More Than Medicine: DeSilva Dermatology
What do professional baseball, playing the drums and the Pittsburgh Steelers have in common? DeSilva Dermatology, of course!
Join us as I spend time with Dr. Holly Volz, Dr. John Martin and Dr. Thushan DeSilva as they share their passion for medicine, their thoughts on the healthcare industry and their advice for the next generation of physicians.
I’m honored to have you as the very first More Than Medicine feature physicians. Thanks for taking the time to share your insight with me today.
First things first, can you share what inspired you to pursue a career in medicine? What drives your passion?
Dr. Volz: I have wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. Both my mother and grandfather are physicians, so it may be in my blood! Practicing medicine allows me to do what I love and do what I do best – use my mind, my hands, and my words to provide healing and hope to my patients (and their skin)!
Dr. Martin: An interest in science in biology is what inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. Helping people and learning about advances in medicine is what drives my passion.
Dr. DeSilva: Honestly, I was surrounded by medicine as both my parents were doctors (Dad-ER, Mom-Family Medicine). As I followed their path I loved learning about the human body. Now, seeing how we improve the lives of patients drives my passion.
I love that family legacy is a key part of the driving force of your passion for healthcare. How has your perspective changed over the years? Would you choose the same specialty if you had it to do over?
Dr. Volz: The longer you practice medicine, the more you realize it really is an art – in addition to a lot of science, of course. It is so important to treat the whole person, not just the disease. It is equally as important to consider each patient’s personal preferences and life circumstances, as well. And, yes, I would choose dermatology again and again. It is so much fun and offers so much variety – skin cancer, acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, botox, fillers, surgery, and lots and lots of rashes! Never a dull moment!
Dr. Martin: I have become more appreciative of the new treatments and therapeutic options that have developed over the years. It’s really exciting to have new modalities to take care of patients. Yes, I would absolutely pick the same specialty.
Dr. DeSilva: I consider myself very fortunate for getting into dermatology as it has turned out better than I expected. I love what I do. It’s a combination of enjoying dermatology and working with the staff we are surrounded by. I appreciate the visual aspect of dermatology rather than relying on tests.
Wow, three for three for making the right choice with Dermatology! Speaking of new treatments and therapeutic options, the healthcare landscape has changed significantly over the years. If you could make one significant change to the current healthcare system, what would it be?
Dr. Volz: Get rid of third party payers. Our insurance system is failing us. We need a simple, transparent, direct doctor-to-patient healthcare system. I would love to barter, too! If only I could accept fresh eggs and milk in exchange for a visit!
Dr. Martin: If I could make one significant change to the healthcare system, it would be to make medications more affordable and accessible to patients.
Dr. DeSilva: We have so many great treatments for various conditions but access to medications due to costs and coverage make treating these conditions arduous and time consuming. The system is broken and must be fixed from drug costs to coverage.
Sounds like a return to traditional doctor patient relationship models might be what our country needs. I, for one, would be all in for a barter system Dr. Volz! Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to young physicians or those considering a career in medicine?
Dr. Volz: Don’t go into medicine for prestige or money. Do it because you can’t fathom spending your life doing anything else, because you love serving people, and because you want to be a lifelong learner. Medicine is truly a calling. The best doctors are committed to always doing the right thing for each patient.
Dr. Martin: Try to enjoy the experience during your training. It’s a long road but can be very rewarding. I also suggest trying to find a field that you enjoy, luckily there are many options in healthcare.
Dr. DeSilva: Make sure you love what you do. It is a long commitment (around 12 years after high school) if you don’t love going to work afterward. I would also recommend a business degree so you can invest and earn rather than work to survive.
They always say, they don’t teach business in medical school! Sounds like exploring education in business in addition to medicine could be a good investment. Speaking of going outside of medicine, can you share an example of a time when you went beyond traditional medical duties to make a difference?
Dr. Volz: I’d like to think I go above and beyond for my patients on a regular basis, so that it’s the rule, rather than the exception. I often call my patients personally when I get their results back to talk through what it means and how we might proceed with treatment. I also prioritize picking up the phone to call the patient’s other specialists (i.e. their primary care doctors, rheumatologists, oncologists, etc.) to make sure everyone on the patient’s care team is on the same page. If I don’t know the answer, I will be sure to figure it out and make a follow up phone call to my patient to close the loop. I never want to seem rushed when I am with my patients, either. Each person is deserving of my full attention and care!
Dr. Martin: For many years I volunteered my time at medical clinics to help patients who couldn’t afford medical care.
I love that! Being willing to give of your time, even though medicine takes so much of it, is truly commendable. Are there any causes or initiatives outside of healthcare that you actively support or are passionate about?
Dr. Volz: My husband and I are very involved at our church, Currey Creek, here in Boerne. We are also part of an organization called “August Heart” which is a free heart screening program offered to teens in an effort to reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in youth.
Dr. Martin: We support Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. They do a great job of taking care of children who not only need great medical care but compassion as well.
Sounds like each of you are giving back to the community in your own ways. What are some hobbies or passions outside of medicine that bring you joy or help you unwind?
Dr. Volz: My primary job (and passion!) is my family. Nothing brings me greater joy – or refinement- than loving and serving my husband and three precious children. I love nurturing their growing minds, staying involved at their school, and serving together in our church and community. I also love to read, travel, and exercise. My favorite way to unwind is to share a great meal and meaningful conversation at the dinner table with those I love!
Dr. Martin: I enjoy spending time with my family, playing guitar, fishing, and spending time outdoors.
Dr. DeSilva: Spending time with family. I love skiing, running, biking, especially with my family. The biggest joy is watching my three kids grow, mature and begin their journey in life.
Maybe each of you are fostering the next great generation of physicians among your kids! You’re certainly setting a great example for how to prioritize work-life balance.
Final question, what is one thing that many people may not know about you?
Dr. Volz: I was born and raised in San Antonio, so I haven’t gone too far from home! I did, however, get the chance to live in several other parts of the country while my husband was playing professional baseball for both the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals organizations.
Dr. Martin: One thing many people may not know about me is that I really like music. I play guitar and drums. I also enjoy going to see concerts.
Dr. DeSilva: I am a Steelers fan… actually my patients know after seeing me even one time.
Wow, two out of three I would NOT have guessed! Dr. D, there’s no hiding you’re a Steelers fan, but I think I might need to hear more about Dr. Martin playing the drums! And I had no idea that Dr. Volz was a professional baseball first lady!
Thank you again for spending time with me today and for sharing your love of medicine and commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of your patients. All three of you embody what it means to be More Than Medicine and our community is blessed to have you.