Alumni Spotlight: April Schachtel, MD

April Schachtel, MD

We caught up with UW Dermatology residency alum Dr. April Schachtel for her reflections on her time in our residency program. Dr. Schachtel graduated in 2018 and is now the Section Chief of Dermatology at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System and Associate Professor of Clinical Practice for the UW Department of Dermatology.

Dr. Schachtel also hosts a podcast called "Clippings" available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast app.

What is your favorite residency memory?

My favorite residency memory was all the Wednesday lunches with my co-residents. I learned so much about life and dermatology from them, plus we had a great time.

What did you value most in your residency training?

It’s hard to pick one thing. My attendings were incredible. I felt very lucky to spend some long Tuesdays with John Olerud, caring for patients with complex dermatologic diseases. Every clinic, he brought in a giant bag of peanut M&Ms, which kept the energy level high all day!

Was there a specific mentor, faculty, or experience that had a lasting impact on you?  

My time spent with Phil Fleckman had a lasting impact. He taught me a tremendous amount about caring for patients with complex nail disease, leadership, perspective in life and dermatology, and so much more. The few years I spent with him in residency and afterwards have hugely influenced my career.

What aspect of your work is most meaningful to you now?

The most meaningful part of my work is working with the dermatology residents. I love knowing that our program is training dermatologists who will go out and make a huge difference in their communities.

What relationship or connection from residency has remained important to you?

Andrea Kalus was one of my continuity clinic attendings during residency, and now she is my official mentor. It has been very special to transition that relationship from student/teacher to colleagues and mentee/mentor.

Looking back, what would you tell your resident self?

Try to see as many patients as you can during residency. You never know which patient will have a rare case. You can learn about it under the supervision of an attending rather than see it for the first time by yourself after residency.

What is currently bringing you joy outside of medicine and dermatology right now?

I enjoy tennis, knitting, and spending time with my family.

Thank you, Dr. Schachtel, for sharing about your time with the UW Dermatology Residency Program and how it has shaped you as a dermatologist and faculty member!