In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, associate clinical professor of Dermatology at Yale University, is joined by her colleague Amy Spizuoco, DO, a dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and Mohs surgeon based in New York City. The conversation explores Spizuoco’s professional journey, her experiences in medical leadership, and insights into building a career in dermatologic education and public speaking.
Spizuoco shares her early training in dermatology in Arizona, followed by her dermatopathology fellowship at the Ackerman Academy, where she became the first osteopathically trained physician to complete the program. Her comprehensive clinical background led her to open her own private practice, True Dermatology, in March 2020—just days before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a global shutdown. She reflects on the unique challenges and unexpected digital advancements that emerged during this period.
A central theme of the episode is the influence of osteopathic training on clinical practice. Spizuoco explains how osteopathic principles, particularly holistic and preventive care, have informed her approach to dermatology. The discussion transitions to her path to becoming a national lecturer and key opinion leader (KOL), including leadership roles within the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology and her contributions to organizing and speaking at national conferences.
Shahriari and Spizuoco candidly discuss the underrepresentation of women in the lecture circuit and offer advice for physicians aspiring to become KOLs. Key takeaways include the importance of being professionally responsive, prioritizing clinical experience, starting with local or regional opportunities, and always delivering high-quality, engaging presentations—regardless of the setting. Spizuoco underscores the value of authenticity and humor in connecting with audiences, and shares her perspective on overcoming imposter syndrome and finding her voice as a speaker.
The episode concludes with encouragement for aspiring female physicians to embrace public speaking opportunities with confidence, preparedness, and passion.
Want to join The Medical Sisterhood community? Click here to join our LinkedIn Group!
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.