Melanie Palm, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach. The nationally-recognized center is celebrating a decade of excellence in Southern California. Learn about Melanie Palm…
Hometown: Columbia, MO
First job: Server at a restaurant and an archeaological assistant in Cyprus, all in the same summer.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in CA: Hiking Torrey Pines Reserve with friends. The six-mile path along the coastline is breathtaking and never gets dull.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Being a sole business owner for over 10 years. I was told it couldn’t be done, and that San Diego was oversaturated and not to start a practice. But, persistence, love for my patients, and an outstanding work ethic from myself and my invaluable staff have paved the way to personal satisfaction and success of our practice.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Being a first-generation physician. My father grew up on a farm, my mother was one of three raised by a single mom when my grandfather was killed unexpectedly in a motor vehicle accident. Their intelligence, encouragement and work ethic was a supportive environment for my interests in science and my self-starter attitude. However, not having a medical mentor, I was very naïve and uninformed about the pathway to becoming a physician.
Someone who inspires you and why: Dolly Parton. I think her intelligence, business savvy and accomplishments are often underrated. I love that she exists in an intersection of femininity and success. She is unapologetic of her presentation and is a tour de force. I feel that success should not be defined in a singular way, and that a woman doesn’t have to hide her femininity and kindness to be a leader in her field.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Do what drives you and what you enjoy, as your occupation will comprise a large portion of your life. It won’t seem like work. Ask questions often and don’t be afraid to pursue opportunities at mentorship. Experience takes time, be patient. And always stay humble.
Favorite quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”–Maya Angelou
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I used to be absolutely petrified of public speaking. Now my job demands it on a weekly basis, sometimes to very large audiences. And, I actually enjoy it because I only speak from a place of authenticity and true experience.
What makes someone fabulous: Self-assuredness, personal style, intelligence with compassion.