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Resident In The Spotlight

Joanna G. Bolton, MD

LCDR, MC, USN
Dermatology Resident (PGY-4)
Naval Medical Center San Diego

What's your geographical and medical background? What are all of the schools you've at tended and cities you've lived in?
Born and raised in Bennington, Vermont, I attended college at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, before completing medical school at the University of Vermont College of Medicine in Burlington, Vermont. I have been an active duty physician with the US Navy since graduating medical school in June 2004. Following a transitional year internship at Naval Medical Center San Diego in 2004-2005, I was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar as a General Medical Officer from 2005-2009. I started my dermatology residency at Naval Medical Center San Diego in 2009, where I am currently a third-year resident (PGY-4).

What made you decide to enter this field?
My passion began innocently enough with a high school AP biology project about skin diseases completed at the office of Dr. Alan Binnick, the dermatologist in my hometown of Bennington. I was sold on the field of dermatology from that point on.

Describe a typical day in your residency.
My day starts with an academic lecture from 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.; patients 8:00 a.m. –noon; another academic lecture from noon – 1:00 p.m.; patients 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Followed almost every day by after-hours studying, and working on research and presentations. Many weekend hours are spent at the hospital studying and working on research and presentations, as well.

How long have you been a member of the AACS?
Became a Resident member in June 2011.

Why did you decide to join the AACS?
I became familiar with the AA CS and its Fellowship program during an elective rotation with Dr. Mitchel Goldman during my second year of residency. I had a wonderful experience working at Dr. Goldman's office along with his AACS Fellow, Dr. Sabrina Fabi, and was encouraged to become a Resident member for future publishing purposes and to consider the Fellowship following my Navy commitment.

What is the main benefit, for you, of being a member of our Academy?
To stay informed regarding AA CS activities, especially meetings that are offered for residents with scholarships, and the ability to potentially apply for the AA CS Fellowship in the future.

Who has been your most influential mentor thus far? What are the most important things you've learned from him/her?
There have been two. Dr. Binnick garnered my early interest in dermatology, for which I will be forever thankful, and he has continued to be supportive throughout my academic life to this day. More recently, Dr. Goldman's enthusiasm for teaching and his love of what he does every day has fostered a desire to emulate his patient care qualities and practice style in the future. Dr. Goldman truly cares about educating residents and encourages lifelong learning through research and continually challenging yourself.

What is your most memorable experience with a patient?
This is not an easy question as there are many. In our laser clinic, we work with soldiers and Marines wounded in combat. Through innovative laser techniques, we help heal open wounds, primarily on amputees, and revise traumatic scars that have previously caused our patients significant pain and limitations. Often when I see them in their follow-up visits, I hear how – within just a few days after their initial treatments – their lives have been radically improved. I can't tell you how satisfying professionally and deeply rewarding personally this experience continues to be for me.

What would be your ide al job and where, once you complete your residency and your time in the military? What is the appeal of a Fellowship with the AACS for you?
The line between medical and procedural dermatology is blurring more than ever since more and more medical dermatologic conditions, including skin cancer, are being treated with laser and various other procedures. An AA CS Fellowship would allow advanced training to help better treat medical and cosmetic dermatology patients. Although too early to predict my ideal job, I have always hoped to someday practice dermatology back in Vermont.

Tell us about your family, spouse/partner and/or children.
I am married to James Probola, also from Bennington, Vermont, and we have three children – 5-year-old Katherine, 4-year-old Lillian and 3-year-old David. James is a "Mr. Mom" right now, but is a general contractor by trade.

How do you balance work and your personal life?
Personal life, what is that? Seriously though, I owe all balance in my life to James right now. Residency has made it challenging for quality family time; but it's part of the game and I'm happy to play it, since I love dermatology so much and feel very privileged to be training in the field. I will enjoy being a mom and spending more time with the family once residency is done next summer and we move to my first duty station as a dermatologist.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of the office?
See my kids awake!