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Dermography: Boni E. Elewski, M.D.
Dermanities October 25, 2009; 6(1)
Boni E. Elewski, M.D.
Dr. Boni Elewski completed her residency training in internal medicine and dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is currently Professor of Dermatology and Director of Clinical Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Dr. Elewski is President-Elect of the American Academy of Dermatology and past President of the Women’s Dermatologic Society and the Cleveland Dermatological Society.
Dr. Elewski is the author of more than 130 publications, over 30 chapters, and editor of three books.
1. Why did you choose dermatology?
My interest in dermatology began at a very young age probably stemming from having a father and aunt with moderate to severe psoriasis. I also have a long-standing interest in infectious diseases so dermatology was my perfect choice of a specialty.
2. What would be your advice to a newly qualified doctor?
To pursue your dreams. If you enjoy each and every day you never have to “work” a day in your life because each day will hold your interest.
3. What are you most proud of in your personal life? Professional life?
Obtaining a residency position in dermatology was probably the highlight of my professional life. My husband Tom Hoover has been the focus of my personal life. We recently celebrated our twentieth wedding anniversary. I am indebted to his guidance and counsel over the years.
4. What part of your work gives you most pleasure?
I enjoy seeing patients with complicated diseases and putting together pieces of the puzzle from blood work to skin biopsy to subtle cutaneous clinical clues - all leading to the ultimate diagnosis.
5. Are an understanding and appreciation for the humanities important in dermatology?
Absolutely, and a sincere interest in people is necessary.
6. How do you relax?
I enjoy traveling and my favorite vacations are on cruise ships. The salt air and ocean vistas offer a relaxing and a pleasurable experience. I also enjoy reading a good book, watching a great movie, cooking, and playing with our pet dogs.
7. What is your greatest regret?
I have none.
8. What is your favorite non-medical website?
CNN.com.
9. If you had not become a dermatologist, what would you have liked to do?
My back-up plan was to become an infectious disease specialist. I was particularly interested in pediatric infectious diseases and contemplated a residency in this subspecialty.
10. Which patient has had the most effect on your work, and why?
A patient with severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis totally cleared shortly after starting a biologic agent. I now use these agents extensively in my practice.
11. What is your favorite book? Film?, and why?
I love to read so many different authors that I cannot think of one particular book that I would call above all my “favorite.” Perhaps I might consider James Michner’s “Hawaii” only because I read the book so many times and would consider reading it again at a future date. I also got to know Mr. Michner while on an Alaskan cruise in 1985. In general, however, I enjoy action packed novels by authors such as Ken Follett, Robert Ludlum, and most recently Dan Brown. His recent novel “DaVinci Code” was fascinating, well-written, exciting and thought provoking. As for my favorite film, I have numerous favorite films and it is hard to think of one that would rise to the top. I have enjoyed classics such as “Gone with the Wind” but also enjoy action packed films that involve complicated plots and surprise endings.
12. What is the best piece of advice you have received, and from whom?
My father told me to pursue my dreams and to follow my heart. I followed his advice and became a dermatologist.
13. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Bigotry: racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and sexual.
14. What is your least favorite procedure that you perform?
I cannot think of a least favorite procedure because I enjoy all of the procedures that I do.
15. What is your biggest extravagance?
When we moved to Alabama my husband and I decided to buy a nice home and it is much too big for just the two of us but we decided to do it anyway. I suppose that is my biggest extravagance.
16. What medical figure from history would you most like to have a drink with? Why?
Florence Nightingale. She paved the way for better patient care in spite of tremendous obstacles, and reformed hospital conditions and procedures.
17. Have you had a “15 minutes of fame” moment and how did it come about?
In July of 2001 I had the pleasure of meeting President George W. Bush in the White House. I was in a group of about ten other physicians and enjoyed a private meeting discussing the Patient Bill of Rights. At the end of the meeting the President came around the room talking to all the participants and when he came to me I introduced myself and told him I am from Birmingham, Alabama. At this moment we were shaking hands and he looked in my eyes and asked, “What do you think of Bacchus?” I must have looked at him vacuously and said “Bacchus, Mr. President?” and he said, “Shame on you, you should know who your congressman is”. I then explained to him that I had just moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and knew who my congressman was in Cleveland, Ohio. After we both laughed he hugged me and our photograph was taken. I guess that is an example where not having knowledge gets you a moment of fame.
18. What’s your pet peeve?
I have two: laziness and arrogance.
19. What do you say to someone who says “Dermatologists have it made”?
Dermatologists are the best and brightest of all physicians – only the cream of the crop can obtain a dermatology residency.
20. What do you think is the greatest political danger to the field of Dermatology?
I am concerned about the dwindling interest in medical dermatology which may be a result of increasing demand of cosmetic and surgical procedures combined with dropping reimbursements for medical dermatology.