologists and making long-lasting friendships
• Doctor for a Day and other volunteer activities
• Maintaining a good social calendar with my co-residents despite the pandemic

Who were your mentors and how did they support you?

• Michi Shinohara – served as an excellent role model demonstrating the importance of work/life balance, served as an excellent sounding board for me through difficult interpersonal and career challenges, connected me with like-minded dermatologists throughout the country to help me achieve my career goals
• Roy Colven – ushered me through the residency experience as program director, provided me with support and time off when needed
• Steph Timm – supported literally all administrative tasks, directed me to extremely helpful resources to guide me through navigating pregnancy and time off
• Lauren Bonomo – Supported me through my pregnancy and childbirth experience, served as an excellent sounding board and advice-giver as I navigated the inevitable challenges in residency, taught me how to take excellent documentation
• Markus Boos – Showed me how to effectively achieve the difficult task of juggling friendship and leadership, demonstrated genuine empathy and support of all things justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, showed me the importance and power of vulnerability in being a leader

What advice would you share with incoming dermatology residents?

• Lean into getting close with your co-residents

  Dr. Ward practicing cosmetic dermatology at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center.

• Always respect and embrace the nursing and administrative staff
• Be vulnerable with your attendings; it opens the door for them to be vulnerable with you, which can create a comfortable and fun working and learning environment
• Don’t be afraid to have kids if that’s what you want, there’s really no “perfect” time
•  You can have several mentors, take advantage of all of the expertise around you
• Don’t be afraid to ask your attendings and co-residents to connect you with people who may be beneficial/helpful in attaining your personal career goals down the line
• Think of first year as ground zero for learning – go in and see as many consults in person as possible, do every single reading, take advantage of every learning opportunity
• Take notes in Dr. Lantz path sessions, do path unknowns every opportunity you can get (ask Michi for teaching sets early)

Fun aspect of training or a favorite memory from residency?

Too many memories to think of just one. I honestly think I will miss it all!!