Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Name of Undergraduate Institution: University of Southern California
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Exercise Science Major/Spanish Minor
Name of Professional Schools:
MD: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
MBA: University of Cincinnati School of Business
Residency Program:
Intern – The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati
Residency – Howard University
Favorite Quote: “The role of the physician is to cure sometimes, relieve often, and comfort always.”
Contact Info:
IG: @kindrederm
FB: @KindredHairandSkin
Website: Kindred Hair & Skin Center
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
I currently own Kindred Hair & Skin Center, a solo dermatology practice in Columbia, MD. The first 5 years out of residency, I worked for a large health system and then realized that I could better serve my patients by running my own practice.
If you could go back and have a chat with your 1st year postgraduate self, what would you tell her?
Stay in contact with friends made in college. I met great people in medical school and was busy studying. As a result, friendships made during college naturally withered. Once I completed medical school and residency, most of us simply moved on.
What advice would you give to a medical student looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
Do NOT go to school forever and turn around and be employed. Patients are coming to see YOU and since you do what’s best for the patients, you call the shots. Do not let a business person convince you of anything else.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I can FIX things! Most of medicine requires us to control diseases. There simply are not many cures. In dermatology, there are several problems we can cure. For example, a patient can walk in with a cancer, see me, and then walk out without the cancer.
Do you have another professional degree? If so, how has it impacted you?
I have an MBA. I had forgotten most of it because I thought I would work for a large health system until I retired. However, it doesn’t matter. I know enough to know what I need to find out. For example, without my MBA, I would not have known early on that a cash flow sheet is critical for a business. In business school, I could generate a cash flow sheet myself, but now, I simply need to know that I need the accountant to provide me with a monthly cash flow sheet. Similar principles apply to marketing, customer service, working with vendors, etc.
Can you please walk us through a typical workday?
When I walk in at 7:30 am, the first patient is ready to be seen. I see the patient (actually LOOK at the patient and not the computer) while the medial assistant scribes. Sometimes it’s a simple visit and I only need to prescribe medications. The next patient may require laser, or an excision, or a biopsy, or chemical peel, etc. I see about 30 to 40 patients a day. At the end of the workday, I check the progress notes and complete them. I rush out at about 4pm or 5 pm to pick up the kids and be mommy.
What gives you the greatest motivation to get up every day to go to work?
No matter what happens, I have always helped someone.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Marry someone who ADORES you.
Do you have any passions outside of treating patients? If so, what are they and how do you find time to pursue these passions?
I do a ton of community services, mostly in the capacity of a physician. I organize health fairs, carry out projects funded by grants, create organizations, etc. I’m currently the Chair of the Dermatology section of the NMA.
What do you like to do for fun?
Salsa dance.
Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?
Tupac, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce, Will Smith (don’t judge me, Summertime is a classic).
Thank you so much for your wonderful advice and for giving us some insight into your life and career Dr. Kindred! We really appreciate that you took the time from your busy schedule to complete this feature! You are an inspiration to many and will further inspire many more people as a result of this feature! Keep doing the amazing things that you are doing in your career; we are rooting for you!
Health Career Spotlights Home Page
Posted on March 4th, 2019
I might be a little prejudice because she is my niece. I think she is greatest young long lady, mother, wife and dermatologist, She is a caring person that wants to do her absolute best for her patients.
I just love my sister! She is ABSOLUTELY the epitome of a great mother….wife…and friend!