Dean’s Chat host, Dr. Jeffrey Jensen, is joined by Dr. Tracey Vlahovic, a leader in podiatric dermatology. The discussion includes her fellowship in podiatric dermatology and her teaching career at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. She has had a phenomenal career contributing to the podiatric profession which includes lecturing, authoring over 70 journal articles, and participating in 20+ clinical trials. Dr. Vlahovic has also published 7 book chapters and 3 textbooks – including her most recent, the Atlas of Lower Extremity Skin Diseases.
Dr. Vlahovic shares her journey into the field of podiatric medicine and how she discovered her passion for dermatology. With a wealth of experience and expertise, she discusses her work in dermatology and education. Her passion for teaching shines through! Lastly, she shares her lifetime passion for acting and dancing, including her specialty, Latin Ballroom dancing, where she still competes in competitions.
In this episode, Dr. Vlahovic discusses her educational background, including her undergraduate studies at Yale and her training at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. She shares her experience in residency and fellowship programs, as well as her board certifications. Currently a clinical professor at Temple University, Dr. Vlahovic provides valuable insights into her podiatric journey.
Dr. Vlahovic finds joy and fulfillment in dancing, which serves as an outlet for her. She expresses how dancing puts her in touch with their body and brings her a sense of joy. Dr. Vlahovic talks about how their experience in dancing and performing on stage has positively impacted other areas of their life. She mentions that her experience of being in front of an audience during dance performances has made her comfortable speaking in front of large crowds at conferences. She attributes her lack of nervousness to their familiarity with being in the spotlight through dancing.
Dr. Jensen and Dr. Vlahovic highlight the importance of work-life balance and the positive impact of having a personal passion outside of work. They emphasize that work should not consume all aspects of one’s life and that having a personal passion outside of work is essential for overall well-being.
Overall, Dr. Vlahovic emphasizes the importance of actively engaging in learning and teaching, drawing from her experience in dance to enhance their teaching skills. She highlights the value of active participation, repetition, and feedback in the learning process and discusses how her experience in dance has shaped her confidence in public speaking and their dedication to continuous improvement.